Not many penguins get a second chance. Heck, not many anything get a second chance. But I’m not anybody. I am Peng. And I will find the Royal road!

Unlike most penguins, I’ve always wanted to explore. Some say that penguins are cowards, they say we are even too scared to fly. And they're right. I’ve always been afraid.

Ever since I was a little chick I’ve watched the horizon, wanting to travel beyond it. I’ve watched the Sun and Moon set, wanting to chase them.

On a day like any other day, I felt my adventurous spirit overcome my crippling fear. I stepped onto the highest hill and I let myself fall forward, belly first.

It was a thrill unlike any other, I felt how my aqualine body carved into the loose snow. The faster I slid the more alive I felt. It was what I imagine flying feels like.

The hill came to an end and I looked back on my journey. The snowy hills and white cloud merged together in the snowfall, making it seem as if I had came down from the sky.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

But this is just the beginning. Or so I thought. I waddled along, and slid where I could. My small flippers don’t move fast but they make due.

The further I waddled the less afraid I felt. At some point I stopped looking back and focused on what’s a head.

I waddled for what seemed like days. I fished when I could and hardened my heart when I couldn’t. It was painful but somehow it felt satisfying.

I chased the Moon at night and the Sun during the day. And before I knew it, I saw land that wasn’t covered in ice and snow.

It was green. So much green. And brown. And animals I had never seen! Different sizes and multiple flippers but no wings!

I moved towards a pack of rather spritely bunch. Their playful demeanor looked inviting. This was my first mistake. And what I thought would be my last.

They let out various noises. A hiss, a meow and a purr. Before I could introduce myself, they struck me down! I felt their fangs and claws dig into my neck.

When it was over, everything went black. I was in the deep dark of night. Darker than I have ever experienced before. And the silence, so dreadfully silent.

This was my first rebirth. Later I woke up back home. I sensed the familiar smells, heard welcoming sounds and saw my comrades once more. I understood what was important then.

My adventurous spirit never waned, and I have experienced five rebirths now. Each time I am thwarted by those long tailed, point eared menaces.

I am strong now. Stronger than I ever was. And I will prevail on my journey, one flipper at a time. Watch out world, Peng is coming!