Chapter 4: The Climb (2)

They didn’t even have a bag or pack that I could see. No wonder they could climb so fast! I had to go, like now. I turned away and once again began to climb, with a quicker pace. The obsidian plates were a set of notches away. I had lost count because of the panic that I had felt, but the release of steam should come pretty soon. I could clear the obsidian plates before it happens again. It should also help slow the person below me too, as they would need to wait.

Despite my exhaustion, seeing the glossy obsidian metal plate brought a smile to my face. It meant I was close to the end at least. While I didn’t pay too close attention to the minor details, I could see the large holes that released the steam of the powerful engine needed to run the ship. The plate, however, was large, at least two times my size and covered the wide span of the ship. It was grippable, I think.

I didn’t have to process my thoughts, as my body moved reflexively up. It’s… easy. I didn’t need much effort pulling myself towards the next notch. I passed it within seconds, and could actually rest on the plate which supported my weight. It was the perfect place to finally rest. Except for the incoming threat below me. I took a quick glance below. My eyes widened to see the hooded person reach the notches I just had left.

“Oh shit!” The only thing that separated me and them was the hole between the plates. Before I could even react, their left hand was already outstretched onto the steam release. Before they could pull themselves up however, I felt the shuddering. The steam was about to erupt in just a few moments, and the person below me will be blasted. I could stop them. The brief thought of stomping their hands entered my mind.

They were at full mercy at the steam in their current position, and if they tried to climb up, I could just as easily kick them down at the distance I was at. It would simply solve my problem. But I knew deep down, I couldn’t live with myself if I did that. I needed to help. I released the grasp on the next notch on my left hand, and reached down towards the person.

“Hurry! Before the steam comes!” I yelled out with my hand shaking down. My shoulder was in pain due to the stretch, my bag threatening to drag me down. I could see their blue eyes stare into my soul for the briefest of moments, before they reached out with their own left. A solid clap resounded out as our hands connected, and I immediately pulled. At the same time, the roaring of steam deafened my hearing, but I pulled with all my might.

Barely, I managed to pull them out in the nick of time, their feet connecting with the obsidian plate as the steam poured out from beneath them.

“Damn… that… was close…” I wheezed out as I readjusted my position on the plate. I studied their figure while I did so. They were slender, apparently a girl I think as their uniform was slimmer than mine. I couldn’t really tell though as I felt like dying. But from what I could see, under her hood was shoulder length dark hair, with a delicate pale face. She looked at me with an unreadable expression.

“Why’d you help me?” Is what I translated from what she mouthed out. To be honest, I didn’t know myself. It was a risky move, both in the effort to pull her up, and in trusting her. For all I knew, she could’ve tried pushing me off. Hell, she could easily do it right now. But she didn’t. Like how I could’ve kicked her off. Slowly, my breath returned to me as the shuddering quieted.

“I… just wanted to… I guess.” I shrugged as I straightened myself back up, looking back at her. With a better look, I realized she had an eye-catching beauty that I couldn’t place. Was she a noble? I couldn’t tell as she turned away from me and placed her left hand onto a wall notch again.

“Well… thanks. I’ll remember it.” Her voice was pretty quiet, and before I could even respond, she began to lift herself up.

“W-wait!” I barely gasped out, but it was too late. She climbed way too fast, beyond my own speed. Damn. She has to be gunning to be at least a top position in Albius. Maybe at the same level as my sister. Thoughts of my inadequacy filled me briefly, but I shook my head. I still have less than halfway left, I can make it. I had thought this climb would be impossible, but my resolution was stronger than iron at this point. I will make it.

I had the pattern of climbing the side down at this point, and I could quickly make it to each notch with a brisk pace. Resting on the plate had helped tremendously with my stamina, and I could see the top approaching rapidly. I didn’t see the girl though. Seems like she made it. I grimaced as I reached the second to final notch. There wasn’t anyone at the top waiting? I had thought there would be a knight checking if someone made the climb.

They could be busy checking the mystery girl. The iron railing was also blocking my view, so maybe they were towards the side. With a final grunt, I pulled myself up from the notches and reached out towards the railing, grasping the slippery metal with all my might. Shit! I could feel my grip sliding off. Before I could react, I felt a strong grip latch onto my right arm.

“Lemme get you up, new Crimson recruit.” A man’s rugged face peered from above me.

“Congratulations on surviving.” His smile was bright as he pulled me up, my body finally finding true rest upon hitting the docks.

“Where… is… my…” I could hardly finish my words, as I closed my eyes. Voices were blurred, barely audible as I felt the lull of the darkness take a hold of me.

-

“Argh!” I coughed out in pain as I jolted up, waking to wracking pain all over my body. Did... I make it? The entirety of my core ached as I slowly regained awareness of my surroundings. Climbing the side took a lot of effort and strength I didn’t even know I had left. Even though the aftermath of it was currently bringing great pain all over my body, I felt a deep satisfaction. I finally proved it. That I wasn’t a complete failure, just yet at least.

As I recovered, I took a cursory glance around me. I was in a fairly small room, the wooden sides lit by a small magical lamp that laid atop a desk beside me. My uniform and bag sat beside the desk, and I only wore my white dress shirt and pants. The bed I was on was quite comfy, the white sheets smelled recently cleaned with a pleasant aroma. Did they take me to my own room? I remembered the perk that was given to the members of the Crimson group. They were quite nice to bring me here. I smiled as I laid back down.

Bang. Bang. Loud knocking from what I assumed was my room door, jolting me back up before I could get back to resting.

“Alex! Are you awake!” A loud and abrasive voice screamed from outside. Even with it being muffled from the walls, I could recognize it immediately. It was a voice I knew all my life.

“Great Albion, Ais you scared the life out of me! Yes, I am!” I yelled, annoyance mixed with relief fueled me back up. Slight pain wracked my body, causing me to cough out loud. I could hear a loud gasp.

“Alright, I’m coming in!” The wooden door creaked, and loud stomping of boots announced the entering of my twin sister. Piercing ruby eyes met mine, widening to shining crimson jewels.