Celeste: Changes (Male Reader)

Just Keep Moving

"There's such a long way to go."

"I know, but even now...look how far we've come."

"I just...don't think I can do this."

"Maybe...maybe not, but just keep moving anyway."

As you trudged forward, the old man's cautionary words echoed in your mind, mingling with the biting chill of the mountain air. The snow-covered path stretched endlessly upward, each step feeling heavier than the last. Doubt clawed at your resolve as you navigated the treacherous terrain, your mind a battleground between determination and uncertainty.

"The old man was right. This mountain really is something else," you muttered to yourself, your breath visible in the frigid air. "But I gotta keep pushing."

The first obstacle loomed ahead: a section of ground covered in a thin layer of snow, hiding patches of loose gravel underneath. With each step, you felt the ground shift beneath your boots, threatening to send you sliding down into a pit of menacing spikes below. Your heart raced as you fought to maintain balance, and your muscles tensed against the precarious terrain. Each movement was deliberate, and every step tested your nerve and agility.

"I can do this. Just keep going," you encouraged yourself through clenched teeth, eyes fixed on the solid ground ahead.

Finally reaching safer footing, you took a moment to catch your breath, adrenaline still coursing through your veins. The voice of doubt persisted, whispering like a relentless wind in the back of your mind. "You shouldn't be here," the voice murmured, its tone distorted yet still haunting, familiar as the words carried on the gusts of wind. It was as though the mountain itself spoke, warning you of the dangers that lay ahead...or discouraging you from even facing them at all.

Shaking off the unease, you pressed onward, determined to conquer the next challenge. As you rounded a bend, you encountered a rickety old bridge spanning a narrow gorge. The wooden planks creaked and swayed with each step, the icy wind tugging at your clothing. You focused on the opposite end, eyes fixed on solid ground beyond the chasm. Each step was a leap of faith, your heart in your throat with every movement. Inch by inch, you edged across the precarious bridge, muscles tense, until you finally stepped onto stable ground, relief washing over you like a wave.

"Almost there... Just a little farther," you muttered to yourself, hands trembling slightly from the adrenaline rush.

The voice persisted, growing more insistent with every passing obstacle. Self-doubt crept in, a nagging presence that refused to be ignored.

"You're not strong enough. You'll never make it," the voice taunted its words like icy daggers against your determination.

With each moment of doubt, you fought harder, clinging to the memory of your training and the countless hours spent preparing for this climb. Yet, the voice persisted until, amid the struggle, a flicker of light caught your eye: a small campfire nestled in a sheltered alcove. Relief flooded through you as you approached cautiously, greeted by the sight of a young man with a camera slung over his shoulder, tending to the flames.

"Hey there! I didn't expect to see anyone else up here," the stranger said with a warm smile.

You nodded, grateful for the company. "Likewise. The climb's been...challenging, to say the least."

The young man chuckled. "Tell me about it. Name's Eric, by the way. Are you headed for the summit?"

Your gaze softened as you accepted the camaraderie. "Y/N. Yeah, I am. It's been tougher than I imagined, but I guess that's what I was looking for."

Eric's eyes sparkled with understanding. "Trust me, I get it. This mountain has a way of testing us. But hey, we're not alone anymore, right? At least for a little while."

"Yeah," you agreed, feeling a sense of relief wash over you.

Sitting by the fire, the weight of the climb seemed to ease as you shared stories and exchanged laughs with Eric. For a brief moment, the doubts faded into the background, overshadowed by the simple comfort of human connection in the midst of the mountain's solitude. The crackling of the fire and Eric's easy conversation lifted your spirits, making you feel less isolated amidst the daunting landscape. As you warmed your hands by the flames, you couldn't help but appreciate the respite from the relentless climb.

"So, Y/N, where are you from?" Eric asked, stirring the fire gently with a stick.

"Ah, just a small town down in Montana. Not much to it really, but it's home," you replied, a touch of nostalgia in your voice.

Eric grinned. "Nice. I'm from Kansas, actually. I came here after hearing Celeste Mountain was the place for the best scenery photos ever, but this climb has been quite the adventure."

You raised an eyebrow. "Photos, huh? You must have some amazing shots from up here."

Eric's eyes lit up. "Oh, definitely. This place is absolutely breathtaking. I've been capturing the rugged beauty of these mountains for days now. There's something special about the way the light hits the peaks."

"That sounds incredible. Got any favorites?" you asked, genuinely curious.

Eric nodded, reaching into his backpack and pulling out a weathered photo album. He flipped through the pages, revealing stunning images of snow-capped summits, serene valleys, and dramatic cloud formations.

"These are stunning," you remarked, admiring the skillful compositions.

"Thanks! It's my way of experiencing the mountains. Sometimes the climb feels worth it to capture moments like these," Eric said, a hint of pride in his voice. You simply nodded, and after a short while and with a grateful smile, you bid farewell to Eric, the warmth of his company lingering as you resumed your journey up the mountain. The path grew steeper, the air thinner, but this time, you faced the challenges with a newfound resolve. The voice of doubt still whispered, but you countered it with every step, every breath.

As you ascended further, the landscape began to change. Amidst the snow and rocks, remnants of an abandoned city emerged, a haunting reminder of civilizations that once thrived in these unforgiving heights. Crumbling structures jutted out of the snow, their silent echoes telling stories of resilience and defeat.

You paused, gazing at the desolate cityscape with a mixture of awe and melancholy. The mountain was reclaiming what had been lost, nature asserting its dominance over man's fleeting creations.

"I wonder what happened here... How did it all get like this?" you mused aloud, the words carried away by the mountain winds. The remnants of the city served as a poignant backdrop to your own struggles, a testament to the resilience needed to endure the harsh realities of Celeste Mountain. With a deep breath, you pressed on, drawing strength from the echoes of the past and the camaraderie shared with Eric.

Finally, just as the first light of dawn kissed the mountaintop, you reached a clearing adorned with a solemn sight: a large stone memorial weathered by time and elements. It stood as a silent testament to the climbers who had dared to venture where few had tread.

Catching your breath, you gazed at the memorial, a mix of exhaustion and triumph flooding through you.

"I made it...I actually made it."

The journey was far from over, but you allowed yourself a rare smile of accomplishment in that moment. The summit beckoned, a distant yet tangible goal against the backdrop of the awakening mountain as you lay by the large stone, resting your head and closing your eyes.