FMS Episode One 43 (Patreon)

Crack.

The hinge came off with a crisp sound, with the cover gliding up like it had lost all its mass. Chihaya quickly knelt and slid both her hands under the plate. She then gripped the edge and heaved, frowning, like an underwater heavyweight lifter. The squeaky hatch was now completely ajar, with the dark lower deck now visible through the opening.

(Amazing. Aya-chan, we did it!)

Chihaya raised her grinning face and turned to Aya, noting that Aya was gone from her side. Unsurprisingly, she had passed out and her light body was floating up toward the overhead, legs first, with her hands still firmly on the hilt.

(Aya)

Chihaya lifted herself and caught up with Aya, embracing her now inanimate buddy with her arms. She was soft and frail, and it was hard to believe she had pulled off such a physical feat. Her eyes were closed and the distress was gone from her face. Aya looked like she was sleeping. Chihaya carefully untangled Aya's fingers from the handle, one finger at a time, and grasped her torso with her forearm.

Chihaya took another look down into the cavity below. It was cryptic and not a single ray of light appeared to permeate through the void.

(Hang in there, Aya)

Chihaya adjusted her grip on Aya's body and plunged into the darkness beneath her feet.