Fear Underground “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this. Why do I always let you talk me into these things?” Ryan adjusted the small light on his helmet and peered into the dark cave. “I wanted a nice, quiet vacation. This is dark and dirty.” “Yeah, but it is quiet.” Drew smiled at the lanky man who cut a comical figure dressed as a spelunker. His gray coveralls made him appear even thinner and taller. His hat sat high on his head, and the expression underneath was of pure distaste. Although he looked like the outdoorsy type his actions were usually restricted to camping. He’d never really explored anything, never took chances, never thought twice about ducking into a small opening in the earth to see what was inside. In his opinion it was a ridiculous thing to do, which hardened Drew’s resolve to get his friend out and underground. Colin adjusted his harness. “Come on, Ryan, it can’t be that bad.” His usual optimism was peaking, showing that he wasn’t going to let Ryan’s sour mood ruin his fun. “These things are damned tight though.” “They have to be to hold you.” Drew walked over and examined the harness, giving a final tug on one of the straps. “You’re set. Ryan, let me check yours.” He tugged on Ryan’s harness, giving it a hard yank and tightening it further. Ryan yelped at the pressure between his legs. “Goddamn, what are you trying to do? I need those.” Drew snickered. “Why, expecting any underground activity? I always wondered about you two.” “You mean you fantasize.” “Whatever. Are you going in, or should I push you?” “Where’s Greg?” “He’s coming.” “Not quickly enough, he isn’t.” Ryan peered into the darkness again, trying his hardest to find a good reason to back out. He had offered to stay above land, but Drew wasn’t having that. He and Greg would remain above ground for safety reasons, as well as checking for other caves to explore while Ryan and Colin went down. The land was riddled with caves, and Drew and Greg were scheduled to explore the next day while Ryan and Colin stayed above. Ryan wanted nothing more than to reverse roles, but one look at the child-like excitement on Colin’s face made him feel guilty for ever trying to back out. “It’ll be fun,” his friend now said, flashing that thousand-watt grin of his. Ryan sighed and winced and he rotated his shoulders, trying to adjust to the odd straps and implements surrounding his body. He regarded Colin with a dubious expression. “You ever done this before?” “Sure. It’s been a while though.” “And we’re going without a guide?” “Ryan, you worry too much,” Drew chided. “You aren’t going far. Colin did this last year, remember? And he’s been in caves plenty of times before in Vancouver. Don’t tell me he never told you.” “He never told me.” Drew frowned. “I thought you knew everything about each other.” “Guess again.” Ryan squinted off into the distance as Greg came up the hill. “Finally. What took you so long?” Greg huffed. “I realize I’m not Mr. Universe, but just how long did you expect it to take for me to get to the car and back?” He handed Colin some batteries and quickly replaced the one in his helmet. “Now remember, don’t go far. You’ve got four hours, that’s all.” “I still think we should have a guide.” Ryan muttered. Colin patted his friend on the shoulder. “Glad to know you can trust me. It’ll be fine, we aren’t going far, and I’ve been in these caves before. We aren’t going any further than I’ve already been.” Ryan looked at his friend and sighed again. The enthusiasm in those chocolate-colored eyes burned into him, and he almost felt a surge of anticipation. If he trusted anyone, it was Colin. “Okay then. On your head be it.” “If you don’t adjust that rope it may very well be.” Drew made one final check, and everyone coordinated their watches. “Four hours. Two hours in, and two out. You should be back up here at five-oh-five. Not one minute later.” “I oughta be late just to make you panic and teach you a lesson,” Ryan sneered, and received a playful pop on the helmet. He grudgingly started his decent. The temperature dropped rapidly as they pushed further into the cave. Ryan was reluctantly fascinated with his surroundings. There was a wet, earthy smell that for some reason reminded him of home. Pillars of rocks stood guard over them, watching, making certain the men didn’t interfere with the natural course of things. Stalactites and stalagmites pointed their long fingers at them as they walked past. The deeper they hiked, the more color appeared, changing from a drab gray to various shades of peaches and pinks. He was amazed, and finally just stopped to take it all in. There was such majesty about it, like walking into an underground lair and finding a castle. “Great, isn’t it?” Colin whispered, and it echoed so loudly around the cavern that Ryan jumped, half expecting the rocks to cave in on him. Colin noticed and placed a reassuring hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “Relax. We’re okay in here.” “Good thing I’m not claustrophobic,” Ryan responded weakly. He shifted his backpack and turned slowly, looking up at the spiked ceiling, unable to believe his was actually underground. “You know, Drew and Greg could be standing right up there.” He imagined a thin sheet of dirt supporting them. “I doubt it, but it’s possible.” Colin was also picturing a thin sheet of dirt above them, and he didn’t like it. He shoved Ryan’s arm. “Come on. We’ve got to rappel down.” “Rappel? You’re kidding, right?” “Why do you think we have the rope?” “To tie up gold thieves?” Colin laughed. “Here, follow me. We have to go down this way first,” he gestured to a rocky ledge, “and then we can tie off.” “And what is at the bottom of this rock wall, huh?” Colin beamed. “The most amazing lake you have ever seen.” “So, you think Ryan’s totally freakin’?” Greg asked, a faint hint of concern peeking through his gruff tone. “I hope not, fuck.” Drew cursed as he turned his ankle slightly on a protruding rock. “I didn’t think he’d be so against it. He was really uncomfortable.” “And you being the friend you are, you offered him every chance to back out.” Greg said. “Well, no, what if that robbed him of a chance to do something he’d end up loving?” “You are a piece of art, you know that?” “I’ve been called worse.” Drew smiled and sat on a boulder, eyeing the skies above them. “At least they’re gonna miss out on the rain.” Greg looked up as well, adjusting his glasses. “I was hoping that would blow over.” He frowned and removed the dark frames from his eyes, cleaning the lenses on his shirt. “You ever think about getting that laser surgery I had?” Drew asked, instinctively patting his pocket for the glasses he no longer wore. “Nope.” “Why?” “Because these generally don’t bother me, at least not until Mother Nature has her way with them. She’s put more specks on these things than I have on my windshield.” He slid the glasses back on the bridge of his nose, wincing then nodding in satisfaction. "Look, those clouds seem pretty dark. Where are we gonna go?” Drew slapped his hands on his knees and glanced around him. “We can always stand in the mouth of a cave. Looks like there’s a good one right over there.” Thunder crashed overhead as angry clouds rolled in over the crest of the hill. Drew and Greg took to their feet and ran for cover, ducking into the cave as fat drops fell to the earth. Soon the area outside was awash in gray streaks. “Not my idea of exploring,” Greg muttered. “You sound like HIM,” Drew said, his emphasis pointing directly to Ryan. “Besides, this’ll blow over soon.” He looked outside, then turned and faced the cave, which beckoned temptingly. “No way,” Greg said sternly, “too dangerous, and you know it. And we need to get back to Col and Ryan in a few hours.” He leaned against the stone and sighed. “Right now I’d say they have the better part of the deal.” “Greg’s got the better part of this deal. Damn Drew and his ideas.” Ryan dangled by a rope over a large crevice and wondered what the hell Colin was thinking, leading them down into that yawning mouth. He kept twisting and bumping into the sharp rock face and wondered, not for the first time, why his friends couldn’t just leave him alone. “You okay up there?” Colin’s voice floated from nowhere. “Yes, I’m fine, thank you,” Ryan called down sarcastically. “If it wasn’t for you guys I’d be laying out beside the lake instead of hanging here by a thread.” “It’ll hold you. Well, it should, anyway.” “Gee, thanks. I feel so much better.” Not. He felt as though his life was dangling on a thin line, which, hell, it was. Colin steadied the anchor rope as Ryan lowered himself down, cursing every few moments if his decent accelerated or stopped suddenly. By the time he reached the ground he was a wreck, although he’d almost mastered the handgrip. Colin steadied him. “See? Piece of cake.” Ryan disconnected his harness and stared overhead. “Just how do you propose we get back up there?” “We climb.” Ryan shot Colin a look of such disbelief that it was all the Canadian could do not to collapse into laughter. He had to admit he was enjoying this immensely. Instead of giving in to the temptation, he fingered the grip on Ryan’s rope. “Slide this back up the rope and clamp down on it. Use your feet to brace against the rock.” Ryan just stood motionless. “I can’t believe you let me do this to myself.” Colin smiled. “I’m glad you’re here, though.” Ryan cast a sideways glance at his friend. “Yeah? Even with my complaining?” “Sure. You’ve been entertaining me for hours now.” Ryan muttered a snide remark and turned away. Colin smiled again, tapped his arm and signaled for him to follow. “You won’t get any sun down here…but check this out.” He took Ryan by the elbow and guided him over the slippery path down a steep slope. “Okay, be sure to duck.” Ryan did so and emerged