Ricardo was only halfway surprised by the small girl's commitment to press forward, but if she made it through similar trials as he, there truly was no reason to doubt her bravery. 

Glancing back to her, at the sound of her last words, he noticed her feet. She was bare foot. Ahead lie hot coals that eventually turned into fire. Even if his feet could heal, the shoes would most definitely turn to molten rubber. Rubber might even fuse to his foot during the healing process. This in mind, he began taking off his shoes. 

Just as he was removing his socks, a new face entered the room. He was a wirey blonde boy, and he didn't seem to have much to say. But Ricardo felt as if they shared a bond already, just as with the girl. They had all just went through similar trials. Instead of words, Ricardo simply gave a polite downward head nod and a respectful smile. He hoped that was enough of a greeting for the boy. 

Ricardo then turned back to the archway. Forward he walked until he took his first barefooted steps on the hot coals. At first the pain was easily bearable, but after a few more steps it became harder to ignore. 

On one step in particular, he was unable to step over and contort his body enough to miss a strand of barbed wire. It caught his pant leg and he had to pull hard to rip it free. He then paused. Ahead of him, the coals glew much hotter, and he knew that a few rips in his clothes was not all he would get from the barbed wire. 

He wondered if the two could tell how much pain he was in at the moment. Though, they would find out for themselves shortly, assuming they weren't going to take the easy way out. 

Onwards he walked.