Chapter 18: Wonderful Workshop[]
Throughout the night, the lights seemed to flash at a similar consistency all the way through. Pouchy was the first to wake up, still incredibly dazed out from his awful sleep the night before, his fur incredibly disheveled as he sat on top of the log. Snowy swiftly opened up his eyes, staring at Pouchy. “GOOD MORNING!!” He said ecstatically, to which Pouchy drowsily waved. Snowy lifted up an eyebrow. “Did you sleep alright last night??”
Pouchy shook his head, looking down as he traced his wing in the LED bathed snow. “..Well um, not really.. I think I was just messed up a little from yesterday, that’s all..” Snowy looked a bit worried, flying over to Pouchy and holding his back. “WELL THEN! Just let me know if you need anything! I’d be MORE than happy to help!”
Pouchy chuckled slightly. “Thanks, Snowy..” Snowy started looking around with clenched eyes, staring at Brad and Spectacles and then at the logs. “..How’re they not ASH by now??” Pouchy placed his wing on his face contemplatively. “Hm.. I.. don’t actually know.. I bought them from someone back where me and Spectacles come from..”
Snowy looked at Pouchy, his scar crackling with sparks. “Maybe they’re MAGIC??” Pouchy giggled slightly, covering his face with his wing before looking back at Snowy and arching an eyebrow. “Maybe.. Though I can’t exactly say I’ve seen a whole lot of Magic where I come from, at least not.. Y’know, like all the stuff we’ve seen here!”
Snowy nodded as the two glanced over at Spectacles and Brad. “What do you say, Pouchy?” He looked at Pouchy as the two looked back at each other smugly. With a sudden movement, they both dashed over to Spectacles and Brad. Pouchy poked Brad on the head and Snowy summoned an ice cube on Spectacles’ face.
Spectacles suddenly got up and began running around frantically, his eyes still dazy. “O-OH MY GOSH! No no! Please Mr. Bandit, I.. I-I’ll give you everything in my bag, just please don’t hurt m-” He stopped himself as he watched Pouchy and Snowy laughing on the snow hysterically, his scared expression turning into one of annoyance as he pushed up his glasses. “Hilaaarious..”
Brad had already woken up from the continuous poking and placed his hat on his head, slightly ruffling his fur. “Alright, we get it. Ya’ want us to get up.” Brad chuckled lightly as he checked his revolver and bag. “Well then, since we’re up, ready t’get on the road?”
“A-Aren’t we gonna eat something..?” Spectacles asked. Pouchy looked back at him with a dismissive expression, waving his wing as if to signal no. “Oh c’mon Specks, we’ll just get something when we meet Festive Bee. I’m sure she’ll have something great for us!”
Snowy grinned, extending his wing confidently as he closed his eyes. “DEFINITELY! I hope she has some birthday cake for us! Or.. at least some pinecones?” Everybody looked at Snowy weirdly. “Fine, FINE! Just a birthday cake, then.” He pulled out a pinecone from his coat pocket unexpectedly, tossing it into his mouth as he crunched it. “What?”
As everybody continued at Snowy Pouchy swiftly darted around, picking up all the logs and placing them back into his Pouch. Just as everybody finished talking, Pouchy had completed packing everything up, breathing out in a relieved tone as he dusted off his wings. “Y-You um.. Don’t mind getting all that ash in your Pouch?” Pouchy looked at the slight gray stains on his Pouch, then shook his head. “Going to get messed up at some point.. Maybe Festive’ll even get me a new one!” Pouchy looked down at his wrist as if looking at a watch. “Darn! We gotta get moving!”
Everybody nodded as they took one final look at Lighttown; the sparkling and mesmerizing glow of the town gracing their eyes and the fur on their faces once more as Pouchy smiled determinedly, looking back at the Lighthouse, Junkyard, and then turning back ahead. “Let’s go, team! We got a Bee to reunite!”
As they flew out of Lighttown, the landscape began to devolve into something less.. Jolly. The snow began to get ever darker, and the landscape seemed to resemble a cave far more than any of the other locations. Water slowly dripped from the ceiling like a type of gloomy rain. “(D-Don’t tell me it’s going to be like the Junkyard..)” Spectacles muttered to himself, pushing up his glasses as he kept his wings close to himself, flying cautiously. “(Great. ‘Nother one of these.)” Brad mumbled gruffly.
The team kept pressing onwards through the darkened snow. Eventually, something caught Pouchy’s eye. It seemed to be a spot that was far darker than the rest of the snow. Pouchy instantly darted over to the spot, his eyes sparkling with stars as he looked down. It seemed to be a sort of tape. Spectacles soon caught up with Pouchy, followed by Brad and Snowy. “P-Pouchy! We have to stay together! C-Can’t just be running off all impulsively..” Spectacles scolded. Pouchy remained transfixed on the tape, clicking the button as a recorded voice began playing, resembling someone they had heard before.
“Audio tape #1. This is Stitchy. I’m guessing if you’re listening to this, then you don’t know who I am. Well people are going to be chanting my name real soon. That’s right. I’m investigatin’ that Jolly old fellow. Before I did however, I decided to leave this tape behind. Left it in the snow randomly so they can’t go back and destroy the evidence, like I’d bet they would. Anyway. Everybody always talks about Bee Bear ‘n Festive like they’re some sort of saviors. I guess you could say that in a way. They’ve done a lot of good. ..But I’ve seen the bad that they can do. And believe me, it far outweighs the good on a moral scale. NOBODY believes me when I call them bad people. Some don’t even think that they exist. Like they’re some fairy tale.”
Everybody’s eyes widened in shock as the recording continued to play on, the audio crackling in and out. Fittingly, it started to rain slightly. “They all look at me like I’m crazy back at the Diner. It’s not hard to see why. A Looker Bee, big ol’ eye with a stitch over one of ‘em, spouting out stuff about magical deities being real ‘nd being evil. I suppose I should say why I think that. And I suppose I am in a way. Maybe, if you’re one of their little henchmen listenin’ to this, then you’ll change your ways after I share my story. I was walking out of my house one day, gettin’ everything ready for Beesmas. And that’s when I saw them. Two sets of dull, lifeless eyes, looking back at me as they trudged towards me at a breakneck pace. And then, it all went dark, before I could even catcha glimpse of their faces. When I awoke again, I found my face coated in red; crimson blood staining the snow around me, hurt worse than anything I’ve ever felt. After the incident, I became obsessed with finding out the perpetrator. It wasn’t until a week later that I began putting the pieces together. No Bee moves that fast. Hasty Bees, sure, but the other figure.. It just didn’t line up. And then it hit me. Bee Bear ‘n Festive. That’s what the locals call ‘em. People often get presents around Beesmas time, and all the little kids think they’re from them.”
