Dimension Travelers

Chapter 55

A million thoughts are running through Rick's mind. He knows that he could sometimes be cold and heartless. But Jared was always the more sensitive one, the one who always had a big heart, when Rick did not. Rick's heart had hardened a long time ago. Jared, however, remained soft--more concerned about people, making friends, smiling a lot, showing his emotions.

To Rick, emotions showed weakness. The only emotion he found useful was anger. He was rarely happy, never showed sadness, and made sure people stayed away from him. He didn't want to get hurt anymore than he already was.

Suddenly, things had been switched on him. Now he was the one who showed emotion and Jared was the cold and heartless one. He was uncertain of what to make of this situation. To make things worse, Chloe was there too. She saw the whole thing whether he wanted her to or not.

"Yeah, I get it." Jared said at last. He took a deep breath.

Rick watches as Jared gets up and leaves without a word. He feels as if he has missed something. But he can't figure out what. He refuses to look at Chloe. Something snaps inside him. He feels numb. Of course, this is not new to him. In fact, this numb feeling used to be common. But in the past few days, he had felt real emotion. This feels strange to him. He hates this now.

"Rick? Is something the matter?" Chloe's voice sounds far away.

His voice refuses to work. He shakes his head. Everything was wrong. This used to be common for him. Now it just feels unreal. What's going on? He thought.

* * * * * * * *

I watch Jared get up without another word. Rick is left without words. I ask him if anything is wrong, but he shakes his head. I know that he is lying. I don't know if there is anything I can do to help him. But if he needs me, he will let me know.

It feels so long ago when I first came here. I didn't know anything about this place or how to get out. I was alone at first, no one to lean on. Then Seth and Rick came. Our purpose became clear as soon as we met Firefly. We are so close yet so far.

I remember when Rick yelled at me, when he didn't want Jared to go back to the castle. He was trying to protect his only brother from danger. Rick has always been distant and appeared cold. But now I know better. He really does have feelings and cares deeply for Jared.

So, what happens now?

* * * * * * * *

I wake up with pain in my side. I look down. There is no blood. What is this? What's going on? I look all around. I'm alone. There is no one here. Have I been moved? My heart starts to pound and my breathing quickens. I feel the sweat running down my forehead. Is this supposed to happen?

Suddenly, the ground starts shaking. The pain in my side grows. I grip the edge of the bed and sit up. I feel lightheaded but I can't lie back down. Parts of the ceiling are starting to fall all around me. What the hell is going on here? Suddenly, a light appears in front of me. A woman is standing in front of me. It's Eclipsa.

Eclipsa?! I thought Firefly had killed her!

"I assure you, human, I'm not dead. You can't kill me that easily." She says in a cold tone.

"What're you doing here?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

She grins. "You have something I want."

"Well I'm not givin' it to ya--no matter what it is!"

She reaches for me and laughs evilly. "You have a very special power. I must have it."