“What? We did? I could barely make any sense outta that whole ordeal.”
“It didn't have to be clear to make sense. Heli knew I'd see what she wanted me to see. She got into another big epic fight with some magical monster and unleashed a reckoning. Gotta hand it to her, she's gotten really powerful in my absence. And brave. She kicked that thing’s ass. I'm so proud of her. Maybe it was for the best that we went our separate ways…”
“Alma,” Qu'l-Nia snapped. “Did Heloise’s power seem at all strange to you? Was her magic different than usual?”
“Strange and different? I don't think so? I'm not exactly an expert on magic, but nothing really seemed off to me.” Alma scratched her head. She didn't seem at all phased by the flock of polygonal creatures flying on the other side of the window. “From what I could discern, anyway. I just thought it was a cool magic battle. Why do you ask?”
“It is of no big concern.” The eldritch woman shrugged indifferently. “Banish it from your mind. I thought perhaps I had sensed an irregularity, but if you find no foul with her or her magics, then I suppose the point is moot.”
“Well, Alm,” said Hwalín. “Since you're such an expert on your friend, tell us what answer exactly you did find that's supposed to help us.”
“She used some kind of mini volcano spell, right? The way she cracked open the land and all those little lava spewers shot up.” She made several inane motions with her fingers. “We just gotta search for those landmarks. Damage like that would certainly stick around. Man, she's so cool. I miss her already. I'm so glad we made up.”
“Your emotions seem all over the place, mate,” noted Hwalín. “I'm happy for you, but are you doing alright? Maybe you're still a little buzzed from that drink.”
“I'm perfectly fine. Relatively perfectly fine. It's just… hitting me now that I might've actually accepted never seeing Heli again. But then we made up, like we always do, and it's made me realize how stupid I was being, just giving up like that. And that's not the only time. I'd also started giving up on ever serving in the army again even though I could just reapply next year. And now here my brain keeps telling me to give up on my sister and that's where I'm drawing the line. I won't let myself give up on her. Not when I'm sure she's still out there somewhere—” A small snowflake came to rest on the tip of Alma's nose, making her freeze mid-sentence.
“Oi, mate. Did it get a touch colder in here?”
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
A sudden chill had permeated the room, almost as if a window had been left open. A glance over at Qu'l-Nia revealed that she had already discovered the source. On the other side of the room, the eldritch woman had been peering into a strange, swirling portal. The other side of which displayed a brilliant, snow-capped vista of immeasurable distance that was already being surveyed by her.
“It would seem to be our destination,” noted Qu’l-Nia. “Is it time for us to depart, Alma?”
“Whoa! You did that quick, Alm. Looks like you've really got a handle on… things…”
Alma gripped the edges of the couch as she stared in disbelief at the location beyond the portal, scanning it with astonished eyes. There was a pervasive glare shining off the snow that disappeared as quickly as Alma focused on it. “I… Did I do that? I wasn't even—it’s just like in the mausoleum… I know I've improved, but that's so weird.”
“Alma, if I may offer some conclusions,” said Qu’l-Nia. “Your abilities are definitely controlled by your emotions, more specifically your subconscious ones. It is not just your willingness to make them, but your subconscious desire to strive toward the ones you love. To be able to rescue them or come home to them that matters to you most. That is where the measure of your strength truly lies.”
Alma’s face was now beet-red. “D-Don't just say stuff like that out loud! You know how it gets me!” She pointed at the Hecatian who had burst out in laughter. “Then this bitch here goes and makes fun of me again!”
“You're too cute, mate.” Hwalín plopped down next to Alma. “You sure that crushing modesty won’t prevent you from pulling that trigger when we get out there?”
“Shut up.” Alma grabbed the pistol she laid out on the table, reloaded its mag and then holstered it. “We may as well pack up and get ready to head out. Q, since you’re already there, can you tell me exactly what the other side looks like?”
“Only what is immediately visible. Fields replete with fallen snow and trees. It appears to be our destination, but—” As Qu’l-Nia reached out to touch the portal, it quickly dissipated back into the ether. “Interesting. Alma, if you would be so kind?”
“Oh, huh. My bad. I’m not sure how the duration works on these things. I just assumed they fizzled out after use. Heh. You know what I’m saying? Hehe.” The ex-soldier was chuckling mischievously and elbowing Hwalín who chuckled back. “I’ll just make another one.”
“Perhaps now the process has become simpler for you. Since we more or less have discovered what it is that empowers your ability.”
Alma stopped chuckling. “R-Right. The power of… right. Let me get right on that then.” The ex-soldier clasped her fingers together in concentration and closed her eyes. Nothing’s changed about her mission. She swore she’d save her sister and the world. Not a big deal, right? She just has to “strive” toward them. When has she ever not done tha— A sudden crackling sound in the air caused Alma’s eyes to fly open. The portal was open. Along with several more. Surrounding the couch she and Hwalín were sitting on was now a large ring of portals, all leading to the same destination somewhere on the Akhlut Mountains. Stray snow was beginning to pile up around their feet as it blew in from each opening.
“Whoa,” exclaimed both women at once.