Tuski wrapped himself and Anita in golden fur. The fur then wove itself into a new shape, finally forming a huge golden Kuma.
The golden Kuma stood five meters tall. Werther had modeled it on Doffy's method of creating doubles, then he and Tuski had refined it into its current form.
Though it was woven entirely from fur, it looked remarkably real. Tuski and Anita sat inside its chest, behind a patch of transparent fur that kept out toxic gases without blocking their view.
Werther had shamelessly named the golden Kuma "Tibbers," and Tuski controlled it.
Inside Tibbers, Anita was so excited she waved her arms and danced around.
"You bald jerk, let's see you bully me now! Haha! Come on, Tuski, let's go."
Tuski slowly guided Tibbers toward the Island. Tibbers wasn't much of an attacker, but his defenses were formidable. Werther had tested them himself: even at full strength, he needed three sword strikes to cut the furry Kuma apart.
Werther nodded in satisfaction as he watched Tibbers. Tuski might not like fighting, but he was enthusiastic about developing defensive moves.
After all, Tuski knew how dangerous these seas were. If a fight broke out, he could leave it to Al, but he still needed a way to keep himself alive.
The group crossed the soft beach and entered the forest.
The forest was even more vibrant than they had imagined. Animal calls rang out among the lush plants on every side.
Now and then, enormous, beautiful butterflies fluttered past. The trees here were unusually tall and thick, too.
The sight delighted Anita even more. She pestered Tuski to let her out because she loved the Island's beautiful wildflowers.
Werther and Tuski both refused. Anita knew the Island might hold unknown dangers, so she didn't insist.
They pressed