Chapter 2: A Grim Change (II)

While running leftwards, I passed by a puddle of water that he had seen earlier. A remarkable scene in such peculiar and in an urgent manner made that so I had to pause and look back— at the puddle of water which now had formed into a glistening pond of ice.

I did that, right? Did I just freeze the puddle of water into ice?

Confused and a tad bit dazed, I walked back to the puddle of water to see that small branches of cracks had formed slightly at the rim of the perimeter.

Nonetheless, it was still a beautiful layer of frost and polished ice that formed on the top and I couldn't help but admire the work of my own. Yet still, I was startled at how I managed to freeze the puddle of water as when I had no gift at all.

Wait then that must mean I do have a gift.

Bending down, the puddle was quite cold to the touch but it reality it was quite soothing and heart-warming.

The amounted temperature released encased the water in silver giving off a frigid aura. It was as if the single confined puddle of water existed in the lacerating winds of winter, while elsewhere existed in the scorching heat of the summer.

Beside it, of course, was the pool of blood which too had been receiving the byproduct of all the glacial rime.

Parts of it had already been frozen as the ice pertained to be a deep crimson shade of red.

I looked up again and found that they were much closer this time, and their expressions matched the equal confusion as mine.

Assuming that their perspectives were fine, it appeared to them that I was teleporting and defect that defied the law of space and time.

If time was slowed down on my end, then in order to promote equilibrium and not disturb the balance of the world, Leone's vision would be speeded up which made me appear faster than I should have been.

Running, I left with haste and into the turbine trees and flourishing grass. The seemingly endless forest was like a maze as the towering great oaks all appeared identical to one and another. In awe, the hoary fortresses stood confidently as their knotted branches bent upwards.

The lush foliage was dense enough to thin out most of radiating sunlight as only a few could make it the majesties canopy.

Panting, in the distance, I heard irritating noises and a loud thump.

"Oh shit, why is their ice in the middle of the freaking summer."

It could only mean that Leone had slipped precariously on the glistening pool of ice. Just the sound, made me smile at the thought of them getting injured.

The orchestra of birdsong could be heard as a tiny chicklet cried out in gluttony. A pair of jays were screeching high up in the canopy of the trees— whilst looking for a corvid feathery meal. The cacophony of sounds in the forest was agreed by the crackling of the wet grass. While the gentle trick of morning dew slid subtly against the grass as Astrid ran through the forest.

In the distance, I observed that left of me was an invisible barrier. A transparent boundary that separated the healthy oak trees filled with brimming blankets of grass against the embers and the ashes of the fallen trees— which had been burnt and thin desolate particles of ash.

Running past, derelict trees and fallen posts dictating a previous hiking trail that was left to be abandoned, I quickly maneuver my way through the luscious forest and on my way to a nearby brook.

The silence would be overwhelming if not covered by the discord of noise that clashes between the fauna in the forest.

Finally, I reached towards the small brook that was too small to be considered a river.

A turquoise-blue brook wound its merry way through the forest.

Bubbling and splashing, it flew over the gray rocks in its way. Chords of soft light shined down from above, basking its surface with a frenzy of silver. The soul of the forest whisked small particles of dust downhill as I bent down to take a relaxing sip.

The cold water of the northern frigid mountains felt refreshing as I slid down to the base of the tree to catch my breath,

Relaxing, for the tense moment, I observed any noise besides the dissonance of the forest— to find nothing. There were sounds of Leone and his men after me which could imply that they had given up the search or got lost.

The latter of course being more feasible.

Phewph… If I was somewhere else, I would have lost in terms of speed. No in terms of everything.

I was lucky to make this far and to have time seemingly go static but I don't think this will happen again.

Breathe Arata, Breath. I told myself in a way to calm my nerves.

Breathing and in out, I panted as I need a moment or two to catch my breath. Letting out an emphatic sigh of relief, I let my hands reign in triumph as I was not only happy that I finally stood up to him but not only that, I believed my ability awakened from its dormant.

Ice.

Summoning ice could be my ability but there was definitely a problem. Those who had a similar ice ability have a large tendency to summon it out from thin air…

Still, I was glad and content that I even had an ability that as an aid.

However, even my ability was still not enough for me, as I needed to grow stronger. Enough so, to defeat Leone in a battle— a reasonable battle of course.

A feeling of tantalizing misery that I once shared whilst being pierced by a million spears. To feel as if my blood simmers, my brain stews and even my bones seem to smolder.

But words and thoughts are meaningless.

Getting up, I look back at the trail of embers and am reminded of what I have lost. Someday—. Someday, I hope that my grandma is currently residing in a merry paradise— one that would be free from any pain.

Whilst the perpetual clouds of the skies flare up once a more before dimming into a meaningful azure.

Grabbing my sword that had nicks and chips on its edges— worn down the continued use and lack of whetting. Despite, its condition, this was the only thing I had left.

I readied my stance with a grin full of excitement and started swinging once more.