The audio began crackling again. Pouchy looked back at everybody. “I-Is.. this the guy from Frosty Trees?” Brad and Spectacles nodded slowly while Snowy looked confused. The audio began coming back together slowly. “That’s all. I’ve talked enough. I just wanted to leave some trace of myself if something does go wrong. If I’m right, I’ll have these things when people wanta explanation so I don’t gotta answer their dumb questions. The Workshop isn’t too far from here. This is Stitchy signing off.” The voice then fizzled out.
“T-That was.. A lot..” Pouchy said, still a bit shocked by the revelation. Brad crossed his wings, arching an eyebrow. “..Maybe they aren’t as good as we thought. Sounds to me like they’re a couple’f monsters.” Snowy looked at Brad, almost a bit angry as his voice had a hint of rage. “Don’t say that about her! You don’t know ANYTHING about how much she’s done for me!”
Pouchy looked at Snowy as his chest heaved up and down slightly. “Snowy’s right.. We can’t just be jumping to conclusions. ..Especially when they come from someone like Stitchy. Pinecone did say he was crazy..” Spectacles looked a bit nervous “B-But what if that’s why they’re crazy?? I highly doubt t-that somebody would go through all that effort just to make up a lie..”
Snowy started getting exceedingly angry, frosty tears beginning to swell from his eyes. “STOP talking about her like that!! If it wasn’t for her we wouldn’t have even gotten as far as we have. All of these people we’ve met? The Map? My home?! ALL from her!” Snowy looked uncharacteristically livid. Pouchy looked at Snowy as the tears dropped from his coal eyes, his scar flaring with sparks. “Look. We just.. Don’t have anything to base this off of! Everything we’ve seen so far of Festive points to the opposite. Festive is a good person..”
Brad cocked an eyebrow. “But what if she isn’t? What if he’s right?” Snowy looked to be increasingly angry as Pouchy stepped in front of him. “Then we’ll.. Figure something else out. We’re good at alternative solutions! I’m sure we could work something out. And besides, if it did happen, I’m sure it was an accident.. We know enough about her to know she’d never do something like that. At least.. Not intentionally.. We can’t keep fighting like this! We’re supposed to be a team..”
Snowy looked down at the ground, drying his tears. “I-I’m.. Sorry I lashed out at you two.. It’s just.. Without her.. I’m nothing.. I wouldn’t even be here..” Brad looked slightly more understanding but still held a suspicious undertone. “It’s.. okay.” He said gruffly.
“See? Everybody’s good! We’re still a team!” Pouchy said with a slight tinge of anxiety in his voice. He pulled out his Pouch, grabbing hold of the Map and staring at it. Its green light seemed to be flashing softly. “Well, on the good side.. We’re close!” Everybody looked at each other for a moment before reluctantly nodding.
“SOOO, where to now, Pouch?” Pouchy looked around, the map in his wings as it began to light up and flash when held in certain directions. Eventually, the flashing of the Map coincided with Pouchy’s eyes landing on a large tunnel that seemed to lead to a separate part of the Cave. “..I guess she likes Caves?” Pouchy looked back at everybody as he turned back around, everybody following him into the Caves.
The Caves were far different than the dreary atmosphere of the outside of Lighttown. They were strangely well lit despite possessing no visible light sources; illuminated by a yellow glare that was impossible to pinpoint the location of. Additionally, they seemed to be made entirely out of ice, as opposed to the typical stone variants and snow of the outer caverns. Icicles hung on the floor and the ceiling, reflecting the group’s appearances in a warped fashion.
“L-Least this place is better.. Um.. lit.. A-And.. What’s with the light?” Spectacles asked, a slight tinge of anxiety hanging in his voice from the group’s earlier argument. Snowy flew over to him, placing his wing on his back and pointing onward with the other one while closing his eyes pridefully, his scar flaring with jolly yellow flames. “Oh, don’t question it, big eyes! Probably a little bit’a MAGIC!”
Pouchy continued wandering around the cave looking for the next tunnel to enter. Some spots on the walls had scratches, as though somebody had attempted to carve certain messages into them. Some depicted Festive Bee, flying above multiple unnamed Bees with a halo on their head. Others depicted Bee Bear flying in a sleigh being carried by three unknown bees with large floppy ears. Pouchy gazed in awe at the murals, stars shining in his sparkling eyes.
Brad flew through the cave slowly, keeping his wits about him as he noticed something carved into the wall. “Hey, might wanna check this out.” He called out to the group, pointing at the scratches on the wall. They seemed to be chronological, as if telling a sort of story.
They depicted similar buildings to those seen in Snowman Town, all sitting soundly with a carved ice sun shining over them all. The next scene showed a Frosty Bee; presumably a child even younger than Pouchy and Spectacles. The scene then moved on to this same child getting yelled at by what could be presumed to be parental figures. A large building known as the “Snowman Town Orphanage” was carved into the ice in the next scene.
That same Frosty Bee child sitting in the orphanage; though it was carved and drawn out to look more like a prison, large bars etched into the ice sharply; as though the person drawing it felt rather angry about this part of the story. The next showed the Bee talking to two adults, and the next, living in their house. The scene followed up with showing the two adults yelling at the now older child in a similar way to the previous two; carved ice thought bubbles with depictions of Festive Bee, Beesmas Trees, and other festive objects, whereas the child’s thought bubbles had drawn depictions of creating things out of what could be guessed to be scraps.
The scene then moved on to the child breaking out of the house and living on the streets of the city, a carved frown etched into the icy drawing. And then the final one depicted the child taking something from somebody. He seemed to be happy. As the next wall went blank, everybody stared at each other with confused expressions. “WOAH! That kid’s just like me! Besides, uh.. The stealing ‘nd stuff..” Snowy looked nervous for a moment before returning to his usual positive demeanor.
Everybody looked at Pouchy, as if wanting an explanation. “Why’re you all looking at me? I don’t know!” Brad looked at the drawings intently, knowing very well who it was. Surprisingly, he was the only one to put the pieces together. “(I knew you weren’t all bad.)” He muttered softly to himself as the group continued on throughout the icy caves.
Eventually, Pouchy saw a large exit to the tunnel. He looked down at the Map; it now flashing wildly in his wings. “Here we are, guys!” He called out excitedly as he grabbed Spectacles by the wing, flying out of the tunnel as Brad and Snowy followed behind him swiftly. With one swift flap of their wings, the group all landed in the snow outside.