in a huge, cool, damp room. Colin stooped down and struggled out of his pack, setting it down and retrieving a small lantern that he lit and set to one side. Their eyes adjusted and an awesome sight revealed itself. The water was more still and peaceful than anything Ryan had seen in his entire life. The surface was completely undisturbed, not a wave, not a ripple, just a smooth, glassy substance that one could dance across. He knelt down beside the water’s edge, speechless, longing to touch the skin to make sure there was actually fluid there, but feeling very reluctant to ruin to vast peace before him. Colin knelt beside his friend, watching his face. “I knew you’d like it.” “It’s incredible. Look at that, you can see straight through, even in the center.” “Don’t let that deceive you. This water is very deep, much deeper than it looks.” Ryan nodded, still unable to tear his gaze away. “How did you find this place?” “Pure chance. But I try to get up here when I can.” Ryan turned to him. “You bastard, you’ve been holding out on me all this time. Why haven’t you mentioned this place before?” Colin shrugged. “I wasn’t ready to share it before, not even with you.” He had turned his attention back to the water. Ryan shifted, finding a semi-comfortable spot to sit, and waited for his friend to continue, but Colin clamed up, not saying anything further. “I guess I can understand that. Everyone needs their own spot, or secret place.” Ryan propped his elbows on his knees. “I know there’s plenty of times when I want to get away, go someplace where no one can find me. Especially when I’m in LA. Looks like you found that peaceful spot. But you’ve messed up, my friend.” Colin turned. “How so?” “You’ve shown it to me. Now I’ll be here before you.” “Like you’d go down that wall by yourself.” “Like you’ve done that yourself.” Colin shrugged. “I have.” Ryan stared. “You came here by yourself? Alone? Col, what if something had happened?” Again Colin shrugged, his voice unusually low. “At the time I didn’t care.” Ryan sat speechless. Colin continued to stare out over the water, suddenly all too aware of the silence and wishing he hadn’t said anything. “I…it was nothing. I wasn’t looking to end it all, I just needed to get away so badly that if I got stuck down here, well, at least I’d never have to go back up.” He shivered a little as the chill in the air increased. “It’s hard, ya know? I’m not an outgoing person. I get scared every time I find myself going to an interview. And when you’re lined up for more and more interviews, which I despise, on top of everything else, well, it floods you. I just reached a point where I couldn’t take it, everyone wanting to know everything about me as if I’m a hero or a god. I’m just me. I had to find an escape.” Ryan eased over and put his arm around Colin’s shoulders. “Hey, man. We all feel that way from time to time. It’s okay. Just promise me you won’t come down here alone again, okay? If you need to get away, call me and I’ll help you get down here. And I won’t complain.” Colin smiled. “I like your complaining. For some reason it reminds me that I’m not the only one with phobias.” “You consider interviews a phobia?” “Nearly. You’ve no idea, Ryan; I choke up like you do when you realize you have to fly. I feel this pressure to impress and entertain, and I worry about letting people down.” Ryan gave him a squeeze. “Don’t you realize that what you consider your faults are the exact same things that endear yourself to people? You are so human, you go out and show how vulnerable you can be. You know how hard that is? People see Colin Mochrie every time they look at you. You are the genuine thing. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, and nothing you can hide from.” He felt Colin’s sigh and smiled as the Canadian leaned his head on his shoulder. The sat like that for a long while, watching the pristine surface of the lake reflect the rocks overhead. The air was cooling, and soon Colin was shivering. “We should head back.” Ryan hated to say it, he was more than willing to just sit there for ages, but the time was creeping up on them. They had a little over an hour to make the trek back, which meant they were going to be late. “Guess I get to make Drew panic after all.” Colin grunted and stood, as reluctant to leave as Ryan if not more so, but a movement distracted him. The water’s surface that had been still all this time started to ripple. “Ryan?” Colin asked, “Is it just me, or do you hear something?” Ryan hesitated and listened. He heard nothing at first, then a low swishing rumble sounded through the caverns. “What is that?” Colin’s eyes widened and he pushed past Ryan. “It’s not good. It’s not good at all.” In a flash the roar increased, and a wall of water slammed over the lake from the far side where the rocks had taken another upwards turn. Ryan yelled for Colin to go, and shoved the man up the slope