Chapter 13
As the evening unfolded, Vivian's arrival brought a palpable sense of relief to our hospital room. She stood in the doorway, her eyes shone with uncontrolled joy as she took in our recuperating form.
She approached us with deliberate calmness, her presence dispelling the lingering shadows of our ordeal. Johan, ever the optimist, beamed with delight, attempting to wrap her in a warm embrace.
However, Vivian's response was a firm, playful rebuke - a punch to Johan's arm, leaving him wincing in mock agony.
"Oops, sorry," Johan groaned, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Vivian's smile broadened, her gaze softening as she chided him gently. "You should be welcoming me, not further endangering yourself."
I observed the exchange with satisfaction, my smile reflecting the tranquility finally descending upon us.
"Indeed, we sustained injuries, but our resilience has proven unyielding, I declared, my voice laced with quiet confidence.
Vivian's eyes met mine, her expression a testament to her gratitude, as she nodded in silent understanding.
As the evening wore on, our conversation flowed with ease, the earlier tension dissipating like mist in the morning sun.
Vivian's words hung in the air, and Johan and I exchanged a piercing glance, our faces set with unyielding resolve. The cavern's secret began to unravel, and we listened intently, and our curiosity ignited.
Vivian's voice was laced with urgency, her words painting a vivid picture of the events that transpired. "Not long after you collapsed, Johan also succumbed to his injuries," she recounted, her tone measured and deliberate.
Johan and I locked eyes, our minds racing with questions. The soldier's retreat still lingered in our minds, and I voiced my conclusion, my voice firm and commanding. "He must have been working for an organization unrelated to the government or military, given his cryptic remark about being against time."
Vivian's expression turned contemplative, her eyes narrowing as she absorbed my words. The room fell silent, the tension palpable as we pondered the implications of the soldier's actions.
I leaned forward, my voice low and assertive. "We must uncover the truth behind the cave's secrets and the soldier's true allegiance."
Vivian's gaze met ours, her expression resolute. "I'll aid you in unravelling the mystery, no matter the cost."
Johan's incredulous gaze met mine, his voice laced with curiosity. "What led you to the conclusion?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with intrigue.
I leaned forward, my voice dripping with confidence. "The fact that we're alive is a testament to the soldier's true intention. He was working under pressure yet calm, and his retreat was a calculated move."
Vivian's smile was like a burst of adrenaline, her eyes gleaming with approval. "You had pieced that together from the limited information available?" she asked, her voice husky with admiration.
I nodded, my mind racing with the implications. "He took the young scout with him, likely as a safeguard. The approaching army forced his hand, and he abandoned his mission, and also about killing us."
Johan's eyes widened, his expression a mix of awe and fear. "I see why he was so fixated on eliminating us there. He was protecting something bigger( probably his identity)."
Vivian's voice was like a trigger, releasing a flood of tension. "The military unit arrived, and I sensed their food intentions. I followed them, and they brought you both to receive medical attention."
The room fell silent, the air thick with unspoken questions. Johan's voice was barely above a whisper. "That explains why you looked stressed earlier. You have just faced some tough questions from them."
Vivian's gaze turned introspective, her eyes clouding with memories. "We did clear their supposed mission objective before they arrived, so that helped alleviate some concerns."
The conversation continued, Johan's eyes locked with Vivian's, his voice laced with curiosity. "What do you think the soldiers' true intentions were?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with intrigue.
Vivian's expression turned contemplative, her eyes narrowing as she pondered the question. "I think he was trying to protect something or someone," she said, her voice low and measured. "The way he retreated, taking the young scout with him… it suggests he was trying to safeguard a larger plan.
I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "And the fact that he's gone into hiding probably he's afraid of being exposed."
Johan's eyes widened, his expression a mix of awe and fear. "This is getting bigger than we thought. We need to uncover the truth behind the cave's secret and the soldier's true allegiance.
"As we spoke, the door creaked open, and Dr. Patel entered, a folder in his hand. "I have some test results," he said, his eyes scanning the room.
Vivian's gaze locked onto the doctor's, her expression expectant. "Hope no problem, doctor?
Dr. Patel's eyes met Vivian's, his expression serious. "The test results show some… unusual readings," he said his voice measured.
Vivian's gaze narrowed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Unusual readings?" she repeated, her voice laced with concern.
Dr. Patel nodded, his eyes scanning the folder. "Yes, it appears that you all have undergone some… changes. Changes that can be easily explained."
Johan's eyes widened, his expression a mix of awe and fear. "What kind of changes?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Dr. Patel's voice was low and serious. "It appears that you've all been exposed to a foreign substance, one that's altered your… biology in some way."
Vivian's expression turned contemplative, her eyes narrowing as she pondered the implications. "What does this mean, doctor?" she asked, her voice firm.
Dr. Patel's eyes met Vivian's, his expression grave. "I'm not sure, but I think it's something we should be concerned about."
The doctor made an earlier assessment and sought clarification. "Excuse me, doctor," I said, my curiosity piqued. "When did you conduct an initial check-up on our bodies?
The doctor's expression turned contemplative. "I ran a test on all of you when you were brought in, including Vivian. You and Johan had shown the most significant effects," He said solemnly.