Pouchy’s eyes darted around swiftly, trying to find out where to go next. He and the group flew throughout the air with exceeding speed before being cut off by a very energetic voice. “HEYA TRAVELLERS!!” Pouchy looked around him, confused at where the voice was coming from. Brad pointed downwards to a small building resembling something of a stable, but mixed with aspects of other architecture they had seen in the Frosted Peaks.
The group flew downwards to meet with the mysterious voice, only to be met by three rather large figures. They all were outfitted in wildly contrasting outfits, had floppy ears, and appeared to all be Puppy Bees. The one that spoke from before wore his hair in a very spiky manner, and wore an outfit that matched his outgoing demeanor. “Hi! Do you.. Happen to know where Festive Bee is? Me and my friends are looking for her, and the other Events and we were wondering if-” The Bee swiftly cut him off. “SURE DO! The name’s Ranger, by the way. And over there is Smarty Pants, or.. Uhh.. Rodger, and over there’s Macab!”
Pouchy waved at the two figures standing behind Ranger. The ‘Smarty Pants’ one appeared to be a Puppy Bee dressed in very well made clothing, though not particularly fitting with the aesthetic of the rest. The other appeared to have a fascination with darkly colored clothes and wore her hair in a way that covered up her face. He then turned back to Ranger. “Well I’m Pouchy! Nice to meet you!” The Bee nodded excitedly. “The Pleasure’s all mine!! So, uh, heard that you wanted to.. Know which way Festive Bee is, don’cha?”
Pouchy nodded his head, grinning. Ranger closed his eyes, lifting up his wing. “Sounds good to me! But, uh.. I was wondering if you could do me a teeny, tiny favor..” Brad raised an eyebrow suspiciously, remembering where this got them the last time. “Oh no no don’t worry! I don’t have any fetch quests. Just.. a little battle. Your group against us! Excluding Ol’ Big Lenses over there, he doesn’t seem to be much of a fighter. Don’t worry, no hurting’ll be involved. I’ll use some sparkly MAGIC to heal ya’ if things do happen, though.” He lifted up his wings as everybody seemed to be coated in a strange yellow aura.
Spectacles heaved a sigh of relief as Pouchy flashed a smile. “Sure thing! Right, team?” He looked back as everybody excluding Spectacles nodded happily. Macab placed a wing on her face, looking at Rodger. “(Welp, he’s back at it again..)” Rodger sighed. “(Indeed..)” The two lifted up their wings as everybody got into a fighting stance.
Pouchy dashed into the air, spinning around as he punched Ranger gently; Ranger swiftly blocked the impact with a strange yellow flame and then sent Pouchy tumbling into the snow with a giggle. Snowy placed his wings together as he dashed at Macab. Macab reached into her spiked outfit, pulling out a tennis ball with spikes engraved into it. Snowy’s eyes widened for a moment as they dashed over to him, Snowy instantly creating a shield out of ice and blocking the impacts, sending another block of ice at Macab and knocking her into the ground.
Meanwhile, Brad was dealing with Rodger and Ranger. Ranger swiftly lifted up his wings, throwing various tennis balls into the air and attempting to slam Brad with them as he held up his wings, cutting through them all with a single punch as he slammed Ranger into the ground, grabbing onto one of the tennis balls and revolving himself around before releasing it and hitting Rodger in the face. Pouchy watched his actions from the snow with astonishment, his eyes sparkling with stars.
Snowy coated both of his wings in ice, punching Macab rapidly as she blocked his impacts with their mace, reaching into their pocket and swiftly dashing backwards, pulling out multiple spiked tennis balls as they quickly tightened their grip on their mace, using it to launch multiple of them at Snowy. Snowy closed his eyes, ice swirling around him as he summoned some ice under Pouchy, Pouchy sliding across the ground as he came up behind Macab unexpectedly, slamming her into the ground with a punch. Pouchy and Snowy high fived and hit a victory pose.
Meanwhile, Ranger was continuously swinging tennis balls at Brad as the two went back and forth throughout the air. Brad spun his revolver out, waiting until one of the tennis balls was right on the end of his revolver and then shooting it, catapulting the sphere at Ranger with exceeding swiftness as he was launched into the ground with a thud.
Pouchy, Snowy, and Brad all landed on the ground, hitting a victory pose as the other group swiftly got up. Ranger’s eyes widened, both with enjoyment and shock at the team’s level of teamwork. “You guys were AMAZING!!” Spectacles looked over everyone with a confused expression as the yellow auras around them began to vanish with a crackle of sparks. “W-What was that..?”
Ranger laughed. “Oh nothing much, just a bit of MAGIC! Learned it a long time ago from the dynamic duo themselves. Essentially, like.. Protects ya’ from getting hurt! Pretty cool, huh?” Pouchy’s eyes widened. “Cool?! That’s AWESOME!!”
Macab giggled slightly, speaking in a monotone voice with a slight tinge of sincerity. “As were you three.” Rodger looked at the group, adjusting his glasses. “Certainly. It’s quite rare to see a team so in tune with eachother’s strengths and weaknesses. A true anomaly. ..In the best way possible.” He clarified.
“Well then.. You guys won, so.. Guess I have to tell ya’ where Festive is, huh? Well she should be straight ahead of our stables. I would just.. Be careful. That Bandit’s got everybody all worked up; she’ll have guards stationed all ‘ver the place. I’d suggest, uh.. Sneakin’ in. Don’t tell either of them I told you to do that!” Pouchy giggled, winking as he gestured for his group to follow him. “Will do! Thanks for everything!” The group swiftly flew away as they waved back at Ranger and the others.
Once they were gone, Rodger turned to Ranger. “..You don’t think they’re trying to reunite the Event Bees, do you?” Ranger nodded slowly. “..Yeah, what about it?” Rodger sighed, pushing up his glasses.
“Do you remember the other?” Macab glared, sighing annoyedly. “Boy I sure do. Wish I didn’t. Glad they failed, woulda certainly gone mad with that kind of power.” She remarked, pushing her hair off of her eyes. Ranger looked quite sad. “Hey, don’t say that.. I’m sure that under all of.. That.. They were a wonderful person!”
“You’re too naive sometimes, Ranger.” Macab sighed with a tinge of disappointment in her voice. Rodger turned towards the both of them. “So then, what do you two think of the replacements?” Ranger smiled gleefully. “Oh I think they’re wonderful! They’ve got the whole thing in the bag!”
