Saving Soul

Anja sighed. "Help me up."

Adair assisted Anja to her feet, putting one of her arms over his shoulder so she could lean on him better. Carefully they moved forward.

Anja pouted the entire time. It was painfully obvious that she was used to doing things on her own and was mistrustful of others.

She's just as bad as 'Taire about getting help Adair thought. Maybe worse.

When they finally made it to the cavern, he paused to look around. Still no sign of danger.

Anja continued to pout. "So where are we going?" she asked

"Out of the cave, once we find the exit," said Adair. He noticed a thing stone path leading toward the other exit in the cavern and frowned. It was going to be hard to cross that with an injured person, and he was weak to water.

Anja grumbled. "If I can do anything to help, tell me. Then I can get away from you sooner."

Adair paused.

"What can you summon, if anything, and for how long?"

"I can probably summon Alfres again, since he's my closest, and it doesn't matter how long I summon, it uses energy to summon and to send back." Anja replied

"I see," Adair replied. The wolf summon wasn't large enough to carry Anja across the bridge, but it could be used to fend off foes or hunt for food.

"Why? Is something the matter?" Anja asked

"Trying to figure out the best way across that," Adair answered, pointing to the narrow stone bridge. "Neither of us wants to fall in. You can't swim well with your hurt foot, and while I can swim I'm weak to water."

"Hmm. I can crawl across." Anja suggested

Adair didn't like the sound of the idea, but he couldn't think of anything better. Carrying wouldn't be a good idea since it would be impossible to see where he was stepping. It would be better if they traveled apart, so that if one fell in the other could assist. Though he wondered if she would help at all if he fell in. She already didn't like him. Oh well, he could probably get out of the water by himself anyway.

"You go first then." Anja stated. "Then I'll follow."

"Right," Adair answered, walking forward. Going first had been his plan anyway.

Upon reaching the edge of the pool, he noticed a school of glowing golden fishes. Adair studied him in vague interest for a few moments before deciding that they didn't look threatening. Then one came up to the surface and squirted him in the face with water, causing him to yelp and stumble back. He was briefly blinded by the steam coming off his face.

...Not deadly, no, but they could be problem.

With a sigh, Anja took off her jacket. "Here. Use this." She stated, tossing it to Adair.

"You sure?" Adair asked, before noting the multiple other fish coming close to the surface. "...Okay."

Adair draped the jacket over his head while still leaving enough room to see the path ahead. As soon as he stepped on the stone bridge the fish began squirting at him, mostly hitting the jacket but some of it splashing his lower arms.

He rushed across as fast as it was possible on the awkward crossing, fish spitting long streams of water at him the whole way. This was going to be a long trip.

Slowly, Anja army crawled to the pass. She took a deep, shaky breath before proceeding. It was easier this way, being lower to the ground.

Anja did not have to worry much at the fishes. Most were still after Adair, squirting at him even after he had crossed the stone bridge.

"Cut it out already!" he growled, blowing fire at them. The fishes naturally dived safely underwater, then continued their watery barrage a few moments later.

"Dammit."

"Move away from the pond then." Anja snapped. She was almost to the very end.

"I am away from the pond!" Adair protested. Indeed he was waiting inside the exit, which was six feet away from the pond. He miserably pulled the coat over his face to avoid more water blasts.

Anja finally made it to the other side. She sighed and relaxed for a moment. she wasn't sure if she could make it any farther.

"You okay?" Adair asked, lifting up the coat to look. At that moment one fish landed a squirt of water right in his face, which caused him to cry out and then curse. "...I'm fine."

"Mmhm. just a little tired." Anja stated. "I feel weak"