To Be Proud: Revamped

Chapter 26: Melting Ice

~Kayna~

The morning sun rose after the interesting display of stars and comets, pushing away the dark night sky. More Tweedles were sighted as I maneuvered the skyship past the growing monoliths and glaciers formed from packed ice. I watched as a thick blanket of puffy white clouds rolled overhead, gliding through the air peacefully. I was getting close to the island, and I knew the feeling all too well.

As the air around us got colder, the two arms around my waist tightened their grip on me, tensing up as they strengthened their hold. I glanced at Thwok, whose head was lying gently on my shoulder as he slept. With each whip of the wind, he shivered while twisting his pegs and grasping on to me tighter. I turned back to focus on navigation, smiling lightly.

In front of us stood a large mountain-like landmass, towering so high in the air that clouds formed near the top of it. Snow blanketed the blue ice in large piles, being so white that the light reflecting off of it could blind a monster if they weren't careful. The land itself was closer to the top of the island, but towards the surface of the ocean there was a large curved opening that served as a dock for incoming skyships.

I sailed straight ahead, knowing that the entrance was directly in front of me, when I saw a figure fly by the island. For a moment I shook it off and told myself that it was a gossip, but the sheer size of the wings alone told me that it wasn't a group of Tweedles but rather a singular Hybrox: Aero. I questioned where Aero was heading off to at such a time, but as her silhouette was covered by white and gray I realized that a harsh blizzard had just started.

I gripped on to the wheel tightly, trying to keep the skyship steady. The winds of the blizzard kept rocking the ship, threatening to rip it out of the sky. In the distance a whistle sounded, and I could faintly hear the chirping of a large gossip of Tweedles. After a long-winded fight against the persistent currents of the tundra, I was finally able to enter through the frozen alcove.

The large, enclosed cavern sheltered us from the storm as we pressed on into the underbelly of the island. Once the cavern opened up, I was greeted with the enormous open space big enough to fit at least five other skyships. A cool blue glow illuminated the interior of the dome-shaped grotto, bouncing off of the ice and snow. I sailed the skyship next to the curved walkway along the wall, relaxing as the skyship settled in the water.

      "Morning, Captain!" a cheery voice squeaked behind me. I looked over my available shoulder at Petite as I flipped a lever to lower the ship's anchor.

      "Ahoy, Petite! Sleep well last night?"

      "Yes, ma'am! Best in a while!" I giggled.

      "That's good. Where's Bona?"

      "Right here," I could hear a deep voice mutter. Climbing up the steps, Bona rubbed his eye and looked around. "Here already?"

      "Mhm!"

      "Well, that was fa-" Bona froze as he looked over at me. His jaw remained open as his eyes widened slightly. It took me a moment to process what he was seeing, and I quickly looked over at the still-sleeping Thwok.

      "Thwok, hun, get up. We're here." He shifted a bit, blinking before looking at me. His purple eyes were still glazed with drowsiness.

      "Mohring, Kay," he replied in a tired tone, his lisp amplified by both the position of his tongue and the lack of energy he had. With a heave he picked me up, holding me by the waist as he moved from the stool. Placing me down, he backed up a bit and lightly scratched at one of his horns.

      "Morning, Thwok. You're really tired, huh?"

      "Gib iht uh mohmeht." He held up a hand, waiting, before he suddenly jolted awake. It was as if he had never slept in the first place. "I'm uhp."