Captain Jaxon: glancing at his watch, heart racing Damn, water's rising fast. Gotta move!
The sound of water was almost deafening, but we knew we had to make it up those steps.
Captain Jaxon: grabs LavenderAwe's arm firmly Hold on tight! We gotta keep moving, no matter how tired we are.
She nodded weakly in response, taking in shallow breaths through her nose.
Captain Jaxon: scanning the area for any potential threats Stay close, and watch your step. There could be slippery spots or sharp turns ahead.
As they ascended the stairs, the dimly lit corridor above seemed to loom closer, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Captain Jaxon: spots a shortcut There! A maintenance door that leads to the upper floor. We can save time if we take it.
He nods at her to go first, always letting the fairer sex go first.
Captain Jaxon: checks his watch again, frustration evident Fifteen minutes... we need to move faster. Come on, LavenderAwe, let's push harder!
They continued to ascend the stairs, their breaths heavy and labored.
Captain Jaxon: slips on a slick step Damn it! Watch your feet, LavenderAwe! We can't afford to fall.
Alright above here. And she stumbled slightly upon entering the dimly-lit corridor, nearly crashing into a painting of a grinning man with yellow eyes.
Captain Jaxon: rushes to help LavenderAwe up Are you okay? We can't waste any more time. Let's keep moving.
But then, she looked at the painting, and felt a shiver run down her spine.
Captain Jaxon: leans in closer to LavenderAwe What is it? Is there something wrong?
"It's... just... unsettling," she says, unable to tear her gaze away from the eerie image.
As LavenderAwe continues to stare at the painting, she begins to experience a vivid nightmare, reliving a traumatic event from her past.
It was the day her parents died.
Captain Jaxon: noticing LavenderAwe's distress Hey, hey, it's alright. Stay with me, LavenderAwe. We're safe here.
"No, we're not," she whispers, gripping Jaxon's arm tightly. "It's coming for us. It always finds us."
Captain Jaxon: grabs LavenderAwe's shoulders, looking into her eyes LavenderAwe, listen to me. We're not going to let anything happen to us.
She stumbles back from the painting, shaking her head. "I can't... I can't do this."
Captain Jaxon: quickly scans the area for anything that could help Alright, LavenderAwe, we need to find a way to calm you down.
She reaches out, clutching Jaxon's arm so hard her knuckles turn white.
Captain Jaxon: takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm LavenderAwe, focus on my voice, okay? You're safe here.
Her breathing becomes rapid and shallow. "I can't breathe. It's choking me."
Captain Jaxon: quickly rummages through his backpack Alright, LavenderAwe, try to take deep breaths for me. In... and out... slow and steady.