Rogue Crew(Old Version)

Chapter 14: Do You Trust Me?

In which I the author is suffering...

New year new chapter! And a special announcement at the end of this chapter. So make sure you read. Special thanks to Tenshi Nalata to beta-reading this.

Hueco Mundo, Forest Of Menos, Late Afternoon

Sora and the gang were traveling to Ashido's base. Sora and Haelth just chatted away and Crona nodded along with them as Ashido watched out. Sora and Haelth were ahead of the group with Crona just a little behind them, while Ashido was at the rear.

"So, in your world parents don't really raise their kids?" Sora asked Haelth.

"Not really. While parents are encouraged to have a relationship with their kids, the big decisions in our lives are taught by our teachers and caretakers. It's kinda like everyone helps raise the children," Haelth explained. Sora looked confused but understood that last one. It was kind of like his island. Everyone helps out, even if they are not related. It was actually kind of nice.

Then Ashido stopped.

"Ashido?" Sora turned around and Haelth and Crona did, too. Ashido looked behind and narrowed his eyes at the distance.

"Is something wrong?" Sora questioned. Something wasn't right...

"Sora, take the others and head back to the base," Ashido ordered him.

Sora was taken back by that. "Ashido, what's going on?"

"This isn't the time to argue, just take your friends and go," Ashido told him and Sora narrowed his eyes.

"Ashido what's-" Haelth was about to question him, but Ashido cut her off.

"WILL YOU JUST-!" Ashido took a deep breath as he saw the others flinch at his outburst. "You three go ahead. I'll catch up with you guys later." Sora looked like he wanted to argue more, but Crona of all people stopped him.

"Sora, I think we should listen to him," they said and Haelth nodded.

"Yeah, Ashido has been out here longer than us, so I think he knows what he's doing," Haelth explained to Sora. Both her and Crona gave him a look and Sora finally gave in.

"Fine, but you better be back, Ashido," Sora told him.

"Don't worry about me, kid. I'll be fine," Ashido told him as the trio started to leave. Sora gave Ashido one last look before he left.

"You can come out now!" Ashido called out, and from the darkness, Ulquiorra appeared.

"Now what's an Arrancar doing around here? Usually, you stay in that big castle." Ashido narrowed his eyes and got ready to draw his sword.

"I'm not here for you if that's what you think, soul reaper," Ulquiorra explained, "I need two of those humans you have. If you step aside, then I'll be out of your way."

Ashido glared in anger. "Over my dead body!" With that, he hurled himself at the Arrancar ready to cut him into two. But Ulquiorra was ready for that and blocked it with just one hand.

"I knew you wouldn't listen to reason. Hmph. Maybe they'll come if they hear your pained screams."

Hueco Mundo, Forest Of Menos, Late Afternoon

"You think that Ashido is going to be alright?" Sora asked Crona and Haelth as they ran toward the base.

"He should be! I mean, he's been here longer than us," Haelth commented. Of course, when she said that, they all felt the air get heavier. The group stopped and turned to where the energy felt strongest. And it's where they last left Ashido. Great.