This Time I'll Make You Disappear (Mystery Skulls Animated)

Eighteen: Day Four, The Cave

Arthur finally made it to the cave. He sighed shakily as he hesitantly got out of his car. It looked the same as it did the last time. Closing the door and locking it, he slowly made his way to the entrance of the cave.

“This is it...this is where my life ends,” Arthur muttered to himself.

He teared up a little at the memories the cave had left him with. Nonetheless, he kept going, into the cave now. There was no turning back.

‘Welcome back.’ a voice crept into Arthur’s mind.

“Go away, I’m not scared of you anymore,” Arthur sniffled and sat down where the split roads were. “I’m here to face Lewis’ wrath.”

‘Aww, you were much more fun when you were scared.’

Arthur growled and the voice went away. He sighed and took out the locket Vivi had given him yesterday. Opening it made him cry, as it reminded him of his friendship with Vivi and Mystery.

“I’m sorry, Vivi...I’m sorry, Mystery...I won’t ever see you again...so I need you to move on when the time comes, okay?” he couldn’t stop the tears from falling as he held the open locket close to him. “I’ll never forget you...and I will never take away your memories...I’m going to miss you all.”

Now, all there was to do was wait.

~~~

“Weren’t you supposed to-”

“I remember where the cave is, Mystery!” Vivi yelled emotionally. “I know my memory was taken from me, but now that it's back, I know how to get there!”

Mystery winced and looked out the window to watch his surroundings. “Sorry.” he said quietly, afraid of another outburst from the emotionally unstable girl.

“No, Mystery...it’s not your fault, I shouldn’t have yelled at you...I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright...I understand that you just got your memories back and it’s hard with so many emotions running through your body.”

Vivi fell quiet and an awkward silence filled the car, until Mystery heard a sniffle.

“Vivi?” Mystery looked over at her and saw tears falling down her face. “Are you-”

“Can you drive?” Vivi asked, her voice cracking as if she was going to break down at any moment.

“It’s been a while...but I should remember. Pull over and I’ll take the wheel for you,” Mystery offered.

Vivi did as Mystery said and they switched places. As they did, they noticed another person was in the car.

“Isn’t that…”

“Paprika!? What on earth are you doing in here?!” Mystery panicked.

“Wh-who are you? How do you know my name?” asked the little girl in the back.

“An answer for an answer!”

“Well, a little pink ghost told me to sit in this car and stay quiet! I guess you spotted me, hehe. Where are we going, anyway?”

Mystery turned to a tear-faced Vivi and knew he was on his own for this. How could he explain who he was to her?

“Uum...to answer your first question...my name is Mike. I’m an old friend of Arthur’s,” Mystery said as he started driving again. “We’re going to save him from getting himself killed.”

“Oh no! How much longer until we get there!?” Paprika asked worriedly.

“It shouldn't be too long now. Don't worry.”