Nana wasn't lying about loving snow. Her absurdly high Kinetics let her dash through it–one horse open sleigh not required. Orthrus and Reinhardt wasn't quite as nimble but had no trouble navigating the slush. Falco, with FairyP firmly in his talons, took to the sky and avoided it altogether.

  I wasn't so lucky, forced to trudge one flat-footed step at a time. At least Firestarter kept me warm. Lucy’s tails formed a scarf and blanket around her and Red Velvet. They trailed behind a molten-rock salamander that cleared their path.

  Magmander. Born in the heart of a volcano, each step this salamander takes chars the ground.

  Some of the others struggled with movement and the cold. Bradley and Michaela huddled close to my blazing hands.

  "You've saved my life. I am eternally grateful," Michaela said.

  "Consider this payment for the mushroom hat."

  She curtly shook her head. "Mushrooms don't need repayment."

  "Neither does this.”

  Bradley didn't say much through chattering teeth but nodded his thanks.

  "A respite from the bitter cold.” Alucard slithered between Michaela and I. “My thanks for each lifetime I’ve lived, Chef."

  "Is red flame not part of your magic rainbow?" I asked.

  He laughed, shaking his head. "Poor na?ve, Chef. Naught but a waste of my flame when yours will suffice."

  My HUD offered a different explanation. "Or you don’t have enough mana to cast your own."

  He grimaced but held his head high. "Mana is but a resource for increasing power. Any urchin in a robe can last Lightning. But only a generational seeker can utilize Divine Lightning."

  That explained his spell's obscene power. An all or nothing gambit that left him vulnerable if it didn’t work. “In other words, you just wanted to look cool.”

  Crestfallen, his eyes hid ‘neath the brim of his hat. "Did it work?" He mumbled.

  "Yeah," I said; his sour countenance cheered up. "Jeremiah, you want to get in on the family cuddle?" I asked.

  "Hard pass." He was in the midst of his own family cuddle with Susan clinging to, and drooling on, his back.

  "Ah, so this is how mortals show affection." Alucard jumped on my back. "Chef, I demand you carry me to the camp!"

  "And I demand you get off before I count to three."

  His chuckle rumbled in my ear. "My dear, Chef. Such empty threats won't–"

  "One."

  He hopped off before two.

  A few minutes of trudging brought us to the base of a steep white slope. It wasn't too tall but just looking at it exhausted me.

  “Hey!” Nana pointed ahead to a steep white slope. “Wanna race up the hill?”

  “How ‘bout another day, kiddo?”

  She scoffed. “I wasn’t talking to you, bird brain. I’m asking Orthrus.”

  He didn't waste a moment, dashing past in a single stride. She immediately sprinted after.

  "Stay where I can see you!" I called.

  "Can't,” she said. “I'll lose if I go that slow."

  Point conceded but unappreciated.

  Thankfully, it didn’t take too long to climb the hill. The view was more than worth the difficulty. A well-trodden path leading to the island's other side lay ahead. Inviting blue waves crashed against white sand. Cabins, not unlike the ones bordering Lake Ayla, formed a crescent around the shoals. It looked beautiful. Serene.

  The path less traveled led to the mouth of an icy cave. Nana waved from the end of the path and dashed into the cave. Orthrus shrugged sheepishly and followed.

  "Idiots," Jeremiah spat.

  Truer word was never spoken. "Well, we know the path I'm taking," I said.

  "Annnnnd." Lucy’s scarf-tail unraveled to shake my hand. "Not to dampen the mood, but I will be going that way. Susan, Cupcake and I will miss you terribly if you don’t join us.”

  “Okay.” Susan rubbed Jeremiah’s back. “You’re going to the beach too, right?”

  “No,” he groaned. “I have squishies to look after.”

  “Heh… Are my squishies not good enough?”

  A chorus of chortles rumbled through the group–Lucy’s loudest amongst them.

  “Your squishies are perfect, darling,” she said. “But I believe Jeremiah means he has business elsewhere.”

  “Unfortunately,” he said. “So, Imma need you to get off.”

  "Heh..." Susan's usual noises intensified. She grumbled about her one chance at happiness and scuttled off his back

  Red Velvet offered a small smile. "I don't mind staying if you need an extra hand."

  "Cupcake!" Lucy gasped. "You’d leave me behind to waste away on the beach?"

  Red Velvet rolled her eyes but otherwise ignored her.

