Chapter 12 - The World of Ice
Author's note: Hi readers! I am terribly sorry I took so long to update this story, but I'm finally back! I don't want to spoil anything, but there are two boss battles in this chapter, and the second one was really hard for me to flesh out considering that it was only a few sentences long (when I wrote it as a little kid). That's why the writing process took so long. Once you're done reading this chapter, feel free to tell me if I've done a good job! Now, time to reply to your reviews!
XXCandyLoverXX, I'm so glad you enjoyed the previous chapter, especially the Giant Hamburger boss fight! The second boss fight in this chapter is just as ridiculous, maybe even more, so I hope you're excited. And yes, you could say I was bringing the spirit of Mr. Wonka into the story, although he will make an actual appearance during the final chapter! You'll find out where the Cold Key will lead to shortly!
Guest, I'm glad you enjoyed the Giant Hamburger boss fight too! Like I said to XXCandyLoverXX, the second boss fight in this chapter is just as ridiculous, maybe even more! Now, on with the story!
In stark contrast to all the scorching hot sections I've been unfortunate enough to experience along the way, such as The World of Fire, The City of Lava, and the two desert areas, this new section of the maze was frigid, enough to make me hug my arms across my body. We had entered a beautiful ice cave where hundreds of needle-like stalactites glinted and sparkled in the light, and the floor was so smooth that it reflected the ceiling just like a mirror.
Since I hadn't seen any signs yet, I was wondering what the name of this new area might be, but I suddenly felt myself slipping on ice and I flailed my arms. Thankfully Tails caught me before I could fall over.
"There ya go, buddy," the fox said with a smile as he helped me to stand upright. "Be careful here. This ice is treacherous."
"Maybe I should put some skates on or something," I muttered. "It's been ages since I skated and I always wanted to try it again."
"Remember," SpongeBob said, "this is a dream! You can do anything you want! Concentrate..."
I closed my eyes.
Concentrate...
I clasped my hands together as if I was making a wish (which I technically was).
Concentrate...
I opened my eyes a few seconds later, and a pair of ice skates shimmered around my feet. They fit perfectly, and all the laces had already been tied nice and tight. Not wanting to waste a second, I kicked off and happily skated across the mirror-like floor of the ice cave, and my friends followed me. (Strangely, they didn't have to use skates to glide around without slipping and falling.)
Suddenly, the path sloped downwards as we sped further into the cave. The skates vanished from my feet, and a clear plastic ball materialized around me, forcing me to run inside it like a hamster. I flailed my arms to steady myself. I looked around for my friends, and Sonic sped right past me in his own ball, followed by everyone else. We dodged stalactites and stalagmites left and right as best we could while trying to stay in control on the ice, which wasn't easy considering we were rolling around in spheres. Even worse, the slope suddenly became steeper! I couldn't keep up with the speed of the drop, and I began rolling around in the ball.
"Ouch! My head!" I hollered. "My back! My legs! Heeeeelp! Please, make this stop!"
Thankfully, the crazy ride came to an end as we all slammed into a snowdrift, and the balls broke into two.
"Owww," I moaned. "Hate to admit it, but my legs are kinda sore after all that running, and so is my head! As a human being, running inside a ball like that really poops me out."
"Good thing old Squidward wasn't here to experience this!" SpongeBob spoke up, and the rest of us nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, some kind of dispenser rose out of the ground, and several mugs of hot chocolate appeared beside it. I opened the dispenser, revealing a couple of Tylenol pills for me to take. Everyone else began drinking from their mugs, but the Tylenol was only for me since my friends weren't in nearly as much pain as I was.
"This should help," I said as I took the pills, drinking the hot chocolate to help them go down better, and to make me feel much warmer inside. Seconds later, my headache began to subside, and the delicious beverage warmed my body from head to toe.
"Oh, this is much better," I muttered, hugging my arms across my body once again to hold in my newfound warmth.
"Tell me about it," Patrick replied as he sipped his own mug of hot chocolate. We all finished our beverages sooner than later, feeling completely rejuvenated and ready to tackle this frosty area head-on.
After climbing up a spiral staircase made entirely out of glass, a rush of frigid air stung my cheeks, and we emerged into a mesmerizing winter wonderland that seemed straight out of a dream. The world around me was bathed in an ethereal blue light as the sunlight reflected off the glistening ice and snow, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Every surface sparkled with a crystalline sheen, from the towering icicles that hung like delicate chandeliers to the frozen trees adorned with a thick layer of frost. The ground beneath our feet was a pristine carpet of untouched snow, crunching softly with each step. The air was still, almost holding its breath in reverence for the surreal beauty that unfolded.
