Hase - Before Ever After

Chapter 15 - The Cave in the Skull Rock

It had been a while since Peter, the lost boys and the heroes of regal academy had been in the water. For all Peter knew, the Mermaid Lagoon was the island's closer edge to the Skull Rock, it shouldn't be taking them so long to get there.

Leaning into the corner of the boat, Peter looked down to ask the mermaids why this was taking forever.

"Peter, we're doing our best to guarantee your safety, could you please just trust us?".

That was the answer he received and it immediately made him feel bad for picking on them.

Of course he would feel a lot better when he found out what the delay was really about. A few kilometers away, a tattletale mermaid was snitching on them.

"Only a few things in this world take me by surprise, my dear, and I must admit you just joined the list. So, what brings you here?".

Hook asked, intrigued by the visit of the mermaid.

"I know we've had our differences throughout the times, but I guess we have some interests in common, and that's what I'm here to discuss".

The mermaid replied and started to explain what she had on her mind.

"Oh, that pesky floating boy. He thinks he can just steal from me like that? When I put my hand and hook on him, I'll rip his throat out for this".

Hook growled with anger.

"Don't you dare harm him. Remember our deal. I told you about the break in, now you do me a favor and get rid of the irritating blonde girl and her friends".

The mermaid reprimanded him.

"Oh, yes. Of course, my dear".

He said with a sarcastic tone that passed unnoticed by the mermaid.

"Now, come on, we have some scores to settle". He continued and immediately commanded the crew to set sail to the Skull Rock asap.

Finally, the mermaids dropped the ropes of the rowboat as it pulled over to the margin of the giant skull shaped rock. They could see an entrance through what appeared to be its mouth.

Heading inside, chills ran through their bodies due to a feeling that, in some way, they were willingly being swallowed by the creepy structure.

Travis and Hawk kept close to the girls, guards up to any sign of movement.

"That's it, the entrance of the cave where Hook keeps his treasure". Peter pointed and waved his hands to the others.

They approached the entrance and took a wary look at it.

"Well, here goes nothing". Ling-Ling said and took the first steps to enter.

The others promptly followed her. But when Rose was about to step in, she felt a grip on her wrist.

Looking behind, she saw a worried looking Peter with a little smile on the corner of his lips.

"Be careful, Rose, the cave is very slippery and pretty much covered by sludge. You wouldn't want to ruin your shoes". Peter said and the shy smile grew wide on his face.

"T-Thanks, Peter. Err... I'll be careful". She replied and felt a light blush tinge her cheeks. She had to admit it was kinda sweet of him to worry for her beloved shoes.

A few meters away, Hawk looked over his shoulder to notice Rose wasn't there. His eyes searched for her until they spotted the object of his affection smiling at another boy by the entrance of the cave.

The sight crushed his soul. He felt his heart ache like an open bruise and his breath got heavier. Bringing his arm up, he pressed a hand against his chest, trying to calm down and focus on the mission ahead.

This is not the moment to hold on to my feelings, I have to stay focused.

They all had their hands up, using their touch to them as their vision wouldn't be of much help. As their path continued, a light exit started to grow closer to them. They rushed towards it, their eyes were desperate to leave the darkness that covered them.

When they finally made it and stepped out of the cave, a golden light radiated from the piles of gold before them.

"Wow". They all gasped at once, mouths wide open in amazement.

"That's it, the coin must be here somewhere, we just need to find it". Peter said.

"Well, so far, so good". Travis said and immediately regretted it.

Wooden cages fell from the sky and imprisoned the heroes. They all looked at Travis with death glares and he knew absolutely well what it meant.

Why did you have to open your mouth?