  "I appreciate the solidarity, but I’ll have these two with me as well.” I paused but neither Bradley or Michaela objected. "I think the four of us stand a pretty good chance of not dying."

  "Poor na?ve, Chef," Alucard chuckled. "You are in my thrall. Do not think you will escape it so easily."

  He was next to useless without mana, possibly less so if he triggered an unnecessary fight, but I was starting to enjoy having him around. "Four and a half of us. You go have fun with Lucy and Susan."

  “At the very least…” Red Velvet replaced Magmander with an armadillo. Rather than molten rock, its shell consisted of sharp stones and bone fragments.

  Rockadilly. This rock gathers a whole lot more than moss once he starts rolling. His sturdy shell provides ample protection to his comrades.

  “Rockadilly just buffed your defense. It won’t last long, but I hope it helps.”

  “Hope it doesn’t,” Jeremiah said curtly.

  “What he means,” Bradley started, “is he appreciates the help but hopes we don’t need any.”

  “Yeah, Bones, that’s what I said.”

  Red Velvet’s side-eye went unnoticed by Jeremiah, but Bradley flushed slightly at her smile. She and Susan huddled beneath Lucy's tails. Reinhardt’s trio offered well wishes, salutes and a thumb’s up. I returned the same, and the four and a half of us headed toward the ice cave.

  ***

  The cave was warmer than expected. Still cold, but I didn't need to keep my hands ablaze anymore. Jeremiah led us down a pathway that twisted and folded like a broken slinky. Clangoring sleigh bells offset the soothing piano melody. Both the terrain and music created a sense of dysphoria. Cold to the eye, warm to the touch. Overtly annoying but soothing underneath. Twisting but somehow still a straight path.

  "How deep did those idiots go?" Jeremiah asked.

  “Boo!”

  He shrieked and thrust his shield. Steel crunched bone, followed by a chorus of profanity echoing down the tunnel in rhythm with the sleigh bells. Jeremiah clutched his heart; Nana clutched a bloody nose that resembled an upside down question mark.

  “Ow–what the heck is wrong with you? That hurt, you jerk!”

  “What’s wrong with me?” He gasped. "You ran off, left us behind, and then jumped out and scared me. You're lucky I didn't use this," he said, rattling his lance.

  Nana eyed it, flinched, and glanced at me. “Are you gonna be a good big brother and beat him up for me?”

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  “No, he’s right. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”

  Disappointment with trace amounts of accountability stared back at me. “That’s what Orthrus said too.”

  “Where is he?” Michaela asked.

  Nana waved her hand toward the tunnel. “He wanted to keep exploring, so I sent a clone to keep an eye on him.”

  Bradley's brow creased and arms crossed. “I’ve been meaning to ask how exactly that works? Do you share their senses?”

  She titled her hand back and forth. “Kinda. They’re sorta like puppets with a camera. I get a screen of their POV and tell them what to do.”

  He nodded twice. “That makes them excellent scouts. They can set off traps or ambushes without risk to any of us.” He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. “And there’s no risk to you since you don’t feel their pain. More clones equal more scouts but too many feeds at once might…”

  “Bones.” Jeremiah snapped his fingers beside Bradley’s face. “You’re zoning again.”

  Bradley snapped out of his reverie. “Er, sorry about that. I play a lot of table tops and slip into strategy mode pretty easy.” He smiled at Nana. “All that to say, that’s an impressive trick and a clever way to use it.”

  She beamed at his praise. Her head held high, showing off the sharp indent of her note. "Duh, I'm not stupid."

  "Could've fooled me," Jeremiah said.

  Nana sharply exhaled, spraying Jeremiah with blood, bone and boogers.

  "Ugh!" He yelled. "That's disgusting."

  Nana pulled down her eyelid and ran off.

  "I'll kill ya for that you little shit–" He winced and frowned at me. "Ugh, not literally, ya know. Figure of speech."

  “I understand, but I can't let you get away with more than one."

  “Fair. Feel free to kick my ass if I go too far.” He clapped my shoulder and clanked down the hall after her.

  Jeremiah stood a short jaunt away outside a large open space. His vim and vigor of a few moments prior gave way to exhaustion. Ice sculptures decorated the floor with a dolphin’s dor-sword fin dueling a crab’s claw-cannons as the centerpiece. Orthrus circled the centerpiece, while the Nanas gathered by an octopus wielding a different gun in each tentacle. It was remarkably easy to tell them since only one had an intact septum.

