AN: Things are about to get interesting in the chapter! At this point, I'm planning on posting two chapters a day until all 22 chapters are posted, which will go a little bit past the DPxDC Bang posting week. I haven't forgotten about Shades of Red! I've been in a bit of a rut and life has been a bit chaotic for the past few months. I hope you all enjoy this chapter!
The cavern where many of the strongest yeti had gathered was enormous. Its rough stone walls were covered in a ring of ornate paintings, each weaving the history of Avalfirn. The only light came from an oculus, casting cool blue light from the ceiling to the stone floor below. Frostbite, Chrysal, and other trusted yeti had clustered towards the back of the room, furthest from the entrance.
On the back wall, there was a nearly imperceptible stretch of unmarked stone. To the outside eye, it almost looked as if the artist had made a mistake, starting one mural a few feet away from the last. A subtle chip in the otherwise smooth stone was the only indicator that there was more to that stretch of wall than meets the eye. With a careful claw, Frostbite nudged at the dent, removing a thin stone panel that concealed a deep cavity. Inside lay a sparkling, gilded chest adorned with diamonds and other fine jewels. Chrysal, a formidable yeti who stood a few inches shorter than Frostbite, cloaked in a rich blue robe that contrasted starkly against her gray fur, gently pulled the chest out, holding it out for Frostbite to open.
The room echoed with a hushed silence. Frostbite carefully opened the chest to reveal the Infi-map. The dark green map almost seemed to vibrate with a magical aura. With one paw, Frostbite gently lifted the map from the chest.
Chrysal, the shorter yeti, cleared her throat before breaking the silence. "Frostbite, may I ask why we are withdrawing the Infinity Map tonight?" Some of the other yeti, greener and less familiar with Frostbite's lieutenant, shared anxious looks at her question. With his other paw, Frostbite gently shut the chest as Chrysal lowered it to the ground.
Turning to the small group, Frostbite's voice rumbled from his chest. "That is a fair question, Chrysal. As you all know, the Great One has not been seen in the Infinite Realms for several weeks now," He paused, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "You all may not be fully aware that the Great One's portal has been reported as having disappeared."
A few quiet gasps and murmurs broke out across the room. Frostbite continued, ignoring the noise. "Johnny 13 and our guest, Red Hood, proposed that they seek aid from Wulf, who is known to be able to open his own portals." There were a few doubtful stares from the crowd at Johnny 13's name.
"I believe that with Wulf's help, they would be able to get to Amity Park and check in on the Great One. They are all just as concerned as we are about his disappearance; Red Hood in particular is excited to meet the Great One." At that, some of the skeptics seemed to settle a bit.
Gelid, a young, short wolf with gray and white fur, icy horns, and deep orange-yellow garments spoke nervously. "Frostbite, could we let them use the map directly? If they are not in Amity Park, Wulf might not be able to find them." Chrysal, who had moved from Frostbite's side to stand near the other yetis, thwacked the back of Gelid's head.
"Ow!"
"Gelid, you know that we cannot let the Infinity Map out of our sight!" Chrysal scolded. Some of the other young yetis snickered.
Frostbite took pity on the young yeti. "Gelid, the Great One was able to use the Infi-Map on his own…accidentally," Frostbite grimaced, looking anything but cheery for once. "And the villainous Plasmius attempted to steal it away from him on Earth. We do not know what is happening there at the moment." At that, a somber air settled over the cavern.
"It is safer to keep it in the Ghost Zone and use it to locate Wulf here. He can safely open a portal. Johnny 13 and Kitty are familiar with Amity Park, and Red Hood has not been in the Ghost Zone for long. I am confident that they will easily find him on Earth." Frostbite finished.
"Oh." Gelid said softly, looking sheepish.
A pensive look came across Frostbite's face, his fur moving with his expression. Suddenly, his face brightened, as if he had just thought of something brilliant.
"Now," he said brightly, as cool light reflected off of his horns. "I believe that one of you should accompany Chrysal on the journey to find Wulf. Keep in mind that the realms beyond the Far Frozen may not be so welcoming. Any volunteers?" Frostbite asked.
Despite the fact that this was a rare occasion for the yetis to venture outside of their realm and a rare chance to use the Infi-Map, very few of the young yeti dared to so much as raise a paw to volunteer. Several of them looked to the sides, or ground, not daring to speak up. Undeterred by the relative lack of enthusiasm, Frostbite's eyes landed on Gelid again.
"Ah, Gelid! Would you be interested in accompanying Chrysal?" Frostbite asked cheerily. The young yeti gulped, eyes going wide. From the side, Chrysal was side eyeing the chief, incredulous at his decision. Gelid looked to either side, looking for a rescue from a more experienced or competent peer. The other yetis were silent. Helplessly, Gelid shrugged.
"Um…yeah, I'll go–" Someone nudged him from behind, spurring him to change tack. "Uh, thank you for the opportunity, Chief Frostbite!" he finished, bowing deeply.
"Fantastic!" Frostbite bellowed.
With a gesture, two of the yetis from the crowd burst forward, carrying two dense traveling packs and a modest selection of weaponry. One, a tall, stocky male yeti with dark gray fur and spiral horns stopped in front of Gelid, holding out a travel pack, a sword, and a sheath. To the right, a yeti with off-white fur handed Chrysal a similar package and a bow, the weapon that Chrysal had become known for millennia ago.
With little fanfare, Frostbite unrolled the map and held it out. Without saying another word, Chrysal and Gelid stepped forward, packs slung across their shoulders and weapons in hand, they stepped forward, each placing a paw on the map. The map almost seemed to take on a dark green glow.
"Just think of finding Wulf, the spirit of travel, and the map will set you on his path," Frostbite said solemnly. "A word of warning, be careful, as you do not know where you may land."
"Are you ready Gelid?" Chrysal said, looking the young yeti in the eye.
Gelid gulped. "Yes ma'am." He said softly.
The map glowed brighter, and in a flash, the two yetis were swept away, holding on to the map as it whisked them out of the cavern and across the icy landscape in no time at all.