Glacier [Act I: Strength]

                                    

                                          
Without the map, we had to rely on Sensei's directions to guide the way.
However, after we built a boat strong enough to survive our journey, Sensei didn't offer much beyond a general direction.
Cole steered the small boat towards the distant ice caps, and Jay kept lookout. Sensei sat at the front of the ship, seemingly meditating. Kai was attempting to communicate with Sensei, and Zane stood off watching the scenery.
I did my best to try and communicate with Hourglass, though it was a bit of a struggle. I learned that Hourglass really was from Kenshibetsu, though he couldn't answer why. I tried to offer paper and ink, though it seemed Hourglass didn't know how to read or write.
All Hourglass drew was a sloppy drawing of himself. He seemed quite proud.
I tried asking several yes-and-no questions to learn more about Hourglass. Hourglass knew about me, yes, but he never met me before. He didn't know I was out here, but when he saw me, Hourglass wanted to help. 
I asked if Hourglass had a different name. He nodded. I asked if he wanted me to try and find his old name. He shook his head.
"Do you like the name 'Hourglass?'" I asked.
Hourglass hopped and danced around. The sound of the bells within his hair brought a smile.
The temperature began to drop. I wore the cloak Maple offered me long ago, though I still felt cold. I started summoning fabric to make blankets, but as I used more power I began to feel like I would freeze at any moment. With only enough fabric for a scarf, I wrapped it around my neck and shoulders and sat by a wall to stay warm.
Kenshibetsu never grew cold.
Hourglass slowly settled down atop my lap. I could only laugh. I set an arm atop Hourglass's neck, and he snuggled closer to me. I was beginning to feel much warmer already.
"How much farther we've got?" I heard Jay ask.
"I'm just going until Sensei says something," Cole mentioned. 
Up ahead, Kai let out a huff. He held onto his arms and shook. "Any farther, and I'm going to freeze to death..."
Zane glanced my way. I took off my scarf and waved for Zane.
"Could you give this to Kai?" I asked. "It's... the only thing I can give, right now."
"Don't you need it?" Zane gently asked.
I motioned to Hourglass. "I'll be perfectly fine."
Hourglass let out a soft neigh.
Zane held a small smile. He took my makeshift scarf and made his way to Kai. Zane offered Kai the scarf, and Kai hesitantly put the scarf on.
Zane returned, and he hesitantly sat down beside me. "I have been meaning to ask something, Y/n."
I glanced at Zane in curiosity.
"How were you able to read the map of the weapons?" Zane asked. "It didn't seem like any language I could think of. I am curious where you learned it from."
"Oh, uh..." I offered a tiny shrug, "it's... a made-up writing system."
Zane looked surprise. "Made-up?"
"Yeah..." I nodded. "I made it for Acrylic. He has trouble writing normally, so I made a system he could write much easier in. I..." I let out a sigh, "I guess he translated the original notes." He put in all that work, and we don't have the map.
Zane offered a small nod. "It's a smart idea. Even if we do not have the map, Samukai must not be able to read any notes or warnings."
I slowly nodded. "Yeah," I said. "You're right..."