Melody's eyes scanned the surroundings, capturing every detail. She found herself in a cave where the walls reflected light in a captivating way. The cave walls sparkled with bright gems. Each gem shone in its own color. The soft glow from these stones filled the space, creating an ethereal light that made the entire environment feel like something from another world.
In one corner of the cave, a simple stone bed drew Melody’s attention. A thick pile of straw spread across it, forming a basic mattress. Despite its simplicity, the bed had an undeniable charm, adding to the calm atmosphere of the cave. It looked inviting, as though it was made for peaceful rest, untouched by the outside world.
In the center of the cave stood a round table made of smooth, aged stones. Five chairs encircled it. Each chair was carefully made to blend with the natural beauty around it. The table was covered with a woven seaweed tablecloth, giving it a natural yet elegant touch. A clear pearl, perfectly round in shape, rested on the table atop a wooden base.
"Wow! Is this where Fin lives?" The cave's beauty amazed Melody.
Quash nodded with a broad smile. "Impressive, isn't it?"
Still amazed, Melody nodded. "This cave is stunning. But why is it on land?"
"Who knows, but it's the only piece of land in SeaSky," Pond replied.
"Yeah, this cave has a direct connection to the sea. The only way in is through the Suction Chimney," Quash added.
"I see. So, where's Fin?" Melody squinted at every corner of the room as she walked. When she reached the table, she stopped. "I don't see him."
Before Quash could respond, a surprising cough interrupted Melody. "I'm here."
The voice puzzled Melody. "There's a voice, but I don't see anyone."
"Below you, young lady."
Melody looked down, then gasped. She saw a somewhat soft and blackish sphere—almost as black as the cave stones—beneath her feet. Melody jerked her foot away. "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to."
"It's okay." He spread his wings upward. "Please help me."
"Why are you down there?" Melody gripped the right wing, while Quash and Pond held the left wing. Together, they pulled him out of the hole. Even with Melody and her friends' help, he had a hard time climbing up. Finally, he stood on the floor.
While brushing the dust off his feathers, he replied, "I was digging for a place to plant a gem. Well, some of the gems here are natural; others I planted."
Melody gazed at the animal before her, her eyes fixed on the magnificent creature. He was a big bird, standing tall and regal, as though aware of his own grandeur. His body was covered in bright, shiny blue feathers that shimmered in the light. His long, sleek feathers highlighted his graceful form, making him an amazing sight.
The bird's head was striking. It had a crown of upright feathers like a helmet. These feathers were a bold mix of deep blue and black. They gave him an even more majestic presence. The feathers stood out against his bright blue skin. This made the sharp lines of his face even more striking.
Around each eye, bright red patches glowed against the blue. This added to his captivating look. His neck was slender and elegant, perfectly complementing the sleekness of his body. Every move he made felt careful, like he was showing off his grace.