FMS Episode One 45 (Patreon)

Chihaya pressed on her throat hard. Even so, her cheeks begin to puff out on their own.

Should I just let it out?

She was fine with that. But her decision would also put Aya in harm’s way, promising imminent death for not only herself but her kin and best friend. Aya was now helpless in her arms.

Chihaya re-sucked the air from her cheeks and gulped down into her lungs.

(No pain. I feel no pain.)

Chihaya kept her mouth tightly closed. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. She fed on the same air that she let travel back and forth through her respiratory system. Her collar bones moved up and down as if she was taking deep breaths. (No pain) (No pain)

The rift that Aya was talking about must be somewhere close. Though Chihaya had not located it, she inferred it was just too far way to be visible for her without her goggles swimming on.

Maybe, if I look for it directly beneath that porthole where Aya dove from…

Chihaya commenced her swim. With Aya's body held tightly against her, all she could manage were awkward dolphin kicks and it took a long time to cover even a short distance. (No pain) (No pain)