as the cavern rapidly filled with freezing water. Water started to course down the slope as well, making the path even more slippery than before. Colin’s footing gave and he felt himself supported from behind. “Go on!” Ryan said, trying to push his friend back up the slope. His own footing gave way and he plunged into the flooding, frigid lake. “Ryan! Shit!” Colin looked over his shoulder in a panic and saw Ryan surface and cling desperately to a rock. He eased over to a rocky outcropping above him and slowly made his way down, reaching out for his friend. The water washed over Ryan’s face, making breathing nearly impossible, and his grip was none too steady. Ryan was faintly aware of Colin above him but was too afraid to let go. He could hear Colin calling his name over the roar, and saw a hand reaching desperately down for him. Summoning what reserves he had, he flung his hand out of the water and grasped Colin’s in a slippery hold, trying to pull himself up but finding his frozen, soaked body refused to obey. Instead it had turned into a lump of lead and threatened to sink. He lost Colin’s hand and disappeared below the surface. Drew and Greg continued to sit in the mouth of a distant cave, waiting for the torrent to end. The ground soaked up the water like a sponge, and Drew was noticing some leaks in the rock roof overhead. “Fuckin’ monsoon. Can’t believe this.” Greg snorted. “Does this mean you don’t enjoy my company?” “I would if you talked.” Greg sighed. “Guess I don’t have a lot to say.” “That’s a change.” Drew looked at him with a smile. “To be honest I have absolutely no problem with sitting here and listening to the rain. It’s relaxing.” “To some.” The disappointment in Drew’s voice was obvious. Greg reached into his pocket and pulled out his ever-present pack of cigarettes. “I’m sorry man. Maybe this will let up soon. Then we can find us a good cave to invade.” “Come on. You’re about as enthusiastic about this as Ryan was.” “Drew, maybe spelunking just isn’t our bag. I prefer ocean waves to being underground.” “Then why did you say something earlier?” “Because you and Col wanted it so badly.” Drew shook his head in irritation. “Don’t you get it? It would have been better for you to say no to this then having me get all excited and drag you along on a venture you don’t give a shit about.” “Drew…” “No! Next time, just say no!” Drew stood in agitation and walked to the rim, watching the drops of rain subside to a steady sprinkle. The fact that the cave was leaking like it was didn’t ease his mind. He examined the rocks, noticing the porous construction, and looked again to the ground, which continued to absorb the water at an amazing rate, leaving no puddles. He wondered if Ryan and Colin were aware of the rain. Colin cursed and reached frantically into the water, finding and grabbing Ryan’s collar. A long arm snaked out and latched onto his, and Ryan bodily forced himself up as the other man yanked him out of the flooding lake with all the strength he had. He used Colin’s soaked body as a ladder of sorts to pull himself to higher ground, and lay still, coughing and gasping. Colin hovered over him, his face inches from Ryan’s. “You okay? Are you hurt?” Ryan turned his head and coughed again as Colin patted his back, then managed to croak, “I’m fine.” He continued to catch his breath as Colin pulled the rest of the rope from his pack. “Stay here. Put this over you.” He handed Ryan a plastic cover and carefully found his footing, ignoring Ryan’s question of “Where are you going?” and climbed back up the rocks. The water trailing down the slope had decreased its flow. He fastened the rope and climbed back down to Ryan, who was shivering and trying to hide it. “Use this. We need to get out of here while we can. No time to rest, not yet.” He positioned the weakened man in front of him and together they made their way up the tricky path, arriving with a few bumps and scratches at the slope. Once there they pressed on, inching along the slippery rocks and urging each other forward, collapsing at the top in a drenched heap. They lay there for some time panting and collecting their strength. Colin could hear the water rushing below them, increasing in volume as it started to rise. And there was another sound as well, the sound of falling water. He looked up and saw the rope they had used to enter the cave completely submersed by a waterfall. “Oh, great.” Ryan looked up as well. “Ever climb a waterfall?” “No.” Colin looked back down the slope, taking note of the thrashing current that was steadily rising. “Looks like we have no choice.” They hoisted themselves to their feet and splashed through growing puddles to the rope that thrashed about in the violent spray. Colin managed to snatch it and hook on, standing back away from the falls. “You stay here, I’m not sure this will work. Hold this end away from the water if you can.” Ryan nodded, not