  “Admiring the Octo-glock?” I asked.

  They nodded. “One more clone, and I could wield that many.”

  “Don’t scare me like that. Just one of you is hard enough to keep track of.”

  “Bleh.” She stuck her tongue out. “I was safe. Went just far enough so you’d follow but enough to be in danger.”

  “Any time you separate from the group you’re in danger. You never know what trick they’ll throw at us next.” Despite my worries and frustration, I couldn’t help but smile. “All that being said, who won the race?”

  They looked offended I asked. “I smoked ‘em!”

  “Thatta girl.” I high-fived both Nanas.

  Orthrus chuckled. "Since our merry band is back together what say you about exploring this place further?"

  Michaela raised her hand and nodded.

  Bradley shrugged. "I'm in no rush to go back outside. Plus, we might find something cool."

  "Pun intended?" I asked.

  He considered it but shook his head.

  Jeremiah groaned. "Not that I don't love a good adventure, but waltzing down the beach sounds reaaal nice right about now."

  “Yes, but consider the alternative,” Alucard said. He thrust his hands toward the sky; his cape billowed despite the lack of wind. “An entire adventure all to ourselves. We’d be fools to leave a single stone unturned.”

  “Yeah!” The Nanas jumped and punched the air. “Let’s–”

  Bestial roars and human screams cut her off.

  Jeremiah stood erect and newly energized. "Someone needs saving. Bones, which direction?"

  Bradley's Elf ears twitched. "That way." He gestured to the path behind the Octo-glock. He lifted his staff, and a golden aura surrounded Jeremiah. "Regen is up, buddy."

  "Thanks, Bones."

  Jeremiah wasn't on par with Nana or Orthrus, especially with the armor weighing him down, but he was booking it down the corridor. No twists and turns this time–just straight on till morning.

  Two servings of Sujeonggwa will be prepared in ten seconds.

  One serving of Kimchi will be prepared in ten seconds.

  Even if he didn't need additional Kinetics, our vanguard would welcome any FLASK buff. Family Dinner's freebie went to Nana again since no one else was in need. It wasted Family Dinner to not target someone with Kimchi, but I should make it a point to always have one ready.

  We emerged in a large room illuminated by glittering crystals and will-o'-the-wisp emanating from players' hands.

  My digital heart quickened upon seeing the two white robes. Each breath shorter and dryer than the last. Dual sensations dueled within me. Swing a knife with all the power I could muster versus run faster than my feet could carry me.

  One serving of Sujeonggwa provided to Scotch_WoodCock.

  One serving of Sujeonggwa provided to Shadowcloak.

  Maybe I should’ve given one of those to myself. Fight or flight, Robin. Not fight and flight. I closed my eyes, counted to three. The robes remained when I looked again, but the sensations subsided.

  Probably because I realized one of them had silver hair and red markings on her robes. Jasmine, the French girl I met shopping. Definitely not a Marcus. Neither was the player beside her–my old pal 3ShotsUvMonstr. Familiarity lowered my guard but didn't entirely erase it.

  Screenname: RedDragon88. Race: Lacertilla Level: 13. Class: Chef. Affinity: Shadow.

  Screenname: @$$Hunter. Level: 13. Class: Berserker. Affinity: Air.

  White robes and black samurai armor–check. Support class and Berserker–check. Shadow Affinity–check. Their levels didn’t match, but there were too many other coincidences for me to feel comfortable.

  "My poor pooch."

  Huh? I'd been too taken with the white robes to notice the rest of the room. A large animal lay on its side with a deep gash across its chest. Thick white fur brought to mind a polar bear, but I knew a pug's face when I saw one.

  Puggerbear: A guard dog with the protective instincts of a mama bear. Alternatively, a fluffy bear with the playful energy of a good boy. Take your pick! Level 13.

  Five figures surrounded Puggerbear. A tall, broad-shouldered, beast clad in a three piece white suit cradled the wounded animal. It was flanked by two snowmen who constantly shuffled from side to side. Their mouths chewed incessantly on cigars forged from icicles, while their charcoal claws pinched together rapidly.

  Indubitable Snow-Man: Hulking beast with a distinguished taste for the arts. Treat him with respect or become the next part of his collection. Level 17.

