Ori & Aris the Journey Through Nibel (proofreading and improving chapters)

The snow that masks the past

Author's note- (Soon to fully proofread this and later chapters. So if the quality beyond this isn't the same to previous chapters, I apologize. It will all be improved soon enough.)

—Recap—
Our friends gathered as much supplies they could before leaving for the journey ahead. Stopping momentarily at Ori's home for that matter. Ori having to deal with his family as Aciros had an encounter with both Ku and a Light Burst. Leading to an interesting conundrum once it had exploded. This alerted Aris, who was behind, towards the explosion. Where he met up with the others. But having no time to properly meet Ku or the others. They then all leave with supplies towards the mountains. Passing behind the Ginso Tree to a hidden path. The trek was freezing, if nothing else. With some mishaps along the way. But with the path further up the mountain cleared, our group can once again continue their journey. But for them to reach their objective, they have to venture into the mysteries of winter. A place where the snow masks the stories beneath it.

With the fog now mostly gone, the path ahead was now safe again. And if there were any creatures present previously, Ori's power would have most likely scared them away.

Ori takes the lead with confidence. Venturing past the point from which the fog had previously blocked.

"Just be sure to keep an eye out for anything, guys." Ori remarks.

"We'll be ready for whatever shows." Aris responds optimistically.

As time passed however, nothing did ever show itself. Only the cold and how it continues to plummet. Fortunately, with the fog gone there was no longer any wind. Which made the ascending journey far easier. But this 'ease' was rather short lived.

Higher and higher they trek, surpassing a certain level of elevation, the scale eventually reached a tipping point.

Snow too thick to easily walk over, a freezing climate gnawing at their bones, not enough clothing to maintain warmth. Ori began to regret ever coming here... but he didn't have much of a choice.

Comparing this mountainside to that one winter season in the past. This is significantly worse. Ori had the comfort of his home, shielded by the winds even if he voluntarily stepped outside to aid his family.

There was actual safety.

But here, it is only the open trail. Exposed to everything with only a mere blanket to shield him.
He then turns to check on the others. His breath creating a freezing trail in the air like an acrylic brush on a canvas.

Ilani was nowhere to be seen. Likely having disappeared back into Aris. Who held his arms right to his chest. Clinging to dear life.  Trembling as a last ditch effort to stay warm.

Aciros however, was stern. Ori could see the despair within his eyes. His facade, a stoic posture, could not hide it. Their eyes meet with Ori's own but Aciros quickly looks away. Refusing to admit he was afraid.

Ori then turns back around. Sighing as he looks down towards his own hands. Slowly clenching them in pain. His muscles were locked in place like a puzzle. Contracted and stiff because of the weather. Which was also a main factor in slowing everyone down.

Ori manifested Spirit Flame back into his palms.
Relieving only his hands from the frost.
"I should use this on the others." He thought. But dismissed the idea.