“They’re nice, yes, but I wouldn’t exactly say that it’s gonna come easy for them. We’re talking about deities here. Not some random people with child level pettiness. ..Though some of them do act like that sometimes.” Rodger looked at Macab, nodding slowly. “I see your point, but it doesn’t make logical sense. If he could do it with that awful demeanor, then these guys certainly have a more than substantial chance.”
Macab sighed, glaring lightly before their gaze became indifferent. “Whatever you say, Rodger, Whatever you say. You’re the brainiac after all.” Rodger smiled pridefully as the group flew back inside of their stables.
Meanwhile, Pouchy and the others had arrived at the Workshop. It looked like a very large compound, sharing architectural similarities with both Snowman Town, and Lighttown, as well as some new ones such as an obsession with gold, red, and swirl patterns. “Well, guys, we’re here..” Snowy was giddy, shaking intensely. Spectacles looked worried and raised an eyebrow, pushing up his glasses and placing his wing on his beanie. “U-Um.. Are you alright..?”
Snowy grinned ecstatically, his scar nearly catching a fire with the amount it was sparking. “ALRIGHT?! I’ve never been better! We’re THIS close to seeing her!!” Spectacles swiftly shut his mouth, turning around to look at Pouchy as he fiddled with the Map. “So, how do you guys suggest we get into t-”
“By the roof. People rarely look upwards, a much safer spot than going through the side or floor.” Everybody looked at Brad with confused and slightly worried expressions at his remarkably swift answer. Pouchy looked around the Workshop, able to see various guards dotted around it, all with sparkling red and gold armor, the vibrant colors contrasting greatly with the pale snow.
“W-Well then, let’s go team!” Pouchy pointed upwards as the group quickly darted up to the roof of the Workshop. The group landed on the roof and began looking around intently. Brad got in front of the group, pointing down to a very specific portion of the roof. “This one. The lack’a sound points this one to not bein’ in current use. Anyway, gonna need yer help, Snow.” Snowy flew over to the spot beside Brad.
“I’ve.. never broken into something before..” Snowy looked at Brad with a completely dumbfounded expression, their scar gone static. Brad looked over at Snowy. “Then all ya’ gotta know for now is just to use those powers. Cut us a gap into here.” Snowy looked confused and unsure as he placed his wings together, generating an icicle. He closed one of his eyes and moved his mouth in a concentrating fashion as he began sawing through the brown wood. Eventually, a small portion of the roof fell in, providing an opening into the room inside.
From a glance, there seemed to be various outfits held on large gold hangers, and there also seemed to be no lights in sight. Pouchy flew over to the opening, peering inside as he adjusted the straps on his Pouch and his scarf to cover up his face more. “By the looks of it, it seems like we got a storage room!” Brad nodded his head as the three jumped behind first into the storage closet.
Spectacles peered in at the three from the roof. “U-Um.. Are you.. Sure we should be doing this..?” Spectacles asked nervously, his expression looked conflicted. Pouchy waved up his wings in a dismissive manner. “Relax, Specks! Everything’ll be fine!” Spectacles glared for a moment before sighing and hopping into the storage room with the rest of the group.
Pouchy looked around through the dark room as Snowy swiftly covered up the gap with ice. Brad squinted his eyes as he flew through the dark room, eventually seeing a small sliver of light peeking into the room. “Get dressed everyone.” He gestured towards the various clothes being hung up with hangers. They all seemed to be oversized sweaters outfitted with large bells and different patterns of red, green, and gold, along with long hats of a similar appearance.
Everyone suited up in the uniforms. Despite having the same general appearance, all of the patterns on the sweaters were entirely unique. Spectacles waddled off of the ground and slowly lifted himself into the air. “S-Sure would be nice if we had some place to put our clothes..” Pouchy giggled. “Suuure would!”
Snowy was nearly shaking with joy in his newfound uniform. “Oh my GOSH! I can’t believe I’m really wearing one of Festive’s elves uniforms!! They’re so soft and cozy, and..” He trailed off, babbling cheerfully as everybody laughed under their breaths. “What I would do to be one of her elves.. They get to make people happy, AND look fashionable while doing it!!”
Pouchy flew over to Snowy as Brad began to open up the door. “Well then, my snow-made friend, maybe once we meet Festive, she’ll let you!” Spectacles nodded cheerfully, grinning with glee as sparks crackled from his scar. Brad ended up looking back at everybody. “Alright everyone. I’m gonna need ya’ to listen up. The only way we’re gonna get t’Festive is by disguise. See where I’m going with this?”
Everybody nodded. “B-But, um.. What if I m-mess up and-” Brad looked down at the ground for a minute, shuffling with his coat. “No problem. We’ll all cover for ya. And remember, that’s worst case scenario. Don’t be overthinkin’ things.” Spectacles nodded slowly, pushing up his glasses as the three flew out of the storage closet and were greeted by beautiful scenery, and a bright golden glow.
The inside of the workshop was decorated beautifully; red velvet and gold walls decorated with swirls, complete with charming dark brown wood floors made from the Pine Trees found on the surface. Multiple pictures lined most all parts of the hall; some pictures of Bee Bear as a baby, some pictures of various Cub Buddies, and even some of Festive.
Snowy stood in front of a picture of Festive with awe, his coal eyes gleaming. “I’ve.. never actually seen Festive before, like.. In person..” Pouchy looked up at the photo, noticing how cheerful and jolly Festive Bee looked; filling their hearts with festive feelings through something as simple as a picture. “Well you’re gonna see her today! All of us are!”
The four flew throughout the very well-decorated halls, Spectacles, Snowy, and Pouchy taking in all of the uniquely designed aspects of the structure. Eventually, something stuck out from the rest of the rooms. It looked to be a set of very large dark brown wooden doors with slightly gold tinted windows in it. The group all flew over to the set of doors and peered inside of the window.
Inside, seemed to be the actual workshop. Dozens, if not hundreds of Bees and Cub Buddies were all standing at stations, making various toys so rapidly you could barely even see what was happening. The workshop seemed to carry the same cheer and well-designed nature that the rest of the building had, and all of those who were working seemed to be incredibly jolly. Some whistled, some looked like they were humming tunes, but all of them were smiling cheerfully; as if just sitting there, making gifts for people, was the best present they could have ever received.
Additionally, something in the corner of the room seemed to catch Pouchy’s eye. There looked to be two different very large boards containing the pictures of numerous different bees. It was hard to read from a distance, but the golden swirled words seemed to spell out “Top Toy Makers”, and “Top Festive Guards”. Pouchy looked over at Snowy smugly. “Maybe you’ll be there some day, Snow!” Snowy could barely hear him; he almost seemed entirely transfixed on the actions of those inside of the Workshop.
