FMS Episode One 25 (Patreon)

Aya bumped her head hard against cast iron lid that had sealed the supposed passageway.

(Oww)

Aya quickly reached with her hands and studied the rough surface of the hatch lid. It felt heavy and relentless. Probably, after she had had her initial exploration here, due to advanced corrosion or something the lid came down and closed the passage shut. Aya had thought the rust of the hinges would hold the lid in place and this was unexpected.

(Well…)

Aya positioned her feet on the ladder’s second step and decided to press up with her head and hands, using her legs and upper body as levers. It might be quite a feat to counter the heavy load of iron with Aya’s lightweight body.

(Push······!!)

The lid would not budge.

Aya’s leg and arm muscles contracted. She clutched her teeth to weather the strain, and after some time she had to relax her limbs as they became too dull. In so doing, Aya inadvertently drew in seawater and took a small sip down her lungs.

“Glub…glub”

There were sharp, stabbing pains in Aya’s chest. Holding back a breath held cough, she let out some air bubbles out of her mouth, although she knew she had to hold back every drop of it in this deep, windowless void.

(Oh no)

Aya instinctively covered her mouth with one hand to shut off the leak. As she did, she remembered it has been quite a while since she took her last breath of air.

(Maybe…may I breathe now, please?)