Heathen Series - Changed

Chapter 37

Raphael's Pov...

We walked calmly into the waiting area of the killing arena. We were ready for whatever was going to be thrown our way.

The atmosphere was electrified with the fear of not knowing what would happen if we failed  ut also with the possibility of what would happen if we succeeded.

There was no room for failure tonight.

Bash had explained that he knew what to say to the General when and if he was asked where the others were; though he doubted that he would pay much attention to anyone but me there... that was what they were hoping for. We all knew what his intentions were regarding me and planned to use it to our advantage.

Everyone waited patiently for the signal, preparing our minds and bodies for what we had to do.

The gates were pulled open, and we looked forward with determination. We would get out. We had to - there was no choice in the matter.

The gates put up a fight then opened solemnly.

***

I watched as the bright lights - which hung over us judgingly - guided us to a new beginning no matter what the ending would be.

When my eyes adjusted, I scanned the audience for my friends. I found them and they looked ready - or as ready as they could ever be. I also counted how many guards surrounded them. Though these guards seemed very different. They each had masks on and looked very disinterested in everything going on around them. One of them stood out to me as he stared at right at me. I watched as he took his time raking his eyes up and down my body. His eyes were very familiar though. VERY FAMILIAR.

'1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6... 10. 11. 12. 13... that interesting, one for each of us...'

I sent a mental note to Dash, who seemed more excited than anything else.

I worried about him at times and thought that he shouldn't have been involved in something so dangerous at such a young age, but every person there had a story and apparently - so I heard from Ash - his story had happened at a very young age unfortunately.

'Don't worry about Dash. He could always look after himself, since before he went through the serum change.
His tougher than he looks.'

Came a gentle voice in my head. I looked over at Ash, who nodded her encouragement, never-the-less I sent a message to Dash to be careful; he was like my little brother, and I couldn't bear to lose him.

I shook my head and focused on the arena. It was odd and surprising that the arena was so silent while my head screamed and yelled that something was really wrong. It nauseated me.

***

Dwayne Pov...

We sat very still and watched with anticipated terror. We were shown the type of creatures Raphael, and her team would be fighting before any of them walked into the arena. It wasn't the creatures that scared us, but the new creature - the finale - that the General had explained was made as a special surprise for Raphael. We knew it was one that would break her.

I took a deep breath and looked at my friend worriedly as they entered the arena; I knew exactly what this would do to her with or without the changes. They had taken away everything she had left, and that would kill her.

***

Raphael Pov...

I took a deep breath and looked up at my best friend. Something was really wrong. I could see it in his eyes. So, I kept her guard up at all times. Sucks that they couldn't communicate with me like how I did with the Heathens. Using our minds. At least I would be able to find out what had troubled them so.