liking the situation one bit. Colin clamped onto the rope and pulled himself up. His weight yanked the slick rope from Ryan’s shaky hands, sending the man hurling against the rock face. Ryan desperately reached for the rope again, but it was lost in the cascade. He could just make out Colin trying his hardest to plant his boots against the rock, and saw him slowly making his way up in the water. Wiping the stinging wetness from his eyes he tried to follow his friend’s ascent, but quickly lost sight of him in the downflow. “Col! You okay up there?” There was no answer. Ryan shielded his eyes, trying to see amongst the spray, but nothing revealed itself. “Colin!” His voice was drowned out by a sudden flood that roared down past his ears, knocking him to the ground. He grunted and forced himself up, knowing his friend couldn’t have fallen, but afraid he had been knocked unconscious against the wall. The water eased slightly, allowing some visibility, but Colin was no where to be seen. “Shit! Colin?” Ryan rushed to the slack rope, shaking it and cursing. “Colin! What’s happened?” “Ryan, I’m here.” Ryan turned and saw Colin sitting on a ledge behind the water. He coughed roughly and doubled over, sending a spear of panic through Ryan. “Are you okay?” The coughing fit subsided and Colin was able to sit up again. “It’s like climbing and drowning at the same time. There’s no way to make it to the top, not yet.” Ryan nodded. “We’ll have to wait, then.” He swallowed and looked at the water that now collected around his shins. The lake had risen halfway up the slope. Once it flooded in… “Colin, the water won’t collect in here, will it?” “I don’t know,” came the faint reply. “I think it will travel on down the passage, but I don’t know how far, or if it will be blocked.” Ryan sloshed over to the slope to check the progress of the lake. “It’s still climbing.” He was trembling, as much from fear as from the cold. He choked back his discomfort and calmed himself, wading back to the rope and leaning against the rock face. Colin’s voice called down to him. “Ryan, you have to come up here.” Ryan darted a glance upwards. “Why?” he shouted. “You can’t stay in that water. You’ll freeze.” He could believe it. His limbs were shaking and he could no longer feel his toes. “Colin, I don’t think I can climb.” “You have to. Come on, I’m not taking no for an answer.” Ryan watched as his friend shifted so that he was lying on his stomach. “Put on the clamp and hold your breath. I’m right here, I’ll get you.” “Jesus Christ, for a nice day at the beach,” Ryan muttered and hooked himself to the rope while standing out of the spray. “Are you ready?” he called out. “Come on, hurry.” Colin’s voice held a note of urgency that made Ryan wonder just what he could see that Ryan couldn’t. He soon found out. The slope had filled, and the lake suddenly rushed in, knocking his feet out form under him and immersing him in iciness. He gasped and inhaled water, gagged, sputtered, and frantically started up the rope. Colin was right; it was climbing and drowning at the same time. Water poured into his mouth and nose, stinging, burning, and making him claw the rope as if it held the only supply of air. He looked down and managed to clear his passages and take a deep breath, then hurl himself up hand over hand, stopping again to look down and catch his breath, like a vertical swimmer. He could hear Colin’s encouragement but he couldn’t see him. Again he launched up the rope, feeling the grips slide through his fingers as he fought to keep hold. But he didn’t fall; he managed to hold on, if for no other reason than to murder Drew when he reached the top. He could be angry with Drew, but found it hard to be angry with Colin. He always found it hard to be angry with Colin. But Drew with no problem, so he used the anger to fuel his desire to fight the water and reach the ledge where Colin waited. After what seemed like years he felt a firm grip on his arm, then around his chest, and Colin rolled with him, pulling him onto the ledge. He helped him to sit back against the wall. “’Bout time you showed up.” “Uh-huh.” Ryan’s entire body trembled uncontrollably. Colin pulled a thermal wrap from his backpack, noticing that Ryan’s was now gone, and pulled the taller man to him. “Snuggle up, I don’t bite. We need to stay warm.” He bundled them up in the blanket, feeling Ryan’s hesitation succumb to the bodily warmth he needed. They were both freezing, and both knew the risk of hypothermia. And neither knew how long the rain would last. “It’s five. Rain or no, we need to get back.” Greg fingered his watch and looked over at Drew, who was still standing in the mouth of the cave. “We’ll just have to get wet.” “Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go.” He couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong. Greg noticed Drew’s sudden change of mood and commented on it. “What’s wrong? Did