They had started their journey at once, hesitating for nothing. They set off for their destination within minutes of their awakening. They trekked wearily across the harsh white land.
Shadow complained of being thirsty, no matter how much of their water supply he drank.
“It’s below zero degrees right now and you’re THIRSTY. How is that even possible?” Crescent grumbled.
“Well, I don’t know.” Shadow snapped back at her.
Abruptly, Crescent stopped arguing. She was gazing at the mountain. Slowly, Shadow turned to peer unknowingly at what laid before them. Shadow gawked, utterly befuddled. Evidently, its immensity had not come into perspective quite yet. It towered above everything, and so impossibly wide it seemed endless in either direction. Clouds entwined themselves upon its peak, swirling with mischievous delight.
“Wha-what are w-we going t-to do?” he stuttered.
“We take off.” she answered.
“But I can’t fly!” he exclaimed.
“Then I’ll have to carry you.” she said. With that, she grabbed his ankles and took off.
Upward, and through the clouds they flew, becoming wearier every moment. As the sky slowly shifted from sky blue to a vivid coral red, the sun blanketed the sky in the colors of the sunset. Still, even through the haze they kept going. Finally, as the violet heavens above melted into the darkest navy blue, they settled onto a ledge that jut out into the seemingly endless void below. The air was so thin that both of them could barely breathe. The top was nowhere near where they had decided to stay for the dreary night.
The clouds they had seen from the very bottom of this treacherous mountain tortured with freezing winds now. Sleep was scarce, and neither of them slept for more than an hour.
Yet, Crescent Wing felt so close to her destination that her bloodlust overcame even her own despairing doubts.
TO BE CONTINUED…