Capítulo 12: Phase 11
David's Perspective
I ceased my movements, taking a moment to assess my surroundings. To my astonishment, I found myself no longer confined within the narrow crevice I had entered earlier. Instead, I was situated in the heart of yet another cavern, enveloped by darkness. Opening my reserve light, I discovered several openings scattered around me, making it impossible to discern the one through which I had originally entered. My anxiety intensified when my suit alarm alerted me to my dwindling air supply. I exerted every effort to regulate my breathing, determined not to deplete my air before finding my way back. It dawned on me belatedly that I had neglected to change my air tank prior to embarking on this dive.
Remaining stationary in the center of the cave, I focused my thoughts, attempting to devise a plan. However, my attention was abruptly diverted by the sight of bubbles rising in the distance. Realizing that it could potentially indicate the presence of an underwater current, I hesitated momentarily. Nevertheless, I decided to seize the opportunity and swam upwards, hoping to discover an air pocket. After a considerable distance, I reached the water's surface and encountered a rare air pocket—an unexpected find. Yet, before removing my helmet, I cautiously surveyed my surroundings, mindful of potential hazards associated with the air in this enclosed space.
After carefully assessing the environment, I resolved to take the risk and removed my helmet, inhaling the air within the pocket. I allowed a minute to elapse, observing any adverse reactions before gradually relying on this newfound source of breathable air. By doing so, I could conserve the air remaining in my tank while attempting to establish contact with Mandryx and the station. Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts, my communications went unanswered. Acknowledging the consequences of my impulsive actions, I recognized that not every situation permits a means of escape. Moreover, I realized the importance of not allowing fear to overpower our capabilities and judgment.
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"Unseal this door immediately, Reiden!" My mother's authoritative voice echoed through the house, compelling me to face her wrath.
"You're intoxicated. You'll only inflict harm upon me. I haven't done anything wrong," I meekly protested, seeking refuge within the confines of my cabinet.
During my formative years, I was deprived of the freedom one typically enjoys. My life followed a monotonous cycle of schooling, studying, household chores, and seclusion. I couldn't recall any instances of venturing outdoors to play with other children or attempting daring escapades. I even lacked the companionship of friends, as my mother forbade any such interactions.
"Raiden! Open this damn door, right now!"
"Raiden—" I snapped out of the nightmarish recollection as I heard someone else's voice. Despite my blurred vision, I discerned his presence, grounding me back to reality. I attempted to move, but my body remained unresponsive.
I vaguely remembered reaching the station and seeking assistance. With no alternative but to await rescue, I released the air from my tank into the air pocket, reasoning that I could communicate with Mandryx while preserving the remaining air in the tank for later use. However, I failed to consider that the newly introduced air from the tank might possess a higher concentration of oxygen than the air already present in the pocket. Consequently, the release of air hastened the depletion of oxygen within the pocket, leading to hypoxia—a condition that induces confusion, lightheadedness, and unconsciousness. Fortunately, my diving suit prevented me from drowning.
"Breathe!" were the last words I heard before succumbing to unconsciousness once again.
FRAN's perspective:
"Where's Thunder?" I inquired of Kevin as I entered the emergency room.
"He's inside. Don't worry, he's still alive," he replied, chuckling. His words prompted me to scrutinize him, but I soon turned my attention elsewhere. My body refused to cooperate, rendering me immobile.
I recollected answering Thunder's call, as I happened to be on duty in the waiting calls room. However, I wasn't among the divers dispatched to rescue him due to the treacherous nature of the location he found himself in—the most perplexing section within the Green Cave. Fortunately, Thunder stumbled upon an air pocket created by other divers who had ventured deeper into the cave, averting a potentially tragic fate.
"Why did he end up in that cave when he was supposed to be with you?" demanded a voice, drawing my gaze to a corner near the vending machine where I had sought solace with a drink. Two men stood there with their backs turned, and I recognized them as Director Mandryx and Old Hex.
"He left without my knowledge."
"And where were you when he departed?"
"Grandpa requested my presence at the accident site, presuming I had caused yet another explosion. Look, Dad, I didn't do anything wrong this time."
