A Rose for the Crown

Chapter 22

Ocean's POV

Before we started our next quest, we decided to rest. Rose gave Star his coat and slept on Link's chest cuddled inside his coat. Star slept in a corner trying to warm his freezing body. He left his scarf around the maiden's neck for extra warmth. Flame fell asleep instantly. I, on the other hand, slept on and off to keep an eye on the group. It was a peaceful time night for all of us.

When we all awoke, Link carried sleeping Rose on his back while we marched ahead.

The second area was already so much different from the first. Our current challenge was to open one of the two doors before us.

"Guys, this place looks like a maze. We're going to have to separate again."

"Ocean, we can't afford to do that. Rose can't fight in her state so one of us has to carry her," replied Link.

"Fine, then pick a path. Hopefully, it'll be the right one."

He went straight for the right door and opened it with the click of a switch.

"I'll go check and see if there's anything out there," I said running out in front.

I looked around and saw basically nothing. Just stone walls, stone walls and more guess what, stone walls. I sighed, "I guess this area won't be that hard after all."

A quick glance at my left solved my dilemma. We were going to encounter trouble after all. The second we need to use anything related to explosives, trouble would without fail find us. I waited for the others to catch up and shared the delightful news.

"Why is it that the one time I don't have the bombs, we actually need them" whined Flame.

"I think it's for the best. Good thing Link picked them up before we left the Sea of trees. He'll be able to take care of anything and one of us will carry Rose."

"I can carry Rose."

Star who practically carried her for an entire day wanted to carry her again. I smiled. He really is a gentleman.

"Alright then, Star will carry the princess and we'll fight."

Link passed Rose to the purple boy who securely latched his hands on her legs. She sighed and snuggled closer to Star in her sleep. She truly is a woman with the heart of a child.

Author's POV

Link blew the path clear forcing the group to face a dust cloud and the abyss up ahead. Star wanted to crumble but he stood firm. He would cross and make Rose proud. As soon as he saw the moving block he ran for it. With much success, he managed to cross the pit. Ocean was next followed by Link and finally Flame.

They kept their steady pace walking around the perimeter.

Once

Twice

And a third time

"Okay, that's enough. I AM SICK AND TIRED OF WALKING AROUND IN SQUARES!" screamed Flames grabbing a bomb from Link throwing it with uncontrollable anger.

They all ran away while the bomb blew revealing a room.

They all looked towards Flame, dumbstruck.

"Well, would you look at that. Flame brain throwing a tantrum can be helpful at times," commented Ocean.

"That's right, bow down to this awesomeness!" he replied taking Link's bomb bag and running in the room. As soon as the others took a step in, they scrambled back out.

BOOM!

"Did you have to fill the damn room? We could've died!" screamed Link furious.

Flame provided no answer nor did he come back. Another round of explosions fired in the background. They all sighed.