Everybody else watched all of the workers hum their merry tunes and carry on with their business with intrigue. “Pretty cool, huh?” a voice suddenly snapped everybody out of their thoughts and the entire group jumped back slightly in shock. In front of them stood a figure. They seemed to be a Fire Bee, only something was different. They had one normal eye, but the other appeared to be a swirl, with the addition of their elf clothes and a golden flame beneath them. “Oh hollybells! I’m so sorry for startling you four-”
Pouchy shrugged, adjusting his elf costume with a slight bead of sweat running down his fur. “Oh no it’s fine! What’s your name, fellow worker?” The figure lifted up their wing pridefully, golden sparks pulsing off of them as their eye continued to swirl around. “Well, uh.. It’s Sparky! ..And I’m taking it you’re new around here?”
Pouchy nodded nervously, rubbing his wing over his head as the rest of the group stared at him. “T-That would be us! Just some short little elf bees! I’m Pouchy, by the way. Pouchy the Elf Bee!” Sparky shook Pouchy’s wing, nearly shaking him off of the floor as he did it. “Oh that is just the cutest little name I’ve ever heard! You guys wait here, I want to introduce you to someone-” Sparky then flew off, bell sounds fading out as they left.
Brad looked at Pouchy. “..Well I guess he’s going to get his friend now. Let’s hope they don’t question how we’re all so short.” Pouchy patted Brad on the back as Brad took his wing off of him. “Oh calm down, Brad! It’ll be fine!! Fool one, fool ‘em all!” Brad raised an eyebrow before crossing his wings and turning away, waiting for the ‘someone Sparky wanted them to be introduced to’.
Eventually, Sparky came flying back swiftly with somebody new along their side. Rather than wearing an elf uniform, this Bubble Bee wore a large set of sparkling armor, being adorned with similar colors of bright red and gold. “See look! These’re the guys I was telling you about!” Pouchy and the rest of the group waved nervously as the Bubble Bee’s eyes gazed up and down everybody, inspecting them intricately. They flew over to Brad and extended their wing. “Nice to meet you. The name’s Riptide. I’m assuming you’re the leader of this little group?”
Brad shook Riptide’s hand and shook his head slowly. “Name’s Brad, and.. No, that would be my friend Pouchy.” Riptide looked over the group and saw Pouchy waving nervously as he rubbed the side of his head with his wing. “You sure? He doesn’t exactly scream ‘Leader’.”
Brad arched an eyebrow and was about to mutter something before Sparky lightly slapped Riptide, barely making him flinch. “Be nice, Rip! They’re new around here, remember?” Sparky paused, sighing as he looked at the group. “Sorry you all. Rip can be rude sometimes.” Riptide adjusted his armor, looking down at Sparky. “Wasn’t trying to be mean. Just a simple observation.”
“Yeah, well.. Be more considerate with your observations next time!” Riptide chuckled under his breath at Sparky’s attitude and held up his wing to signal a thumbs up. He then flew over to Pouchy, extending his wing. “Nice to meet you. Sorry we kinda had a rough start there. My bad.” Pouchy shook his wing and clung to the ground under his strong grip. “Oh it’s fine! Kind of hard to tell whose the leader, I’ll admit..”
Sparky looked at the other members. “SOOO, what’re your guys’ names?” Snowy waved excitedly and bounced up and down. “My name’s Snowy!!” Riptide raised an eyebrow through his face exposed in his suit. “..A Frosty Bee..? You were selected?”
Snowy nodded even more, grinning smugly. “Oh yeah! She knew my talent from all across Snowman Town! Recruited not too long aft-” Riptide cut him off gruffly. “Festive Bee does not allow Frosty Bees working in the Workshop. Is there something going on here or am I just out of date?” Everybody went silent and looked at Riptide nervously.
“Let me ask you again. What’s going on here?” As Snowy sweated, Riptide noticed something under his elf outfit. A small tuft of cyan cotton sticking out from the hues of green red and gold. He flew over to Snowy, looking down at him. “You’re tricking me, aren’t you?” Sparky flew over beside Riptide, speaking sympathetically. “Don’t jump to conclusions, Rip! I’m sure his friends probably wanted him to join and didn’t think about the rules.”
Riptide scoffed at Riptide. “I’m supposed to take my job seriously, Spark. We can’t let people off the hook just for a made up story we have no proof ever happened. For all we know, ‘Snowy’ here could be working for that Bandit. Or worse.” Pouchy tried to speak up. “A-Actually, the Bandit is-” Riptide cut hi, off with a loud voice. “I’ve heard enough. You’re comin’ with me.” He grabbed onto Snowy’s wing as he was suddenly stopped by a punch from Brad, sending him into the wall.
“Sorry, Bubbles, but we ain’t gettin’ locked in prison again.” Riptide looked at Brad, his shuffled fur now revealing a coat beneath his elf uniform. “Ah, so I’m guessing that ALL of you are with him, huh?!” His brows began furrowing as his swirled eye began spinning ever faster.
Sparky flew over to Riptide. “Calm down! We don’t know the fac-” Riptide cut him off. “But we have enough to know that these people are guilty. Even if that Bandit was gone it doesn’t make no difference. We still need to be on the lookout so we don’t have to deal with another. Are we clear now?”
Sparky sighed. “Now listen up. All of you are coming with me. Especially you, Brad.” Brad furrowed his brows, spinning out his revolver as he gritted his teeth. “Make me.” Bubbles began popping around Riptide as he lifted up his wing, summoning a large golden and red staff with a light gold bubble encrusted on the top of it. “I’m warning you.”
Brad dashed over to Riptide, punching him once again to everybody’s shock. Spectacles shielded his eyes. Brad reached over for another punch as Riptide instantly countered it by summoning a gold bubble onto his wing, sending Brad spiraling backwards as he slammed him with his staff, knocking him into the ground. Sparky flew into the air in front of Riptide with concerned eyes as Riptide’s grip on his staff remained strong. “Stop hurting him!” Riptide lifted up his wing, trapping Sparky in a bubble as he pushed it to the corner of the room, using more bubbles to block off the doors to the workshop.
Brad lifted up his fists, crinkling his brows further and gritting his teeth. “Nobody touches my friends. And nobody sends people to prison based on assumptions. Your logic is just as flawed as Sparky’s. Get behind me, everyone.” Brad darted at Riptide, attempting to spin out his revolver before it was coated in a golden bubble. Brad’s eyes widened slightly before he attempted to slam Riptide in the face, being instantly countered with a punch to the throat.
