The next day…
The dark skies dominated the world, glowing with an ambient blue hue as the moon hovered above the western horizon. Within camp Alpe di Siusi, Missio and Dante took down their tent. Dante gripped it, folding it into a neat square. Then, he stuffed it into his backpack. He zipped it and grabbed its straps. He lifted it off the ground, swirling it around his body. It landed on his back. The supreme commander stretched his limbs, letting out strange noises.
Missio put on his bag as well, adjusting his straps. He glanced at his brother.
"Shall we get going?"
Dante placed his hands on his hips, heaving a heavy sigh.
"Yes."
Missio nodded, stepping forward. The two treaded forward, through the snow. The peak of August brought about a freezing winter that doused the mountains in snow. They passed the other campers, passed the canteen and headed straight towards the exit. The desk had no ranger stationed for it was too early in the morning for anyone to be there.
After passing the gates, Missio and Dante turned to the side. They stepped onto the covered trail, heading towards their next destination. Their boots marked their steps in the snow. Clouds swirled above, culminating in one place. The skies turned dark, covering the sun. Missio glanced up. He coughed, covering his mouth.
'Could snow today…'
He thought solemnly. He lowered his head, looking ahead. Slowly, the flat ground became elevated. Their arms swung widely. They lifted their heads. The trail transformed into a steep climb. Snow-covered trees filled the hillside. The royal siblings marched forward, entering the forest. Dante tapped his glasses. Mythos activated.
"Alta Via 2 trail." He spoke.
Mythos's symbol present on the corner of his screen flashed. A few seconds later, his vision transformed, showing a dotted line through the hill. Dante wiped his face. He glanced behind himself, watching his little brother.
Missio giggled like a child, juggling snow balls. Dante smirked, his glasses glistening. A warning flashed into his vision with blaring red lights.
[Look Ahead!]
Dante swiftly looked forward as he read the message. He stopped before a tree – barely. He stepped back, moving his body to the side. The warning disappeared and the dotted line returned. A cold wind passed the brothers as they climbed the hill side. The wind pushed Missio's snow balls away, making them crash into the trees.
"Aww…." Missio lamented.
He stopped his juggling. A stronger wind passed by. A cold shiver trailed down both their spines. Dante halted in his tracks.
"Alright, we need jackets." His bag crashed onto the floor.
Missio also threw his bag onto the ground. The duo unzipped their backpacks, pulling out thick trousers and jackets. They changed into their new clothes, donning an attire that would shield them from the cold. Missio heaved a visible cold breath. He raised his brows in surprise. He drew a deep breath and blew it out. Cold, visible air burst from his mouth. Missio licked his lips, his pupils glinting with joy.
"Put on your gloves as well." Dante stated.
Missio paused. He nodded, diving into his bag again. He drew a pair of black gloves. He stared at them for a moment. Then, he separated them and slid them onto his hands. He clenched his hands, checking the soft gloves.
Dante picked up his bag and moved forward. Missio noticed his brother leaving and quickly put on his backpack. He rushed to Dante's side as the clouds swirled above. The wind continued to become stronger, rustling the leaves. The snow fell, covering the exposed grass with a white patch.
From the heavens, the clouds rumbled with intensity. They swirled in the sky like giants. Finally, after a few minutes, flakes of snow hovered down. They fell slowly like angels. Missio raised his head. With his vision, he saw the flakes dropping. He smiled, tugging at his big brother.
"Look, bro. Snow." He pointed up.
Dante looked up. He narrowed his eyes, catching the snow in his vision. He nodded, patting his brother.
"Today's gonna be fun."
He pressed his brother's cheeks. Missio squealed, chuckling slightly. Dante let go and placed his hand on his little brother's shoulder. Missio curved his arm around his brothers' back, placing his hand on his side. Dante curved his body slightly, pulling his hand back. He pushed Missio's hand off.
"What?" Missio blurted in a soft voice.
"I don't trust. You're gonna tickle me or something." Dante answered.
Missio raised his hand, grinning widely. "I am?"
He stiffened his fingers into a spear, poking his brother's stomach. Dante recoiled, squealing like a child.
"I knew it!"
Missio jabbed at him again, striking his brother's stomach. Dante blocked the attack, rushing forward with big steps.
"Want some more?" Missio threatened, trailing Dante.
Dante chuckled in fear, evading Missio's stabs. Missio's grin widened as he scared his brother. Eventually, they calmed. The duo caught their breath, leaning against the trees.
"Don't do that again." Dante raised a finger.
"…Fine." Missio rolled his eyes with a smirk.
They pushed off the trunk. They dusted off the snow covering their clothing. Then, they continued on their way, pushing through the thick snow. Hours passed in a blur before they finally reached a plateau. As they stepped foot on the flat, the air felt thinner than before. Dante flicked his head, noticing a campsite in the distance.
Missio gripped his brother's shoulder, walking up beside him. He also noticed the campsite.
"Are we gonna stay there?" He inquired.
Dante shook his head. "Nah, we're going to grey."
He stepped forward. Missio's hand slipped off his shoulder. Missio strolled beside him as they approached the campsite. They stopped before the entrance, peering into it. The place seemed deserted – no traveler in sight. Missio raised a brow, slowing down to observe the campsite. Dante firmly held Missio's wrist, pulling him ahead.
"Come on, we gotta get past the checkpoint by 7."
Missio shrugged, trailing his brother. A silent breeze swept through the land once more as the brothers arrived before a steep hill slope. Rangers stood at its foot with thick clothes.
"Can we still pass?" Dante questioned.
"Yep." The ranger nodded. "You just barely made it on time."
Dante pressed his chest, heaving a sigh of relief. He went upto the desk, writing his and Missio's name down in the diary. He put the pen down as Missio halted before him. Then, they began their climb.