Above, the sky was a canvas of soft hues, transitioning from the palest pinks and blues to deeper shades of indigo. It felt like time itself had frozen, encapsulating that magical moment in a silent embrace. The only sound that broke the stillness was the occasional creaking of the frozen branches, as if nature itself was whispering secrets in that crystalline sanctuary. Lastly, a wooden sign that poked out of the ground just in front of us read, "The World of Ice", which I figured was the name of the area.
As we moved deeper into The World of Ice, the landscape unveiled even more of its wonders: a frozen stream that meandered through the landscape like a serpentine sculpture, towering spikes made of ice that reached up from the ground into the heavens, and distant snow-covered mountains standing against the horizon. The air was so crisp and pure that every breath felt like a sip of invigorating elixir.
"It feels like I'm back home in the middle of winter," I remarked, turning around to face my friends.
"We've been to these kinds of places before many times," Tails said as he happily hovered in the air. "We're used to the cold."
"Just like good ol' Sand Mountain!" Sandy chirped as she swung her lasso around. "And even when I was a baby squirrel in Texas, there was the odd blizzard here and there!"
I chuckled softly before gesturing for us to move onward, and so we did.
Eventually, my ears picked up the sound of a crackling fire nearby, and we came across a small cluster of igloos. Faint wisps of smoke were rising from one. We entered the structure, which was actually quite cozy inside. A small fire was burning in the center, and there were several mugs of steaming hot chocolate nearby.
As we warmed ourselves by the fire, I was starting to wonder what might possibly lie ahead, and when this maze would be over. But for now, I just decided to shake those thoughts loose, close my eyes, and enjoy sipping my hot chocolate.
Come to think of it, I've had plenty of opportunities to recharge myself along the course of this maze, from Sunny Gardens, to the Metropolis Ice Cream Parlor, to the luxury apartment, to the all-you-can-eat buffet in Food World, and now the igloo...but somehow I had the feeling that this would be the last of them. In other words, I had better make sure that we were fully recharged because none of us had any idea of what foes we'd face next.
We found a hidden trap door on the floor of the igloo, revealing a short staircase that descended into an icy hallway. As we reached the bottom of the stairs and entered the hallway, the air suddenly grew colder, and the sound of our footsteps reverberated against the crystalline walls. The corridor turned 45 degrees to the right, then 45 degrees to the left, and before long it opened up into another ice cave, revealing a breathtaking scene. Illuminated ice formations adorned the cavern, casting an otherworldly glow that played with the shadows.
In the center of the cave stood a towering robot, its rectangular metallic frame gleaming like a mirror. The robot's design was both awe-inspiring and intimidating, with pickaxes seamlessly integrated into its articulated arms, and two legs with spiked feet supported its weight. The pickaxes glistened in the soft light, giving an ominous hint of the impending battle. A projection that read "Welcome to the Lair of the Freeze Robot" appeared on the ground for a few seconds before it faded away.
As we entered the cave, the Freeze Robot's sensors detected our presence, and it hummed to life, turning towards us with glowing red lights for eyes. The battle began, and with a swift movement, the robot's pickaxes chipped off ice shards from the cavern walls. The shards glittered like deadly projectiles as the robot skillfully threw them in our direction.
We all had to move quickly to avoid the ice projectiles, and Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles went to town with attacking the Freeze Robot. The cave's walls echoed with the rhythmic clash of metal against ice, and the hollow thuds from Knuckles' punches and Sonic's spinning attacks. The robot's movements were deliberate, each swing of its pickaxes a calculated attempt to overwhelm us. SpongeBob was launching Cruise Bubble after Cruise Bubble at the metallic monstrosity, and I made sure that the yellow sea sponge would not get hit by any of the ice shards.
Suddenly, with a mighty blow, the Freeze Robot shattered the icy floor beneath it, revealing a hidden lake situated under the cave. Rockets ignited to keep the robot above the surface. The jagged edges of the broken floor created an intricate pattern, and we all found ourselves standing on a precarious ice floe amid the frozen expanse. The battle had escalated, adding an element of danger as we now had to balance on the shifting surface while dodging the relentless onslaught of ice shards. Worse, I knew that if Sonic did so much as put a single toe in the water, he'd be a goner since he hated swimming.
