Chapter 13: Fresh Air
Walking out was awkward. It was entirely silent. Our footsteps were the only sound as we walked. Our breathing was shallow, almost to the point of panting. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. No one spoke. It felt like a lump in my throat, cutting off my voice. I wanted to say something, anything. Shifting eyes, shuttered breathes, what were we supposed to do?
"Such tension," Dawn hummed, "Someone say something. Things are getting boring."
"Please, shut up," grumbled Ty.
"Someone isn't happy," she chirped, winking at him.
Ty angrily looked at Sky. The two glared at each other a while before focusing again on walking. The energy around Seto's hand was flickering. He was running out of juice. I could see his faltering breath, sweat forming on his brow. This was a strain, but he managed to hold it as we walked. Dawn looked over her shoulder at the rest of us behind her. She winked again, but I wasn't sure who it was directed at.
"You know, don't you?" she eventually purred, glancing at Seto. "You know what this is all leading up to?"
"Please…be quiet," Seto instructed.
"This is hardly over," she whispered.
"Shut up!" shouted Jerome.
"Silence yourself, uncivilized fur ball!" she hissed.
Jerome slumped his shoulders. "I'm a handsome Bacca," he whimpered.
"You is," Mitch patted him on the shoulder.
"We're here," Ty gulped.
We reached a smaller tunnel. Crafted of glass, we could see the water flowing around the air in tunnel. Darkness kept us from seeing that far out, leaving a shadowy void before us. I could hear someone gulp. I sighed, hoping to sooth my beating heart. Water and I have not had a good relationship lately. I'm sure the others could agree.
"Now what?" Dawn chuckled. "Shall we?"
"You're coming with me," Sky perked, grabbing Dawn by the arm. "Pair up and let's go."
Naturally, Jerome and Mitch paired up. Ty and Quentin exchanged a nod. Seto, finally relaxing his magic, stepped to my side. All paired up. Sky dragged Dawn into the tunnel. We all followed suit. The doors shut behind us, startling some of us. Slowly, water began filling in around our feet. It was simple pressure chamber, allowing entry and exit without damaging the structure or those entering and exiting. Jerome groaned.
"And I just finished drying off…"
Water wrapped around us, soon filling the chamber. A panic set in my chest. I gasped the last few breathes I can before the water completely fills the room. I felt my chest tighten. Water. My growing hatred of water was beginning to truly set in. I shut my eyes as the water finished. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I nearly screamed.
Opening my eyes, I found Seto holding my hand. His cloak flowed freely in the water, wrapping around his body and yet swirling in the water around him. His boots pointed downward as he floated. It was like he was flying. Holding my hand, he led me out of the tunnel. My chest burned, holding in what little oxygen I had left. I could see the fading images of my friends swimming away. With Seto tugging me, I swum upward in hopes of more air on the surface.
Last time I had swam in the free water, something nearly dragged me down. That sense of panic stuck in my throat. I could feel the weight of my legs as they dangled behind my body, kicking in hopes of propelling me. I didn't want to die. I didn't want to die. My thoughts echoed in the silence of the water. I wanted to breathe. Help.
My head broke the water's surface. My lungs took in the air without restraint. I felt the weight of the water on my hair and clothes. Seto popped up beside me, equally gasping for air. I couldn't tell if water was dripping down my cheeks or whether I was crying in release. We exchanged looks of relief, smiling lightly.
"Seto! Jane!"
Looking over, I spotted Jerome and Mitch on a nearby dock. After another glance at Seto, we both began swimming toward shore. They helped us onto the wooden platform. Drenched, we laid on the ground, feeling the breeze against our skin. My eyes burned, lungs ached. Everything hurt. I wanted to sleep.
"You okay?" Mitch asked, kneeling beside me.
"Yeah," I gasped, "Feeling better."
"Been a while since we had to swim like that, huh?" he chuckled, sitting down. "Can't wait to get to bed."
I laughed too. It was like we were thinking the same thing. I sat up with Mitch's help. Looking out over the water, it seemed peaceful. The light upon the surface, shimmering and glowing on the water, creating a wonder that was beyond a worthy description. The sky was cloudless, a soft blue. I smiled. I was starting to feel better.
"We aren't done yet."
Ty stepped up behind us. I knew Ty was the voice of reason among this group of officers and rightfully so. In all the events that led up to this moment, Ty had stayed on top of everything. This was no exception. With Sky distracted by Dawn, Ty had to take point. I knew he didn't like taking charge, preferring to be the backseat driver. I could hear him sigh.
"Now what?" sighed Mitch. "Do we go back to base with her?"
"I don't think we have a choice," Ty nodded. "I'll alert security. Hopefully, Jason hasn't freaked out too much about our absence."
"How long have we been missing?" Jerome pipped up.
"A day at least," Seto offered. "It is hard to say how long we were unconscious."
"Let's see what base has to say," Ty nodded.
"Sky and Dawn?" whispered Mitch, looking over everyone. "What are we supposed to do? She isn't exactly on our side."
"She's the opposite of one our side. She's queen on our mortal enemy!" Jerome shouted.
"We can't argue with Sky at this point," Ty huffed. "We keep her under lock and key and see if we can get to the bottom of this mess. There's no way that's the Dawn Sky used to talk about."
"Could be clone? Like those other us…es?" Jerome mumbled, end of the sentence trailing off.
"It's a possibility," nodded Ty. "Seto, think you can figure it out?"
"I'm a sorcerer, not a scientist," Seto corrected. "However, if she's anything like the previous clone we dealt with, without water she should start decaying."
"Maybe that'll shake him lose," shrugged Mitch. "It'll be nice to have Sky in his right mind or at least his mind."
"Focus on getting home, right now," sighed Ty. "Dry off and regroup. We'll leave soon."