Brad slammed onto the ground, his vision getting hazy. “So, have you had enough yet? Or do you still believe your goal to be so noble that you’ll put your friends’ wellbeing at risk?” Brad gritted his teeth, breathing heavily. “Please. I don’t want to keep doing this. Just surrender.”
Brad spoke in an exhausted tone, furrowing his brows further. “N-Never..” Brad lifted up his wings to dart at Riptide before they were cut off by a loud sound coming from the corner of the room. “Stop.. FIGHTING!” Suddenly, Sparky tore themselves out of the bubble and raced at both Brad and Riptide in a cyclone of golden fire, knocking them both to the side. The sparks eventually subsided, leaving Sparky heaving.
Brad, Riptide, and everyone else stared at Sparky in shock. Riptide furrowed his brows. “Fine. Guess we’ll do it the other way.” Riptide took advantage of everybody’s confusion and trapped them all in bubbles, including Brad who tried to claw his way out. “Just leave, Sparky. This isn’t your duty. You aren’t a guard.”
Sparky furrowed their brows, coughing as a spark of yellow fire came out of their mouth. “Oh, right. Because you’re the perfect, oh-so-wonderful guard that can’t make a mistake once in his life, huh?” As soon as Riptide lifted up his wing to speak, Sparky cut him off. “I’m going back to work.” He then disappeared into the workshop, breaking the bubbles blocking the door.
Pouchy looked at Riptide sympathetically before Riptide lifted up his wing. “Shut up. I don’t need any advice. Especially not from liars like you four.” He lifted up his staff, carrying the bubbles with him as he carried everybody to another room.
In the bubbles, Spectacles looked at Pouchy. “W-What are we going to do..? I-I.. didn’t know Bees could do stuff like this..” Pouchy shrugged, looking worried himself. “I don't know either, but.. I’m sure we can figure it out! We can prove we’re innocent!” Pouchy grinned, trying to mask his nervousness. “(I hope..)” he muttered to himself.
Eventually, Riptide reached his destination. It appeared to be the entrance to some sort of office, and had the words “Bee Bear ‘n Festive” outlined in red and colored in bright gold. Snowy seemed oblivious to the situation and whispered to Pouchy. “Oh my GOSH!! We’re HERE!!” Brad scoffed, still exhausted from the earlier fight. “Yeah. We are.”
Suddenly their conversations were stopped as Riptide opened up the door. From inside the office, a Bear flew over to the entrance of the door, grinning playfully. “Hey Rips! What’s going ho-ho-n?” Riptide furrowed his brows. “Criminals. Right here. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do.” He left the bubbles at the door as he dashed down the halls and into the Workshop.
Bee Bear chuckled. “Ho ho ohhhh, that Riptide. Such a silly guy. Now, then..” He looked at everybody in the Bubbles. Pouchy and Spectacles were scared, Snowy was shaking with excitement, and Brad was sitting in the corner of his bubble with an exhausted and annoyed look stretched across his face. “Hey there! Come on in!” He chuckled as he pushed all of the bubbles into his office.
Everybody was entirely silent as Bee Bear sat down at his desk, writing on a very long sheet of paper with various people’s names. “Ohh, don’t look so dreary! Everything’s alright.” Spectacles seemed to be crying lightly, his glasses pushed up farther against his eyes to hide it.”B-But we’re g-gonna be locked up, and..” Spectacles sniffled. “Don’t cry, little one. You’re all safe here. Don’t worry, I know you’re all innocent! I see everything after all.”
Pouchy raised an eyebrow. “..Then why do you have all these guards looking for the Bandit?” Bee Bear raised an eyebrow, flying over to Pouchy and the others as he popped the bubbles around them, causing them to all land on the ground. “..Because he’s still out there, isn’t he?”
Pouchy shook his head. “Um, no.. He’s kind of..” Brad cut him off, crossing his arms as he furrowed his brows. “Locked up. I’d assume you’d of known that, Mr “I see everything”.” Bee Bear rubbed the side of his head nervously, chuckling. “Well, I.. ..Don’t exactly watch people every waking second, I do have other duties..”
Snowy’s eyes were sparkling as he flew up to Bee Bear, bounding up and down. “You’re Bee Bear, right? RIGHT??” Bee Bear chuckled, picking up Snowy and sitting him farther away. “Sure am, hoho! And you’re Snowy, right?”
Snowy nodded eagerly. “Well then. Let me help you guys out.. Festive Bee should be here shortly. That’s who you want to see, right?” Pouchy nodded, but raised an eyebrow. “Yes! But.. how did you know that?” Bee Bear chuckled. “Ohh, hoho. I know many things, Pouchy. Many things.” Pouchy looked astonished.
Meanwhile, Riptide was rushing to see Sparky. He eventually caught up with them at their toy making station. “Hey.. Sparks..” Sparky didn’t bother looking up at Riptide, simply continuing to make the toys rapidly as they arched an eyebrow. “What do you want? Here to degrade me more?” Riptide rubbed the side of his head, coughing. “No. I.. Just wanted to say.. So..sorr..” He continued coughing. “..I wanted to apologize.”
Sparky stopped creating toys for a moment and instead looked down at their station. “..For everything. I acted like a total jerk today. To you, to them.. And I’m sorry. I understand if you don’t want to forgive me yet, but.. I just thought it was important that I apologized for how I acted, and I want to become bett-” Sparky looked back at Riptide with furrowed brows. “..I forgive you.” He said softly.
He leaned closer. “And that doesn’t mean I’m still not mad at you. Just that.. I forgive you. I want you to learn from this, Rip.. Being a guard doesn’t mean that you have to be so rude and violent. That.. isn’t exactly in the job description.” He chuckled lightly as Riptide spoke back. “..And I understand that. It’s just.. I let my anger get the best of me. I shouldn’t have done it.”
“Yeah, you shouldn’t have. But it’s over now. Best you can do is.. Work to change for the better. And.. I’d be more than happy to help you!” He grinned as he stared back at Riptide. “Heh.. Thanks man. And I’d be more than happy to have your help.”
The two had gotten surprisingly close to each other. The both of them blushed lightly as Riptide pulled away. “W-Well, um.. I should probably get back to work. Just wanted to say those things back there. See ya’ later, Sparks. Happy toy making.” Sparky waved at him as he flew away. “(Was he blushing too..?)” Sparky whispered to himself as he began making toys again.
