The next day…
The morning began with the chirp of the birds. The wind howled from the high mountains, pushing a cold atmosphere upon the area. The moon slid beneath the edge, letting the sun's light seep through the horizon. Slowly, light began spreading across, illuminating the earth with an ambient glow. In camp Toblacher See, Missio slowly opened his eyes. He sat straight – tired. He sat in silence for a few minutes.
He raised his head. Standing up, he grunted. He stretched his limbs, jolting his body awake. He picked up his jacket, sliding it onto his arms. He stepped out of the tent, his feet digging into the snow. He treaded through it, passing the entrance. He made his way onto the beach as a small breeze swept past him. He halted at the shore, looking outward. He blinked, watching the small glaciers floating on the water.
His mind rolled back to last night. Mary's awakening still lingering in his thoughts. He tucked his hands into his pockets, heaving a sigh.
'Well… she'll be fine… Krishna was by her side…'
Her innocent smile flashed across his face. She truly was a gem. Yet, the universe – no, chaos had decided that she would be perfect for the supernatural. Unexpectedly, he remembered his own awakening. He was only six at the time – a young age for a chaos incarnate to awaken. Before he was even in middle school, his future had already been decided.
'I wish I could help her… but, I'm here, hiking with my brother.'
He licked his lips. His heart ached; his thoughts ran laps around his mind. To him even, this feeling was a new experience.
'…I guess brother was right about…'
The corners of his mouth twisted slight, a bitter smile forming on his face. He heaved another sigh. A shiver washed over his body.
"What can I even do…?" He muttered under his breath. "She's already off to Stratos, studying chaos theory and all that… man, what do I even do?"
He glanced to his side. Nobody was there. His lips parted slightly.
"Right… he's still sleeping…"
He turned forward again watching the glaciers drift. He stood there for a while, letting his mind properly process in the silence of the mountains. Eventually, though, spun around.
'I just need to accept it and move on…'
He took a step towards the camp.
"I can care for my friends… that's good but… I can't do anything right now."
He took his hands out, rubbing them against each other. He blew on his hands, watching a visible cold sweep past his hands. He lifted his head, peering towards his tent.
"Now, I just need to complete my training… then, I can do what I want…"
He lowered his head, noticing a rock on his path. He raised his leg, kicking it to the side. A few moments later, he entered the camp.
"But first, what do I want to do?"
That question hung on his mind. As he approached the tent, he ruffled his hair.
"I'll find out soon enough."
He peeked into the tent, noticing his big brother had awoken.
"Good morning."
Dante raised his brows, tiredly. He looked towards his Missio.
"Good morning." He responded in a dry voice.
He grunted, standing up as Missio stepped into the tent. Dante grabbed a thermos from their bag, pouring himself a cup of hot water. He gulped it down, exhaling heavily. He twisted the cap back on, handing it to Missio. He snatched the thermos from his brother's hands, twisting it open. He poured himself a cup as well. Dante zipped his jacket as Missio gulped down the water. The transcendent exhaled. He twisted the cap back on, placing it back in the bag.
He zipped it and spun around. He locked eyes with Dante, opening his mouth.
"So… did you book us a meal or are we gonna have to wait till noon?"
Dante chuckled, shaking his head.
"They serve breakfast here. Don't worry."
Missio tilted his head, raising a brow.
"Really? Then, let's have some."
"Aren't you gonna train?" Dante inquired.
"After breakfast." Missio waved.
"Alright…" Dante followed him.
The two exited the tent, the clouds rumbling above them. They treaded through the snow, heading over to a small lodge near the edge of the camp. They stepped onto the porch as the other campers began waking up. The brothers entered the canteen. The place felt a cozy home with ambient lights, country music and heater. Missio and Danet walked upto the counter. There a woman sat at the reception. She looked at them with a bright smile.
"Are you here for breakfast?"
"Yes." Dante drew his phone. "Here's our reservation."
The girl scanned their reservation, nodding her head.
"Great. Do want the usual breakfast?"
"Yes." Missio and Dante spoke together.
"Okay, it'll be ready in a minute. Feel free to choose any table."
The duo spun around. Missio headed towards a table near the window, sitting down. Dante followed him, sitting down opposite of his little brother. He crossed his arms, slumping into the chair. The siblings sat in silence for minutes. Neither spoke to open another, gazing at the view beyond the window. Eventually, their food was placed on the table by a kind young man. After the waiter left, Dante straightened, looking over the food.
He elevated his head, glancing at his little brother who had already begun eating.
"In a rush?" Dante questioned.
"No…" Missio stuffed another piece of omelet into his mouth.
"Then, why the hell are you eating so fast?"
"…It's tasty." Missio gulped his food down.
Dante heaved a sigh, digging into his meal as well. He stuffed a small piece of steak into his mouth, chewing it thoroughly.
"Just be sure not to choke."
"Come on, I'm not a kid." Missio sipped some water.
"You still are. You can't fool me." Dante took another bite of his food.
Missio took another bite of his food, chewing it. He pushed it around his mouth, making sure to get all the flavor.
"I'm not fooling anyone. I've grown." Missio stated.
"…You just can't see it." Dante licked his lips. "You're my little, cute and bold brother."
Missio blushed. "It's embarrassing when you say it like, Y'know…"
Dante laughed faintly. "Yeah… now, finish your breakfast."
Missio nodded, cutting his food. The brothers continued to gobble down their food. Eventually, they finished their meal, wiping their mouth with tissues. Both stood at the same time, leaving the dining hall. They arrived at their tent once more.
"Now, get on with your training. You're gonna get rusty if you don't practice." Dante waved, entering the tent.
Missio rolled his eyes, catching the wooden sword Dante threw at him. "Sure.