To Be Proud: Revamped

Chapter 54: A Dive Down

~Thwok~

A week on the skyship flew by faster than a Glowl, which really said a lot about how valuable time really was. Throughout the few days sailing over the water, I spent most of that time reading over some of the guidebooks that were available on the skyship. From monster guides to historical memoirs, the few days before our arrival were dedicated to Water Island research. I wanted to be ready when we got to the island. I wanted to be prepared, armed with the knowledge of the land.

      "Rise and shine!" a high voice boomed just as a particular gear clicked in my head. As I took a moment to sit up and familiarize myself with my surroundings, I was able to catch Petite spinning and speeding down the neighboring hallway. "Rise and shine!"

      "We're up, Petite," a gruff response sounded. I glanced over at Bona, who had gotten up in a mess of disheveled fur. Giggling a bit, I reached over and brushed my hands through the ruffled fluff.

      "Mohrning, Ony."

      "Morning."

      "Sleep whell?"

      "You know the answer." He yawned, bringing a hand up to rub at his tired eye.

      "Oh. Nightmahre ohr vision?"

      "Nightmare, but now that you mention it I haven't had a vision in...a while, now."

      "Whell, thaht's good...I think." He sighed.

      "I guess." He glanced around the room before looking at me, and I took a moment to admire his deep green eyes. At that instant, I could feel a small connection spark between the two of us, and I was certain that he felt it too. After a short while his eyes widened, and his attention was diverted to the window. "I'm sorry, are we underwater?"

      "Hm?" Looking over at the window, I saw what Bona meant: a deep blue backdrop replaced the bright blue sky, and a school of glowing fish passed by the circular pane of glass. "Might be, Ony. Leht's check in with Kay."

      "A-Alright."

Leaving the room with Bona close behind me, we made our way to the top of the skyship. The sky was slowly turning a brighter shade of blue, transitioning between the different-colored bands formed from the slowly rising sun. Low clouds hung over the horizon, gently tapped at by passing schools of jumping fish, and the air itself tasted of a strangely sweet mineral. By the wheel stood Kay, who was happily conversing with a bright Glowl. Upon looking over at us, she smiled cheerfully.

      "Thwok, Bona! Happy to see you two!" Kay turned towards us, outstretching an arm to allow the Glowl to perch atop it. "You two sleep well?"

      "Mhm!" My attention was directed to the vibrant monster on her arm, who was preening their feathers to shine brighter.  "Who's thaht?"

      "Oh, this is Ember." Ember's head perked up at the mention of their name. "She's a friend of mine. Long time friend, I should say."

      "Well, hi, Embuh!" I gave a gentle wave, watching Ember with care. They spread their wings defensively, glaring over my shoulder at Bona in particular, but Kay stopped them.

      "It's okay, Ember. These are my friends: Thwok, Bona, and you already met Petite." Kay motioned to a barrel, where the small ball of blue fur was stationed. Ember straightened themselves out, readjusting their wings so that they rested by their sides.

      "You must be the Wublins. I've heard a bit about you. I'm Ember, the leader of my flock. Or, ember, if you want to be technical." They motioned their wing to a large group of Glowls, who were all flying in front of the skyship. I walked over to Kay's side in awe, fascinated by the enormous unit.