Meanwhile, the group were still waiting for Festive Bee. Brad crossed his wings, sighing annoyedly. “You said she was comin’, right? Or was that just me bein’ absolutely exhausted?” Bee Bear shook his head, shaking himself out of his own boredom. “No No! She’ll be here any minute no-”
The door suddenly opened. Festive Bee was standing at it, her fur drenched in sweat and fur ruffled. She was wearing a large puffy coat decorated with various bells as well as large streamers flowing off of her coat. “Oh my gosh! I am so sorry I was so late, I-” She stopped herself as she looked at everybody. “Well hello there-”
Snowy instantly flew over to her, grinning immeasurably, much to Festive’s shock. “OH MY GOSHHHH!! HI FESTIVE!!” He began bounding over the entire room as everybody watched him with shocked expressions on their face. “Hi.. Snowy..” She stated, still tired. Bee Bear looked up from his desk. “These’re the guys! Y’know, the Bee Reuniters?”
Festive Bee’s eyes widened as she jumped slightly, reaching up a wing to comb her fur back into place. “Oh!! Wonderful!” Everybody was still rather shocked at seeing Festive, particularly Snowy. Pouchy lifted up his wing before Festive Bee cut him off, closing her eyes smugly. “Oh don’t even worry about asking, Pouchy. I’m all on board. Just tell me when to meet with the others!”
Pouchy looked back at Spectacles, who shrugged. Pouchy looked at Festive Bee confusedly. “But.. how will you know?” She flew over to Pouchy. “Hand me the Map, dear.” Pouchy handed Festive Bee the Map. She swiftly spun it out, pointing at the symbol in the middle.
“You see, I don’t know if the others told you this, but we are all connected to the Map in some way. You’ll see. Once you get the others to comply, all you’ll need to do is speak their names to the map. It will do the rest.” She winked at Pouchy as she handed the Map back to him. Pouchy’s eyes sparkled like glitter as he looked down at the Map. “AWESOME!!”
“Well then.. That’s that.” Festive Bee sighed, looking back at the group. Spectacles pushed up his glasses, still wearing the elf uniform. “U-Um.. I don’t want to sound pushy, but.. Do you have any food?”
Festive Bee and Bee Bear chuckled. “Of course! I’d been making something for you four earlier. That’s.. Actually what I got done doing before I came here.” Snowy raised an eyebrow. “You.. knew we were coming? Why didn’t we get to see you SOONER??”
Festive Bee coughed, looking at Bee Bear. “Well, we were too busy. We’ve both been watching you four for a while, so we knew you had it all covered. ..And even under.. Less ideal circumstances, you four still came out on top! Sorry about my Guard, by the way.. They’re all very serious about their duties. I guess you could say it was a… non intentional test.” Snowy raised an eyebrow. “OOH! Busy with what?”
She pointed to Bee Bear. “Well, his job is to deliver the presents and make the list. Mine is to supervise this whole operation. As you can, uh.. See, it can be a lot sometimes.” She paused for a moment, straightening her coat. “Well then, let’s get you hard workers some food, shall we?”
Everybody raised their wings up in victory as Festive Bee replied softly. “And, uh… You don’t have to wear those outfits anymore! You’re all good now!” She chuckled. Spectacles sighed contentedly, taking off the elf uniform. “O-Oh thank gosssh! N-Not to be rude, but these outfits are pretty warm!”
“Oh, well that’s how we do things around here! Warm and cozy!” She looked at everybody as she raised her wings, gesturing everybody to follow her to a separate room. When the group arrived, they found themselves in the Workshop room from earlier. Festive Bee lifted up her wings, creating a small podium out of materialized gift boxes. “Attention all workers! Let’s have a cheer for Pouchy and his friends, the Event Bee reuniters!!!”
All of the workers began clapping and cheering, sending various different types of golden sparks into the sky; some were bubbles, confetti, flames, diamonds, and dozens upon dozens of other random abilities. She summoned another large gift box in her hand, placing it down on the table in the middle of the workshop. “Now then, who’s hungry for some cake?” She stated as she opened up the gift box, revealing a large cake with wax iterations of Pouchy and his friends.
Pouchy’s eyes widened as he sat down at the table next to Festive Bee, with Snowy on the other side of her, Spectacles beside Pouchy, and Brad beside Spectacles. Everybody began taking various pieces off of the cake, including the numerous workers who sat down randomly at the table. Pouchy leaned towards Festive Bee, whispering. “(You really made a CUSTOM cake? Of us?!)” Festive Bee chuckled, grinning. “(Well how else was I supposed to honor you guys? You’re the last people since, well.. A long time to do something like this. It’s only ‘jolly’ of me to reward you!)”
Pouchy took a bite of his cake as Festive looked around at everybody, seeing how they were enjoying the cake. Her eyes eventually fell on Snowy, who appeared to still be wearing his elf uniform. “(Snowy? You’re still wearing your uniform.)” She whispered. Snowy took a bite out of the cake, grinning. “(Of course!)”
She looked at him sympathetically, softening her eyes. “(..Do you wish to be one of my elves?)” Festive Bee asked randomly. Snowy looked down at the table. “(It’s.. what I’ve always wanted.. I just want to be like you, but..)”
Festive Bee raised her eyebrow. “(But what?)” Snowy grabbed his wing, looking almost ashamed. “(Frosty Bees aren’t allowed to work here..)” Festive Bee looked away from Snowy, taking another bite of the cake before swallowing and replying back softly. “(..I made that rule because most Frosty Bees were content just living in tradition. I’ve never seen one so.. Passionate about being an elf. It’s.. not exactly an easy job, you know..)”
She continued, looking at Snowy. “(..But if you really, really wanted it.. ..Enough to come all this way and see me, then,)” She paused, smiling softly. “(I can’t exactly refuse that offer, now can I?)” She chuckled.
Snowy looked nearly on the verge of tears, his spark crackling. “(You’re.. Letting me be an Elf?)” Festive Bee nodded. “(I’ll take care of all the hard stuff. I’ll let your parents and your friends here know. The only thing you need to worry about.. Is following your dreams.)” Snowy hugged Festive Bee.
“(Thank you so much..)” Festive Bee smiled, returning the hug. “(You’re more than welcome, dear.)” The two then went back to eating their cake as Snowy could hardly contain himself from smiling gleefully.
Pouchy had already eaten his entire slice of cake and leaned back in his chair. His eyes started gazing around at the various workers, until they eventually landed on something rather.. Strange. The worker looked exactly like Festive Bee, only they were a.. Plushie..? “(What in the honey is that?)” Festive Bee chuckled. “(It’s Plush Festive. I made them a while back, when uh.. Bee Bear was a baby. Helped the Workshop.. until they didn’t.)”
Pouchy whispered closer to Festive, not moving his eyes from the strange worker. “(Uh, what did they do..?)” Festive Bee coughed, as if remembering something unsavory. “(Burned the whole workshop down. Oh hollybells, that was a real doozy..)”
