Victor

I walked beside Auryn. She seemed okay. I glanced at Lucky, he didn’t seem as okay. His eyes red rimmed, as if he’d been crying. Zoro, a Courser who decided to tag along on this little adventure seemed a little uncomfortable, and honestly I didn’t blame him. 

My legs felt tense as we walked the corridor, but overall I felt more comfortable with familiar faces. “Victor, why don’t you tell us what happened?” Auryn offered. She wanted to get it over with, and fast. “You mean, me almost dying again?” I asked. Auryn nodded. “You can’t seem to stay out of trouble can you?” Lucky said, his voice light. Ah he’s joking. A little too soon but I don’t blame him. “Yeah.” I said with a chuckle. “How many times have you almost died?” Zoro asked. He was walking beside Lucky behind us. “More than enough for one lifetime, and enough to lose count.” I answered. Lucky and Auryn both seemed surprised by my answer, but Zoro was younger than us, I wasn’t about to give him the real answer.

Lucky

Victor seemed off. Yes, he hurt me and Auryn both deeply by deciding to leave us for a bit, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about him. We haven’t talked much since, well, the accident. Victor said he wanted to get away for a bit, he needed some time to think, alone. Which absolutely sucks because I love him. 

My thoughts ceased as I heard Victor and Auryn arguing.

Victor

Panic clawed at my throat. “No Auryn, I’m telling you I walked through almost the exact same cistern and nearly drowned!” I argued. “Victor, you need to let go of your past.” Auryn advised. “This isn’t about my past it's about the fact that something in these waters nearly killed me.” I growled. “If you want, go in. See how quickly you almost die.” I offered. “No offense, but I agree with Victor.” Zoro said, walking towards me. Young Coursers, a small smile escaped from my lips. “We are going.” Auryn pushed. “Fine then!” I said, giving up. “You go in first.” I said, walking over to her. Dobby put a familiar hand on my back, one I knew too well at this point. 

Auryn hopped in the water. “See?” She asked, and started swimming. Lucky shrugged and followed her in. “It seems safe.” Zoro said, and hopped in. “Damn you guys.” I sighed, and jumped in. 

The water didn’t smell as shitty as last time. If anything it smelled pure, like drinking water. We waded through the dark waters, and I hoped that nothing would happen. That I wouldn’t almost drown again.

A familiar loud splash comes from ahead. “Run!” I scream. Auryn seems to believe me now, and despite her white eyes, I can see the panic in them as we all race back to get out of the water.

Large waves come, pushing me and Zoro under. “Zoro!” I try to scream, forgetting I’m underwater. This time, up is up, and I shoot to the surface. Once there, I can see everything has once again gone to shit. Zoro is still underwater, most likely not being able to find up. I dive down, and grab him by the scruff. Once we are up, he begins taking large inhales of air as we work our way to Lucky and Auryn who are heading towards the only exit visible.

Auryn

Victor was right. Bloody hell, Victor was right. I fight the waves and eventually make it to the exit, pulling myself up. I look back, Lucky is right behind me, scrambling to get out of the cold waters. Victor and Zoro are out a little ways, the monster starting to catch up to them. “Grab Victor and Zoro. Bring them back here.” I command, colorful wisps part off, going to save my friends.

The wisps bring Victor and Zoro back in one piece. “Bloody hell.” I curse, as the wisps return to me. “I told ya so.” Victor flaunts. I grunt, not giving a reply, and we set off back from where we came.