  Abominable Snowman: Soulless henchmen given life from an old spell. They remain in constant motion for they fear being inanimate again. Level 14.

  Two players stood across them. A green and white scaled dragon bounced on the balls of his feet. His scythe dripped blood that I assumed once belonged to Puggerbear. A petite woman with pink pigtails and a black dress stood beside him. Her neatly folded hands wielded no weapons, and she stood still.

  Screenname: Swooddude69. Race: Lacertilla. Level: 29. Class: Reaper. Affinity: Air.

  Screenname: Nightingun. Race: Elf. Level: 29. Class: Combat Medic. Affinity: Shadow.

  Easily the highest level players I’d met so far. Hopefully these were Diego’s friends. Otherwise I’d take my chances with the yeti.

  Indubitable Snow-Man took a puff from one of the snowmen’s cigars. “You say you mean me no harm, yet you come into my home and tear a hole in my pooch.” His voice was hoarse, wispy as the smoke. “This is disrespect I cannot abide. But if you can handle my boys.” He gestured to Frosty and Kingler. “I might just find it in my cold heart to let you pass.”

  The snowmen jibberjabbered incoherently behind him.

  Bradley stifled a chuckle with his elbow.

  “Aquaglot?” I asked.

  He nodded. “They’re very Italian.”

  Nightingun bowed “You are gracious to give us this chance. May it please you to know this magnanimity is not wasted. Yet, in good faith, I present an offer. If we heal your pooch and present a work of art sufficient to your tastes, would you see fit to let us go free?”

  He took another puff. “You may try.”

  “My thanks.” She approached a nearby crystal. “May I?” At his acquiesce, she produced her tool: a revved up chainsaw.

  Each cut was quick but precise. Layers of shaved rime sprayed her face but never broke her focus. Steadily, the crystal was shaped into a masterpiece. A reflection carved from ice stared at the Indubitable Snow-Man. Not as tall, and no smoke emanated from its cigar, but an otherwise accurate recreation.

  "Does this meet your satisfaction?"

  He pondered the question over a puff of his cigar. "This I can abide. But, alas, my poor pooch remains in pain."

  "Of course. We will address that now. McRobin.” Nightingun welcomed me with a disconcerting smile. To be fair, most greetings were disconcerting when paired with a chainsaw. “Do you have a dish you could spare for our poor pooch?”

  The other players finally noticed our group. Maria and Jasmine waved with a respective grin and smile. Swooddude69 glanced quickly before facing the monsters.

  Reddragon turned his head. Cold reptilian eyes sent a chill down my spine. He eyed me like prey that once escaped but returned to its hunter’s clutches. Fight or flight instincts kicked back in, and I nearly started running with a weapon drawn. Deep breath, Robin. 1… 2… 3…

  "Of course," I said.

  She gestured for me to approach. "I'll dress the wound if you apply the tonic."

  Crossing the room confused my flight response. No, Robin you're supposed to move from not towards the danger. I braced myself for RedDragon's assault. A knife to the breast a la Charlotte. Cutting taunts or threats. But he did and said nothing apart from watch me.

  "Fresh out of tonic, but I do have a Korean classic."

  I offered Kimchi to Puggerbear. Each bite replenished its health, while Nightingun applied a bandage. Puggerbear licked its lips, growled at Swooddude69 and retreated behind its master.

  Nightingun curtsied for the Indubitable Snow-Man. "Is our bargain now satisfied?"

  He patted Puggerbear's head. "Boys, make sure our guests see the light at the end of the tunnel."

  Swooddude69 tensed; I did too. Sounded like a euphemism to me. Nightingun lightly touched our shoulders and shook her head. The jabbering snowmen crab-walked away from us to the back wall. Closed claws punched through the ice at a breakneck pace even John Henry couldn't help to match.

  “No need to fret,” she said. “He’s a beast of his word.”

  “Thanks for catching that,” I said.

  "None necessary, but I will ask you accept my thanks. My chainsaw cleaves through monsters regardless of my intent."

  "My pleasure. Why'd you ask for me anyway?" I asked.

  "Reddragon's recipes leave a lot to be desired. Between you and your Priest friend your name was easier to pronounce." She clasped her hands and addressed the others.

  "I hope you don't find me rude, everyone, but proper introductions will have to wait. Diego has us on a tight schedule, and I'd prefer we skip formalities to not delay our egress." She curtsied and followed the snowmen into the light at the end of the tunnel.