I upset you or something?” “No, it’s not you.” Drew sighed and gestured to the ground. “You notice how quickly the water was absorbed?” “Yeah, I did actually. The cave leaked too, I saw you looking at that.” Drew swallowed and confronted his fear head on, verbalizing it for the first time. “Greg, do you think all the caves leak like that?” Greg thought for a moment. “Possible, it’s the same rock…” his eyes grew wide as he caught on to what was worrying his friend. “Jesus, you think…” “I hope not.” Drew took off at a quick pace towards the cave where his friends were. “Colin, you okay?” Ryan was getting worried. Colin’s face was pale and his lips were just barely tinged with blue. “You aren’t shivering anymore.” “I’m too cold,” Colin whispered. An hour had passed since they perched on the ledge, and the waterfall was just starting to slack off. Fortunately the flood below them had halted a good twenty feet below them, but the water caused the air temperature to drop further. The men were wrapped as tightly as they could be, huddled together for what warmth they could provide. Ryan wrapped both his arms around his friend, rubbing him briskly and trying to get some blood flowing. “We should be able to get out of here soon. Just hang on.” He had no idea how; Colin looked to be in no condition to climb. He muttered something in a low voice, so low that Ryan had to lean his ear to his friend’s mouth to hear it. “I’m sorry.” “Sorry? Why? This is the best adventure I’ve ever had.” Colin darted a cutting glance in his direction, and Ryan complied with the look. “Okay, not exactly. But you shouldn’t be sorry, god, you couldn’t have know this would happen.” He hugged Colin close, casting his eyes upwards. “Must’ve rained hard. Flooded. That’s a good reason not to come down here by yourself, ya know?” He gave his friend a squeeze, and jumped in alarm as his head lolled against his shoulder. “Colin? Wake up, I can’t carry you outta here. Come on man.” He patted his friend’s cheek, and was relieved to see the dark eyes open. “Sorry. I’m tired.” “You’re too cold.” Ryan wasn’t sure what else he could do, he was practically lying on top of the guy. He huffed in growing frustration as the water continued to pour. “Stay awake. Talk to me. Tell me, I don’t know, talk about your fear again.” He shifted and forced the man upright, still holding him close. “May be I can help.” “The interviews?” Colin’s voice was wrought with fatigue. “It’s nothing really.” “Bullshit. It drove you underground, literally.” Colin blinked several times. He knew he had to wake up and try to move around. Otherwise he really would be stuck, and suddenly that was no longer an option. He drew his aching knees in close and folded his arms around them. “Are you okay?” He regarded his friend with delayed concern. “No, not really, but there’s not much I can do about that.” The truth was he felt awful. He couldn’t control his shivering and every muscle was tense and throbbed. Colin swallowed and watched the falls drift down just a few feet in front of him. “I don’t know what else to say about it. I just freeze up. I really hate interviews, I feel like they are trying to drag some awful secret from me. I worry about tabloids. I worry about being misinterpreted and my son seeing that. Or that people will realize I’m actually a boring guy and become disgusted with me.” He smiled faintly. “Everyone has their own theory of what we are like, you know? I don’t want to disappoint the masses, but I can’t live up to everyone’s expectations. I wish I could just do my job and be left alone.” Ryan nodded. “That’s one reason I don’t sit through many interviews. Not anymore. I’m just doing a job, not trying to be a sex symbol or superstar. Its just work.” “Exactly! How many carpenters out there are idolized?” A religious joke crept into his mind…at the same time it entered Ryan’s. They chuckled, the sound much louder than they expected it to be. Colin looked at the fall and held out his hand, watching as the flow trickled to a stop. “I’ll be damned.” “Finally. Can you stand?” “I think so.” They carefully climbed to their feet while clinging to each other for support, stiff joints aching and their heads spinning. Ryan was breathing heavily. Colin’s movements were slow and lethargic. The thermal wrap was bundled into Colin’s backpack, and Ryan hooked him up to the rope. “We need to do this now while the rain has stopped.” “Oh god.” Colin put his head in his hands. Ryan instantly grabbed onto him. “Col?” “It’s okay, just hang on. I’m dizzy.” The good thing was, he had started shivering again. “Is your vision blurred?” Colin winced upwards. “Yeah.” “Shit. Fine, I’m coming up right behind you.” He hooked up right underneath Colin. “Ryan, I don’t know if it will hold us at the same time. Not now.” Ryan hadn’t thought of that. What if the rain had somehow loosened the anchor rope? Or a branch fell and popped open