FMS Episode One 42 (Patreon)

(Hmmmm)

Aya, who had been looking on, joined Chihaya’s attempt side by side. Noting that her buddy’s had firmly grabbed the handle, Chihaya signaled her from the corners of her eyes.

(Let's go. One, two)

(Three)

The hatch had not budged at all, but now with a pair of focused buddies at work, the cover lifted slightly and shook. It seemed like the hinge was breaking loose.

(Again. One, two)

(Three)

There was now a wider gap between the cover and its frame. It was working. With a few more yanks, the hinge would give and the whole hatch cover should come off.

"Ugh"

Suddenly, Aya eased the strain of her arm muscles.

"Ughh. Gulpglup."

She was taking in water. At first, she looked unsure as to why there was salty liquid streaming down her throat. But then she frowned and arched her back, shaking and jolting.

"Gulp. Gulp."

(Aya!)

Right. She had no air left in her lungs, and yet was doing these underwater stunts all this time. Chihaya gently placed her hands over Aya's. The latter had turned pale after being pressed hard on the metal surface.

(Relax. You can take it easy for now.)

(No) Aya shook her head in protest. She has been pushing herself so much, her eyes looked deary like she was about to cry. She clenched her teeth and grasped the handle firm again, pulling on the steel cover with all her strength.