Power (Book 1 in SRMTHFG Series)

17

'I have the Power Primate? How come you never told me?'

We were protecting you. It was better that you didn't know than to let Skeleton King find out.

Skeleton King aims his scepter at me, lifting me up with the darkness. He slams me into the ground.

'I kind of need some protection right now... where are Otto and Chiro anyways?'

We've contacted them. They were taken into the depths of the cavern to cells that force the prisoner to stand because it's so small. They will be out soon.

'Speaking of which,' I smile and groan in the pain. I hear footsteps come towards me as Otto and Chiro enter, attacking the Formless. Skeleton King picks me up again and holds me up with the dark power from the scepter. I'm held in the air inside a dark ball.

"Give up, boy," Skeleton King says, "or you and those filthy monkeys will be mourning her death!"

"N-n-no!" I stammer in the pain. "D-d-on't do-o it!"

Otto holds up his saws, Chiro his fists, both gritting their teeth until they lower their arms. Skeleton King instantly orders Formless to grab them.

"W-wait! I'll do it!" I scream. Skeleton King drops me down. "I'll work for you, Skeleton King, but you have to let them be. Please. I'll do whatever you say. Just. Leave. Them. Alone." He cackles.

"Wise choice," Skeleton King says. "Put them in isolation cells."

"What?!" I say.

"You said to leave thim alone, so I shall keep my promise."

I close my eyes and hold myself up on my arms because I'm feeling woozy. The fear is swarming around in my head like crazy. 'Shut up!' I yell in my mind. 'Just shut up and leave me alone!'

"Arise, child, and prepare to do my bidding," Skeleton King orders.

"No." He steps back.

"What did you just say?"

"I said 'no,' you miserable pile of bones. I am tired of you trying to control me. I am tired of all the voices in my head putting me down. I'm tired of those girls back on Earth making me feel worthless. And I. Am. THROUGH." I stand up and yell. "I'm not your slave!"

I feel my breath come in heaving puffs, and I stand like I was never hurt. Suddenly, I get a weird feeling in my eyes and around me. It's like I'm being lifted up, but inside something at the same time. I see a transparent light blue in front of me.

"What is the meaning of this?" Skeleton King yells.

"She's a giant blue bird!" Otto says.

"Her eyes are glowing blue!" Chiro says, eyes wide.

I don't really pay any attention. I just head to Skeleton King and lift him up, slamming him down again and again. Suddenly, I hear cries of pain behind me.

Keli is still beside the throne, but she falls down and screams in pain. Skeleton King lets out a slow, deep, menacing laugh.

"She is a Rib. She is a part of me. If you kill me, she dies as well."

I hesitate for a second, then I gasp and fall down, no longer in the big blue bird.