Power (Book 1 in SRMTHFG Series)

14

"Are you sure this is the place?" Chiro asks, eyes wide.

"Yes," Keli says. She sighs. "It's been so long since I've been inside."

"Well... let's go, then," Otto says hesitantly. We walk inside, Kelinet leading the way. She takes us through intricate tunnel systems. It's almost pitch black, but she seems to know the way.

Keli takes us into a huge room. It looks like a ballroom mixed with a cavern. The ground is cold and smooth. It is dark around the edges and it gets dimmer until the center of the room, where a small beam of light is.

"Wow," I say, breath taken.

"Yes," Keli says. "I miss this place so much. I know there's nothing left, but-" She pauses and gasps.

"What is it?" Otto asks.

"Someone else is here," Keli whispers. "It's him. It's-"

"It's me, you fools," Skeleton King's voice echoes. "Good job, my child."

"Your child?" Chiro asks. "We're not your-"

"Chiro," I say softly. He stops.

"Oh," he says.

"What's going on?" Keli asks. "You don't think- no, n-no. I can't- I'm not-"

"The story I programmed you with has become a reality to you," Skeleton King says. "You are me. You are not a child. You are one of my Ribs! A scout made from one of the bones in my ribcage, nothing more! Your mission was to bring them here, to me, and you've done it successfully."

I hear the sound of rocks sliding. Formless are closing the door. Keli stumbles a bit in her spot.

"No! I'm not! You-you killed my family! You tried to kill me! I had to run away for years! You- you're a monster! I was never a part of you!" She heaves big breaths.

"Kelinet Skong," Skeleton King yells, "is Skeleton King rearranged! Raise your hand! Wish for dark power to emerge!" Keli does so. A black orb emerges from her palm. Her eyes grow wide and she falls to the ground, sobbing.

"C'mon, Chelsea, we gotta fight him!" Chiro says. I'm panicking myself.

"Chiro, the taint, remember?" Otto says sadly.

I fall on the ground, holding my head. Voices fill it, telling me I'm worthless, I'm not good enough, I'm puny, I'm weak, I'm not meant to exist. I get too scared and scream.

"NO! NO! GO AWAY! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!" I cry, rolling onto my side and squeezing my eyes shut.

Somehow, my body is moved and, next thing I know, I'm in a prison cell.