"You better be telling the truth, or I'll send him back to the surface."
"I am being honest. Don't act innocently about what transpired between us."
"And that's precisely why both of you are here—"
I failed to catch the remainder of their conversation as Zhan suddenly materialized in front of me.
"Is everything alright, Frans?" he inquired. I averted my gaze from the two men and greeted Zhan with a smile.
"Yeah, want some?" I offered, motioning towards my drink.
"Nah, I'm good."
We returned to the emergency room's entrance, awaiting Thunder's arrival. As we arrived, Mandryx was already present with Kevin while Vincent were conspicuously absent.
"Where's Vincent?" I queried Zhan.
"He's with Lady Étienne. I heard she's organizing Thunder's departure," Zhan replied, causing me to ponder the potential ramifications of this sudden decision on Thunder.
We stood outside the emergency room for an hour until the doors swung open, revealing a figure clad in a white lab coat. We hastened toward the doctor, seeking an update on Thunder's current condition.
"How is he, Doctor?" Mandryx inquired anxiously.
"He's currently stable but unconscious. We can't determine when he'll regain consciousness. Presently, we're monitoring his condition and considering sending him back to the surface."
"Send him where?" Mandryx asked, his confusion evident.
"To the surface. Your mother and I have made that decision, as this mission poses more harm than benefit to him and burdens his colleagues," someone replied, prompting all of us, including the doctor, to direct our attention towards Old Hex, who had responded to Mandryx's inquiry.
"Why make such a decision without considering the other party's perspective?" Mandryx protested, revealing his opposition to his parents' verdict.
"This determinative resolution was made with the utmost concern for Thunder's welfare, and I beseech you not to engage in argumentation regarding this matter, as it falls beyond the purview of your involvement."
"However—"
"That shall conclude the discourse, Mndryx," Old Hex interjected with heightened authority, his response resonating with an air of command.
As an observer, I beheld the mounting tension in the room, uncertain of the appropriate words or actions to undertake. It became palpable that underlying strife and unresolved complexities permeated the relationships between Old Hex, Mandryx, and Thunder. Although I had been acquainted with Thunder for a considerable time, the intricate web of connections and sentiments among those surrounding him had eluded my comprehension.
Old Hex remained impervious to Mandryx's inquisition, preserving a countenance of composure and detachment. With serene composure, he articulated, "My paramount concern resides in the well-being and safety of Raiden. This determination was reached after meticulous consideration of the risks involved and his present state. We firmly believe that it is in his best interest to be returned to the surface."
Mandryx, his fists clenched, visibly frustrated by the response, retorted, "But why would such a decision be rendered without even consulting him? Raiden is deserving of a voice in this matter. He is not merely an encumbrance to his colleagues."
Old Hex, who had maintained a mostly reticent disposition throughout the exchange, spoke forthrightly. "Mandryx, on occasion, arduous decisions necessitate resolution in service of the greater good. Lady Étienne and I have conscientiously evaluated all relevant factors, culminating in the determination to remove Raiden from this mission as the most prudent course of action."
Mandryx's narrowed gaze fixed upon his father as he glared, his voice strained with intensity. "And what of our connection with Raiden? What of the trust he has bestowed upon us? By effecting his removal without his consent, we hazard irreparable harm to that trust," Mandryx's words reverberated, interweaving with my perplexity stemming from my limited understanding of their relationships.
Old Hex's visage softened, a tinge of regret flickering within his eyes. "Mandryx, I apprehend your concerns, but we must accord priority to Raiden's welfare. This mission harbors perils, and he has already endured a harrowing ordeal. Ensuring his safety is our solemn responsibility."
Mandryx sighed, his anger visibly dissipating. "I merely— I do not desire to lose him once more," Mandryx confessed, momentarily forgetting our presence as witnesses to this exchange.
"I comprehend, Mandryx," Old Hex responded tenderly. "And we all hold Raiden in great regard. That is precisely why this decision is being undertaken — to safeguard him."
