My Last Chance [Made in Abyss Fanfiction]

14| Red Dawn

Temporary Author's Note: This chapter is where many of the disclaimer's warnings come into play. Be mindful of that when reading ahead.

As the remaining hours of the evening pass, Melva and I formulate our next course of action. We'd do some packing while leaving out the essentials, and the following morning I would ask Bondrewd about leaving while Melva was with Enri. We're sure by now Bondrewd doesn't like Melva very much, so it would be for the better that I ask him alone. Even if Iann and Sciro couldn't come with us, the thought of which pains me, we'd be gone in two days at the most. With time's passage flying by on the surface, I can't wait longer than that.

"Are you sure your ankle can handle the strain?" I ask as I pack away my spare clothes along with Life Seeker. "After all, we could be climbing back up, and you haven't experienced the curse on this layer at all."

"It's better than it was when we first came down 'ere, kid. I can promise ya that!" She stands confidently without her crutch, and it's enough proof for me, even with my remaining concern. "An' it seems like in general we're headin' out better prepared." To prove her point, she dumps the entire plate of ration bars into a cloth pouch she stashes in her backpack afterwards. I chuckle sheepishly, shaking my head. I can't disagree with that notion. It's a relief to have some of Melva's fire back.

The following morning, Enri comes by as usual, and I stop her before she and Melva can leave. "I know Bondrewd wants me to rest today, but I want to speak to him about something. Is he available?"

Enri's quiet for a few moments, as if thinking, before she nods. "Lord Dawn is working two floors up today, though I state you wait by the stairs until he's finished with his work. He'll see you, after all, you're hard to miss." I ignore that last comment and thank her. She replies with a stiff nod and leaves, Melva flashing me a thumbs-up before she's out of sight. It's up to me now.

The trek up to the third floor is as strenuous as always, though I'm actually able to make it to the top of the stairs without completely losing my senses. I still can't help but slump to the floor, winded with my head pounding with stress, but I can still feel in general. If only I could try the ascension with Life Seeker to see how the curse flows, but even now I'm still determined to keep my word to Iann and not let Bondrewd know I have the Relic. I'd also rather him not see me on the floor like this, but thankfully I remain alone as I recover.

I eventually stagger to my feet, leaning against the wall momentarily until I have my balance back. When I do, I scan the hall for any sign of anyone. The hall is still empty, to my irritation. Sighing, I cross my arms and lean against the wall, prepared to wait far too long for Bondrewd to show himself.

Minutes pass, and my patience gradually wanes. I wish I had a clock, but I feel stuck in time. I step away from the wall and pace the hall near the stairs. I'm still near the stairwell, so it shouldn't matter.