Skulls and Bones

Chapter twelve

I followed Rick in silence, a million thoughts running through my head. I was physically and mentally exhausted but I couldn't give up this opportunity. Rick's pace had me basically jogging which only made me more tired. I didn't think that I would be able to do this but I had to try.

"Where are we going?" I asked him. I didn't understand why we had to go so far to make me become a Skull. I didn't even know what I had to do actually. He said I had to feel that I was indestructible and for that to happen my life had to be put on the line. This was gonna be dangerous.

"You ask a lot of questions," he stated without looking at me. I scowled at his back.

"Well you sure don't answer many."

Rick stopped and turned to face me. His green eyes regarded me impassively. "How are you?"

His question shocked me. I didn't think Rick would ever ask about my well being. "What?" Rick smirked at my obvious confusion. The way he was acting almost made me forget the way he was crying like a baby in the hallway. Almost. He did have a heart no matter how hard he tried to show he didn't.

"You were attacked by a Manick and what you did physically drained you to the point where you were falling in my arms." I rolled my eyes. That's not how it happened. "Then you ran toward the castle and judging from how out of breath you are, you're not use to running. Then you realized your mother was gone. So I'm asking how are you?"

"I should be asking you that Rick."

"Well I asked first so answer the question."

"Technically I asked a question first so you have to answer."

Rick turned around and continued to walk and I frowned. "Last time I try to be caring," he muttered. But he did slow down his pace so I could walk beside him. I noticed his still puffy red eyes but he did look much better. It could have been a facade since I didn't think someone could get over the death of their parents so easily. "Remember that mist that you saw when I took you up?" he asked, snapping me from my thoughts.

I did remember the mist. It was the day he told me that we weren't the only things in the Underworld. I didn't think much of it but now I did. If that was where he was taking me then I would get to meet these things face to face.

"Yeah," I answered. My voice didn't sound too sure of this after all. The unknown was always scary to me, it brought danger.

"Well there's your answer," he said. "You can back out if you want. I'll avenge my parents and bring back your mother by myself if you're too scared."

"I'm not scared," I told him with narrowed eyes. He wanted me to be afraid so I wouldn't come with him. There were probably other ways for me to get in touch with my powers and he was choosing the most difficult one so I could chicken out. He didn't want me to come with him for some reason. "I'm coming with you, you can't scare me away."

Rick smirked, the only expression of his that I truly hated. "Suit yourself."

I could see the thick mist coming closer to us and I couldn't deny that my heart was beating faster and my breathing was becoming irregular. Rick looked at me and I scowled at him. I wasn't going to show him that I was afraid.

Rick stopped one more time and this time his express showed concern. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked. Even his tone showed concern. Rick was very confusing when it came to his emotions and I never knew what he was thinking. "We can always go back."

"Why don't you want me going with you?" I asked instead of answering. It was clear that this was the problem. "They didn't just hurt you, they hurt me too. I have a right to see who these people are and get her back on my own."