Two

The Quarters: Part 1

The next morning you awoke to the sound of creaking. The waves that crashed against the ship seemed to echo throughout the upper decks, the noises bouncing off the cold metal walls. This was the kind of ship that looked almost like a warship. It wasn't like those cute pirate ships from the stories your parents used to read to you and Mario when you were younger, back when life was easy.

You still missed that life. You wanted it back more than anything.

Occasionally, there would be a blaring white light that would shine over all of us, coming from the top of the ship. It looked like a small lighthouse, turning around slowly. You knew too well that it was a watch tower. Perhaps if you could somehow get into it, you could find your way to the captain's quarters.

"Psst... guys," You whispered, grabbing Mario's shoulder and shaking it slightly.

Ben and I immediately jerked up upon hearing your voice, but Mario was not awoken so easily. He instead rolled over so he was facing away from you, muttering a small, "It's still dark out. Go to sleep."

"It's always dark," you softly giggled. "Come on Mario. I think I have an idea."

After a few more minutes of sleepy protest, the twenty eventually did sit up, rubbing his eyes and putting his hat on sideways, covering his incredibly messy hair. He used the back of his hand to wipe away a small drop of drool on the corner of his mouth as well before narrowing his eyes at you. 

"What is it? This better be good," he grumbled.

You nodded, then took the lead. The rest of us followed behind, trusting that you wouldn't somehow lead us to our demise. Ben latched onto my right arm, staying close. I followed closely behind you, and Mario was about three steps behind me.

You eventually led us up to the watchtower, pointing to a ladder that led up to the top. The bars were metal and they were wet from the rain, (which had slowed, but not yet stopped.) Mario immediately crossed his arms and shook his head no. "Nu-uh. No way we're climbing all the way up that. We'll slip and fall! AND DIE!"

"We won't fall," you assured us, grabbing the ladder and beginning the climb. "Come on. We can't just sit out here and do nothing. If we're not moving forward, then we're just wasting time."

I nervously swallowed, imagining myself slipping and falling. It almost reminded me of-

No, I couldn't think about that now. I told myself that I was done letting what Blumiere did to me bring me down. I couldn't let what he did ruin me forever. I had to put that behind me and move on.

Ben tugged on my rain poncho, then held up the notepad that I gifted to him the previous night. I gently took it from him, reading silently;

I'm scared.

I softly smiled, then handed the notepad back. "It's okay," I told him. "I'm scared too."

I'm not very strong. Do you think I'll make it? He wrote.

"Of course," I replied. "It's just a big ladder."

No. Do you think I'll make it off the boat?

I paused, feeling my blood run cold.

Did I think he'd make it off the boat? Was he worried about being left behind? 

Sure, he was an Eighty-Eight, but we would never leave him. He was one of our friends. I wouldn't allow him to be left behind, and neither would you. Or Mario, for that matter.

"Of course," I told him with complete confidence, offering him a smile. "Not only do I think you'll make it. I KNOW you'll make it. I'm going to make sure of it."