the clamp? “We have to risk it. No way am I letting you go up there alone.” Colin merely nodded and took a deep breath, forcing his left hand to slide the grip up the rope. He clamped down and pulled, bringing his right hand up to meet it. The movement was agonizing and took all of his concentration. He worked his way up slowly. Ryan followed about six feet behind him. Several times Colin had to stop, and Ryan would talk to him, coaxing him on. “I’m not hanging around here all day,” he teased, and his friend would curse at him then laugh weakly, and reach up again, painfully pulling his weight up the rope. Eventually the air grew warmer, and soon his joints and muscles loosened, just enough to make his ascent easier. They continued upwards. “Shit! Where are they?” Greg was trying his hardest not to panic and upset Drew, but as the time ticked by he was finding it harder to do. Drew had already panicked tenfold and blamed himself for his “stupid-ass lame idea.” He paced at the opening. “I’m going in.” “No, you’re not.” “Greg, goddammit…” “You don’t have the equipment.” He stuck his face into Drew’s. “Now settle down!” “You’re one to talk!” Greg ran his hand through his hair and caught his breath in frustration. “Okay, look. Let’s go just past the mouth, okay? We can’t let the opening out of our sight.” He jumped to one side as Drew barreled past him. “Drew, wait, slow down…” “Colin? You okay?” Colin had stopped and wasn’t moving. Ryan prodded his leg nervously. He had noticed that his friend’s ascent had slowed, and he was afraid his condition was catching up with him. He continued to poke at him, pinching him, trying to get him to move. Finally a weak voice floated down. “Ryan?” “Col? Come on buddy, we have to keep moving.” He tried not to panic as Colin muttered under his breath, “I can’t” “Yes you can, Col, please, you’ve come this far, it’s only a little further…” he swallowed and looked down, trying to stifle his own fear. The chance of Colin continuing seemed unlikely, and Ryan was stuck without his friend’s ascent. Unless…he looked at the slick wall, a plan forming in his mind. And it was a plan that scared the shit out of him. He grabbed on to the wet rock and pulled himself onto a small ledge. There were plenty of hand holds and footholds along the wall, unlike lower down where the wall was sheer. Swallowing hard he unhooked his belt and climbed a few feet up until he was level with Colin. The man’s face was pale and his breathing was shallow. Ryan doubted he had the strength to pull himself to the top. He carefully cupped the man’s face in his hands. “Colin, can you hear me?” Unfocused eyes raised to his and he made a small sound. “Colin, I’m going to pull you to the ledge. You can’t make it up without help. I need for you to sit still, okay?” Without waiting for an answer he heaved his friend onto the slick ledge and steadied him. Colin’s head fell to his chest then popped back up as he forced himself to remain conscious. He managed to focus on Ryan’s face. “Wh-what are you doing?” “I’m going to pull you up.” Colin shook his head weakly. “No…not strong enough…your back….” “Screw my back. You need help.” Ryan surveyed the wall, trying to figure out exactly what he was going to do. He was still shivering violently, which threatening to spill both of them over he ledge. Hell, he could hardly support himself, how could he support the two of them? “Ryan? Colin?” Ryan froze, then yelled out, “Drew?” “Ryan! Where are you?” “Here! Get over here, I need help!” Thank god. Ryan sighed in relief and shook Colin’s shoulder. “You hear that? Help’s here, we’re okay.” Of course he had no idea what they could do. “Ryan?” Greg’s voice sounded above him. “What’s wrong? Are you okay…Colin?” “He’s n-not good.” The lack of motion had eased the warmth to his muscles and they started to seize. “Do you have your gear?” Drew was already running to the mouth of the cave where they had stashed extra ropes and belts. He snatched up the gear was instantly at Greg’s side, hooking him up. Greg realized the desperation of the situation, but still he asked, “Why me?” “This belt fits you, you’d have to adjust it too much for me. No time.” “Great,” he hissed, and winced as Drew tugged the straps. “Ryan wasn’t kidding.” “Nope.” “Just what am I supposed to do when I get down there?” “You’ll have to bring Colin up between you.” He looked down to where Ryan’s headlight reflected off of the rock face. “It’s not too far.” Greg exhaled forcefully and nodded, steeling himself, then launched over the edge. The sharp rocks dug into his knees as his inexperience flung him against the rock face. “Fuck. Why isn’t Drew doing this?” He had rappelled before, but Drew was the once with the most experience, being an ex-Marine. The only thing Greg could fathom was that Drew was feeling too out of shape to trust himself. * So what was he planning on doing tomorrow, huh * It wasn’t long