Pouchy’s eyes widened as they darted between the Plush Festive and Festive Bee. “(That’s.. Wow.. I’m sorry..)” Festive Bee coughed nervously, rubbing the side of her head as she finished up her cake. “(Oh, it’s quite alright. They’re much better now. Supervision duty only!)” Pouchy and Festive both laughed nervously as their gaze eventually shifted from Plush Festive.
Suddenly, Brad cleared his throat. “I’ve got a question.” The entire Workshop went silent as Festive Bee looked over at Brad. “Oh! What is-” Brad cut her off, arching an eyebrow. “What happened with Stitchy.”
Festive Bee looked rather shocked. She had remembered a couple of Stitchy’s, but only one in the Frosted Peaks. His question suddenly made a lot more sense. “..well, he was accidentally hit by our sleigh.” Brad raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean ‘accidentally’? Why didn’t ya’ help him if you knew what happened?”
Festive Bee looked down. “Me and Bee Bear didn’t know what had happened until.. Well after it happened. We were busy that night delivering things, and by the time that we got done..-” Brad cut her off again. “Then did you do anything to help him?” he retorted.
“..We tried. We tried to give him present after present but he wouldn’t accept them.. He was too caught up in his ‘revenge plan’ to listen or go along with anything we did..” Everybody stared at Brad. “(Suddenly that ‘Crazy’ thing is makin’ a lot more sense. Geez. I must look like an idiot.)”
Brad coughed gruffly. “..Sorry. I just wanted to know.” Festive Bee waved her wing around, smiling. “Oh, it’s quite alright! I do hope he’s doing better now, though..” Soon enough, everybody ended up going back to talking. Festive Bee looked at the group, in which everybody seemed to be done eating.
“Is your group all full, Pouchy?” Pouchy looked around as everybody gave him a lifted up wing, signifying a thumbs up. “Well then. I mustn’t waste more of your time, huh? You’ve got Bees to reunite! ..And not all of them are going to be so easy..” She added in that last part quietly.
“Yeah!!” Pouchy adjusted the straps on his pouch as the group followed behind Festive Bee out of the Workshop and back into the office, leaving Bee Bear to talk to the rest of the workers. “Before you guys leave, I.. wanted to give you some very special presents.”
She lifted up her wing, three presents materializing in it, all with small nametags with words written in beautiful sparkling gold, much like most things related to Festive. Pouchy took his present first, finding it completely empty. “Huhhh?” He asked confusedly. “Check inside of your Pouch.” Festive Bee chuckled, winking at Pouchy as the rest of the group began to open their presents.
Pouchy reached his wing into his Pouch, now able to stick his entire wing into it. His eyes sparkled as he looked back at Festive Bee. “WOAH! What did you do??” Festive Bee chuckled. “I simply gave your Pouch more space! Infinite space, to be exact! Just like my bag.”
As Pouchy thanked Festive Bee profusely, Spectacles and Brad opened their presents. Spectacles got a neat halloween pen that could draw in any ink color and any brush type, and Brad got a scope for his revolver. “T-Thank you Festive!” “Thanks Festive.” The both of them said in unison.
Snowy was now standing beside Festive Bee. After Pouchy calmed down over his present, his eyes narrowed as he realized something. “Wait.. Where’s Snowy’s present?” Festive looked at Snowy, her eyes softening. “Snowy’s got his present already.”
Brad lifted up an eyebrow. “..What is it?” Festive looked at Snowy and then gestured him to tell them. “Well.. I was talking to Festive earlier, and.. We both agreed that I could be an ELF!!” He shouted with glee, smiling profusely.
Everybody’s eyes widened with surprise and happiness. Pouchy flew over to Snowy, grinning as his eyes sparkled with stars. “That’s AWESOME, MAN!!” They both did a custom handshake as they started laughing, Brad crossing his wings and smiling softly, along with Spectacles. “S-So this is goodbye..?” Spectacles pushed up his glasses.
“Well.. YES, but-“ Pouchy hugged Snowy, slight tears coming from his eyes. Brad looked at Spectacles before they both flew over to Snowy, wrapping their wings around him in a comforting embrace. “Thanks for everything. Couldnt’a done any of this without you. I mean that.” Brad stated gruffly, his eyes slightly watering.
After the hug, Snowy looked back at everyone with a mixture of sadness and excitement on his face. “Thank you guys, TOO! I.. n-never could have gotten as far as I have.. without you..” Pouchy hugged him again, even tighter than the first. Tears seemed to be coming from his eyes more than Snowy or any of the group had ever seen. “Don’t cry, Pouchy! I might be staying here, but.. Your adventure is just beginning. I’m sure you’ll meet many new friends, maybe even another ME! Well not me, but.. you know what I’m trying to say!!”
“T-Thank you Snowy..” Pouchy hugged him tight for one last time before pulling away, his eyes watery and fur drenched with tears. Suddenly, Bee Bear flew into the room, rubbing the side of his face nervously. “Ho ho-oh I hope I’m not la-“ He looked at everybody crying, then back at Festive Bee.
Bee Bear talked to Festive Bee without words, making certain facial gestures. “(Bad time?)” Festive Bee shook her head, waving around her wing as Snowy and the group continued to say their farewells. “(Great time, actually. Pouchy and the others are leaving.)”
Bee Bear nodded his head as he flew over to Pouchy, extending his paw. “Well, I heard you’re leaving, huh?” Pouchy nodded, his eyes still slightly puffy from crying. “Hoho-oh don’t worry about Snowy. Trust me, you’ll get to see him again at some point. My promise!” Bee Bear winked as Pouchy shook his paw one last time.
Pouchy straightened the straps on his Pouch, looking back at the newly made trio with a now determined smirk stretched on his face despite his disheveled fur and puffy eyes. “Well then, team.. Let's find the next Event Bee?” Everybody nodded.
Festive Bee stopped Pouchy just as they were about to fly. “Wait one moment dear. It would be rude of me to leave you three to fly out of this cave all by your lonesome. Hand me the Map, dear.” Pouchy handed her the Map as she placed her wings on it. “This will send you out of the Cave. Anything further than that, is all on you! I might be able to see everybody else, but the Event Bees aren’t like everybody else, now are they?” She coughed under her breath. “In other words, I don’t know where Crimson and Cobalt are.”
She chuckled as the map began to generate golden swirls around Pouchy, Spectacles, and Brad. They all waved to Bee Bear, Festive, and Snowy one last time before being transported out of the Cave and onto the surface of the Frosted Peaks.