As I absorbed their conversation, I experienced a mélange of empathy and perplexity. The intricacies of their connections unfolded before me, revealing a narrative far more convoluted than what had been openly discussed. I pondered the history shared among Thunder, Mandryx, Lady Étienne, and Old Hex, attempting to discern the causative factors behind their present rifts and strained associations.
Yet, as an impartial observer, my role remained that of a spectator, contemplating their interactions with hopes of a resolution that would serve the best interests of all parties involved, particularly Thunder. The emotions pervading the atmosphere remained taut, and decisions were being made with honorable intentions, even if they did not resonate harmoniously with everyone. At present, we were left with naught but to await Thunder's progress and ardently yearn for an auspicious outcome.
The room retained its tense ambiance, laden with the weight of unaddressed emotions. Mandryx, though visibly torn, appeared to have reached a point of reluctant acceptance. He redirected his gaze toward Thunder, still lying unconscious upon the hospital bed.
"Very well," Mandryx finally acquiesced, his voice tinged with resignation. "If it is genuinely for Raiden's welfare, then I shall not impede. Nonetheless, I insist upon being kept apprised of his condition at every juncture."
Old Hex nodded, his countenance further softening. "Certainly, Mandryx. We shall ensure that you receive regular updates. Raiden's well-being and convalescence take precedence. However, it is imperative that this information does not reach Lady Étienne, as she harbors opposition to any connection between you and Raiden."
With that acknowledgment, the tension in the room seemed to abate marginally. Mandryx and Old Hex, while harboring disparate views on the decision, shared a common concern for Thunder's welfare. It was evident that their actions, however arduous, emanated from a sincere desire to safeguard him.
As we awaited Thunder's preparations for transport, a contemplative silence enveloped the room. Lost in my own ruminations, I endeavored to assemble the puzzle of their interconnectedness. Numerous unanswered questions and unspoken verities lingered beneath the surface.
Zhan, who had stood beside me throughout, broke the silence. "Frans, there is a matter you ought to know," he imparted, his voice subdued and solemn. I turned my gaze toward him, a mingling of curiosity and concern etched upon my countenance.
"What is it, Zhan?" I queried, my voice barely above a whisper.
He hesitated momentarily, selecting his words with caution. "The truth is, Thunder and Mandryx share a connection far more profound than meets the eye. They were not merely friends. Their bond extended beyond those bounds."
His revelation did not come as a surprise, yet it triggered a surge of realization within me. Suddenly, the unspoken tension, Mandryx's protectiveness, and Old Hex's ostensibly innocuous demeanor acquired clarity. A concealed history, a tangled tapestry of sentiments, enmeshed them all.
"I am aware, but how did you come by this knowledge?" I murmured, my voice scarcely audible.
Zhan appeared taken aback. "And how is it that you possess this awareness as well?"
"I possess meager insights, as Thunder chose to share fragments of this narrative with me," I responded, seeking to assuage his bewilderment.
The gravity of this revelation settled upon us, and I found myself entwined in a mesh of empathy and melancholy for all parties involved. The decision to separate Thunder from the mission, as arduous as it was, likely bore profound significance for both Mandryx and Thunder, surpassing the comprehension of others.
Before I could delve further into the depths of this newfound knowledge, the attending physician emerged from the room, signaling that Thunder was prepared for transportation. Mandryx and Old Hex exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the solemnity of the circumstance. Together, we accompanied Thunder as he was gingerly transferred onto a stretcher, primed for his journey back to the surface.
As we observed his departure, the wheels of the stretcher rolling away, I could not help but foster hope that this juncture would engender healing and closure for Thunder, Mandryx, and all involved. Time alone would unveil the prospects that awaited them, yet for now, our sole recourse lay in supporting Thunder's recuperation and providing solace to one another throughout this arduous and emotionally-charged expedition.
The gravity of the situation lingered in the air, a palpable heaviness that seemed to bear down on each individual present. Mandryx, Old Hex, and I stood in silence, united in our shared concern for Thunder's well-being. Unspoken words swirled within the room, the weight of their histories and unexpressed emotions tugging at the edges of our consciousness.
Status de energia semanal
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