[The soft glow of the early morning sun filtered through the blinds of Hydro's apartment, casting faint patterns across the floor. It was 6:00 AM, but the world outside was already stirring with life. Birds chirped in the distance, cars honked in the streets below, but none of that reached Hydro's ears. He lay motionless on his bed, his body sprawled across the sheets, still in the depths of sleep. For the past few days, he hadn't done much of anything-his body was in his apartment, but his mind was miles away.]
[Suddenly, a knock echoed through the small apartment. It wasn't loud, but it was persistent. Hydro stirred, but only slightly, his mind too foggy with exhaustion to fully register the sound. Outside, Katie, Jade, and Aaron stood by the door, exchanging glances.]
---
KATIE: [anxious, hopeful] I think we've finally found his place... This is definitely the right door.
JADE: [nervous, doubtful] Are you sure? We've been searching for him for days. What if he's not even here?
AARON: [determined, concerned] He has to be here. We can't give up now. We owe it to him. And besides, the tournament starts in two days... we want him to be in it.
[Katie took a deep breath, her hand hovering just above the door. She wasn't sure if Hydro would answer, but she knew they had to try. They couldn't let him fade away, not now. Not when everything was on the line.]
KATIE: [determined, loud] Hydro, we know you're in there! We've been looking for you everywhere. Please, just hear me out!
[Her voice echoed down the hallway, but there was no response from inside the apartment. Katie bit her lip, glancing back at Jade and Aaron, who both nodded encouragingly. She knocked again, this time a bit harder, but still nothing.]
KATIE: [frustrated, pleading] Hydro, I know you've been busy a lot. I know you're just playing. But we need you. The tournament isn't just about the prize, it's about proving something to yourself-to all of us. You've always been strong, but now... now we need you to show the world what you're made of. Just, please, Hydro... We just want to see you fight.
[Jade shifted uncomfortably, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall.]
JADE: [quietly, concerned] He's not gonna answer, Katie. Maybe we should just...
KATIE: [interrupting, passionate] No, we can't just leave! Hydro, please, get back to us. You can't give up now. We're all counting on you. I'm counting on you.
[Katie's voice softened as she placed her hand gently on the door, her forehead resting against the cool wood.]
KATIE: [softly, emotional] Please, Hydro... don't shut us out. We want you there with us, fighting side by side. You're not alone in this... and you never will be.
[For a moment, the hallway was silent. No sound came from the apartment, no movement, no response. Aaron let out a quiet sigh and gave Katie's shoulder a comforting squeeze.]
AARON: [gently] We did what we could, Katie. He knows we're here for him.
[Reluctantly, Katie nodded, she wants Hydro to join the tournament. The three of them exchanged a silent look before turning and walking down the hall, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridor. They left the building, their hopes dashed, but their resolve still strong.]
YOU ARE READING
Kairiki: Before the Nightmare
Adventure(This is a Prequel to the Comic: Kairiki) Hydro Undergrove was just an ordinary high schooler in our world until the Temporal Prism caused global chaos, leading to his and his family's death. However, he is mysteriously revived by an unknown presenc...