The cavern echoed with the sounds of battle, the clanging of metal, the shattering of ice, and the occasional sonic boom. As the intense battle neared its climax, I observed the robot's movements and detected a pattern in its attacks. Seizing the opportunity, I skillfully dodged a barrage of ice shards and managed to close the distance between the robot and me.
With a swift and well-timed maneuver, I evaded a powerful swing of the robot's pickaxes and, using the icy terrain to my advantage, executed a series of agile kicks, each one creating a bigger dent in the Freeze Robot's metallic body. In a daring move, Patrick leaped onto the robot's massive metallic frame, using its own structure against it. With precise timing, Sandy aimed for a vulnerable joint and delivered a powerful karate kick, causing the robot to malfunction. Its movements became erratic, and sparks flew as it struggled to maintain control.
Taking advantage of the robot's weakened state, Knuckles skillfully disarmed it, rendering its pickaxes useless. The cavern resonated with the clatter of falling weapons as the robot staggered, its once formidable presence now reduced to a metallic giant on the brink of defeat.
In a final, dramatic moment, I exploited the robot's vulnerability and delivered a decisive blow that disabled its internal power source. With a hum, the Freeze Robot powered down, its imposing figure frozen in a defeated stance. The cavern, once filled with the echoes of battle, fell silent.
"That's whatcha get for messin' with us!" Sandy said, glaring at the decommissioned robot.
"Wow, that was intense," I wheezed as I tried to catch my breath. "I could use another mug of hot chocolate."
"Yeah, that was pretty tough," Knuckles admitted.
Sonic pointed at the Freeze Robot and said, "Too bad it's all over...FOR YOU!"
As we emerged from the aftermath of the robot battle, the cavern opened up into an even larger ice chamber. This one was slightly dimmer, and the ceiling was partially open, revealing a beautiful green aurora that shimmered in the starry sky. The air was frigid, and the faint scent of sweet candy lingered in the cold. Before us stood an extraordinary sight: the Ice Cream Man, a colossal creature made entirely of ice cream, much to Patrick's delight! The Ice Cream Man's body consisted of towering scoops of chocolate chip, vanilla, and strawberry, with toppings of rainbow sprinkles and chocolate fudge. The creature's eyes, made of glowing blueberries, focused intently on me as my friends and I entered its domain.
The hungry starfish was about to make a mad dash for it, but SpongeBob held him back.
"Patrick," SpongeBob said, "don't you think this creature might be more dangerous than it appears?"
"Uhhh, I guess you're right," Patrick replied.
Without hesitation, the Ice Cream Man roared to life, and the battle commenced. The cavern's atmosphere shifted as the sweet aroma of melting ice cream mixed with the chill of the surroundings. The creature's movements were surprisingly swift, and with each step, it left a trail of rapidly melting goodness behind, which Patrick happily licked off the ground.
The Ice Cream Man attacked us with a variety of frozen candy projectiles, launching sundaes, popsicles, and scoops of ice cream with impressive accuracy. Dodging became an intricate dance as we navigated through the frozen treats, each one leaving a temporary icy residue on the cave floor. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles relentlessly attacked the Ice Cream Man, and even though their moves did cause it to slow down, the Ice Cream Man was able to repair itself thanks to hidden nozzles in the ceiling that supplied it with more ice cream and toppings.
"Ooh, yum!" Patrick grinned as he gleefully continued to lick the ice cream. "The ice cream just keeps coming and coming!"
"Oh no!" SpongeBob cried out, clutching the sides of his big, rectangular head. "It's repairing itself! What can we possibly do?"
Sandy stormed towards SpongeBob. "Well, what do you think we should do? My lasso moves ain't workin' either!"
Patrick, now realizing that this wasn't intended to be a buffet, stopped licking the Ice Cream Man's legs.
"If this is truly a creature that needs to be defeated," Patrick said, "then I got an idea! We shall consult the Terrific Triple Krabby Patty!"
"Patrick, you're a genius!" SpongeBob replied triumphantly, giving his best friend a high-five. Suddenly, a large, translucent hamburger shimmered into existence like a ghost, hovering in front of the sea sponge and starfish.
"You've summoned me here," the Terrific Triple Krabby Patty spoke with a feminine voice. "How can I be of service to you?"
SpongeBob's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh, majestic Krabby Patty! We need your help defeating the Ice Cream Man. Can you guide us to victory?"
The translucent burger shimmered with a reassuring glow. "Fear not, SpongeBob SquarePants! I am here to assist you in your culinary conquest. Together, we shall create a dish that will melt even the iciest of foes!"
Patrick, always focused on the prospect of food, chimed in, "Does that mean more ice cream?"
The Terrific Triple Krabby Patty chuckled, "Indeed, Patrick! But first, we must combine our flavors wisely to create the ultimate concoction."
SpongeBob added, "And don't forget a dash of teamwork!"
With renewed determination, our trio consulted with the Krabby Patty, planning their next move to ensure the success of their battle with the Ice Cream Man.
Sonic dashed towards the Ice Cream Man, circling around it at supersonic speed, creating a mini tornado with his movements. Tails flew above, devising a plan to disable the repair nozzles on the ceiling. Knuckles, with his powerful punches, focused on creating cracks in the ice cream armor. Sandy, utilizing her agility, swung her lasso, aiming to tangle the creature's legs and slow it down further.
I joined the fray, unsure of my role amidst this fantastical team. Sonic, noticing my hesitation, shot me a quick nod. "Come on, partner! We've got this!"
Emboldened by Sonic's encouragement, I focused on the Ice Cream Man's weak spots, aiming to disrupt its regenerative process. My hands glowed with a faint energy as I channeled whatever mysterious power had brought me into this surreal adventure.
Sonic's voice echoed, "Knock 'em out, buddy!" I nodded, feeling a surge of determination.
The Ice Cream Man, now under the assault of our combined efforts, struggled to keep up. Sonic and Tails executed their plan flawlessly, disabling one of the repair nozzles on the ceiling. Knuckles delivered powerful punches, creating fractures in the ice cream structure. Sandy's lasso, skillfully thrown, ensnared the creature's legs, restricting its movement.
With the Ice Cream Man temporarily subdued, Patrick shouted, "Now, SpongeBob!"
SpongeBob, Patrick, and I joined forces, creating a coordinated distraction. Patrick charged at the creature, waving his arms wildly, while SpongeBob somersaulted, creating a whirlwind of bubbles around him. I followed their lead, using my newfound abilities to create illusions that further confused the Ice Cream Man.
Seizing the opportunity, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Sandy coordinated their attacks. Sonic spun into a high-speed ball, aiming for the weakened spots in the creature's ice cream body. Tails, with his technological expertise, managed to disable the final repair nozzle, putting an end to the Ice Cream Man's regeneration process.
The battle raged on, but now, with each of us contributing, the Ice Cream Man was gradually losing ground. As Patrick yelled, "Fire in the hole!" he and SpongeBob prepared for the final blow.
The Terrific Triple Krabby Patty cheered, "Great job, everyone! Now, we must deliver the final blow. SpongeBob, Patrick, combine your energy so we can unleash the Ultimate Krabby Patty Blast!"
SpongeBob and Patrick, guided by the Terrific Triple Krabby Patty, focused their energy on the Ice Cream Man. The patty began to glow with a dazzling light, transforming into a radiant energy beam.
"Fire in the hole!" Patrick shouted once more, and together they unleashed the Ultimate Krabby Patty Blast. First came the bun, then the patty, followed by ketchup, mustard, pickles, extra onions, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and bun, in that order! All the ingredients came together and created a storm that surrounded the Ice Cream Man, and before long, the Ice Cream Man blew up in a tremendous explosion, sending ice cream and dessert toppings literally everywhere!
As Patrick gleefully licked the ice cream off of nearly every surface, we all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Ah, the sweet taste of success!" I grinned as I sucked the ice cream off of my fingers, one by one until it was all gone.
After a few minutes, I gathered my friends, and we headed towards a large door at the other end of the room. I turned the handle and the door opened without so much as a creak, and after passing through a magic curtain that cleaned us off from head to toe, we entered a small room where the next key floated and shimmered in midair. I reached towards the key and clutched it in my hand.
"This is the Giant Key," the disembodied voice spoke. "The door has been unlocked."
"Doesn't look giant to me," Sonic said as he looked at the key, which sure enough, was normal-sized.
"Maybe we'll be entering a world of giants or something like that," I hypothesized as I inserted the key into the door's keyhole. With a click, the door opened, and we all marched into the next area of the maze.
Author's note: I hope you all enjoyed this long overdue chapter! Please let me know if the wait was worth it, and stay tuned for more!