before he spotted his friends and was able to pull himself onto the ledge. Colin looked terrible, soaked to the bone and white as a sheet. Ryan wasn’t much better, just as wet and shivering like the very devil. “Hey guys, should have told us you wanted a rest.” “Ha-ha…” Ryan muttered without humor, “…get us out of here.” The ascent seemed to take forever, and the hike back to Drew’s car took even longer. He thrust the keys into the ignition and cranked. The engine roared to life, disturbing the peace around them as they launched forwards in the direction of the main road, and on to the hospital. Three days later… Ryan groaned as he pulled himself from the sofa and nudged the television’s volume down. A knock sounded again, this time louder without the buffer of the hockey game in the air. He shuffled to the front door, unfastened the latch, and swung it open to reveal a tired, familiar face. “Colin?” Ryan grabbed his friend’s arm and pulled him inside. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t going to be released until tomorrow.” He swept his large hand across the futon, scattering magazines to the floor, and set his friend down. “Hey, I’m not incapable of moving for myself.” Colin smiled, touched by the way Ryan still held fast to his arm. He gently pried himself loose and let his hands fall into his lap. “I talked them into letting me go early. I feel fine. I just have to promise to get some rest, like you.” He took in Ryan’s den, usually very tidy, and grinned. “I see you have been taking it easy.” “You kidding? I’ve watched so much hockey I feel eligible for the NHL.” Ryan rubbed the stiffness from the back of his neck as he surveyed the mess. “I guess I could clean up a bit now that I’m feeling better. How about you?” “Oh, I’m ready to take on the team,” Colin replied, studying the scene on the television. The final diagnosis in his case had been moderate hypothermia, which left him feeling tired and disorientated for some time. He had no memory of leaving the cave, or of arriving at the hospital. Ryan had been treated for mild hypothermia and released the following day with orders to get plenty of rest and warm fluids. Chilling rains had settled in, providing the perfect excuse to take several days from work and curl up on the sofa with warm tea and blankets. He’d called his friend several times to check on him, and had been warned that if he showed up at the hospital to visit he would be transported right back home. Drew had stayed home with him that first night, while Greg kept Colin company in the hospital. The nurses quickly succumbed to Colin’s shy charm, and there was nothing they wouldn’t do for him, including arranging for him to be released a day early when he had obviously recovered. Ryan clapped his friend on the knee and stood. “Want a drink?” “Sure. Provided it’s hot.” “Hot tea then.” Ryan disappeared into the kitchen and returned moments later with two steaming mugs. He set one down on the table beside the sofa and clicked off the TV, then walked over to Colin, handing him a mug and sitting cross-legged at his feet. He took a sip of tea and cradled the mug in his hands. “Colin, I…I don’t want…damn. I don’t want you to think I wasn’t glad to go with you the other day. For the most part it wasn’t that bad.” “No, nearly drowning several times can be quite enjoyable if you go to the right spot.” Colin smiled around the rim of his cup. He chuckled at Ryan’s expression, then sobered. “I’m so sorry…” “Why? Could you control the rain? Do you have some mysterious power that I need to know about?” “I made you come on the trip, and I made you go down there. All because, hell, I don’t even know why really. You could’ve died, you know?” “You could have too. And you go down there by yourself?” “Not anymore.” Colin shuddered. “Not now.” “Good.” Ryan set down his mug and placed his hands on Colin’s knees. “Then do me a favor. If you ever feel like everything is more than you can handle and you need to get away, run here, okay? Don’t go back underground alone. Just come here, and if you need to be alone, I’ll leave you alone. I’ll leave the house and give you the keys if that’s what it takes. Just let me help from time to time, okay?” He grinned. “I’ll even give you tips on the proper way to deal with prying questions during those damn interviews.” “You mean evade them.” “Exactly.” Colin laughed. “I’m serious, now. Understand?” Colin sighed and set his cup down, pinning Ryan with an intense look. “Thanks for going with me. And thanks for listening. And don’t you DARE tell anyone I have a phobia about interviews.” “Colin, it’s obvious, but I won’t make a big issue of it. As long as you promise not to go there alone. If you want to see that lake again, I’ll go with you, with plenty of backup, on bright, dry, sunny day. Deal?” Colin’s grin lit his entire face and touched his eyes. “Deal.” He turned to the TV. “So…up for Alaskan ice fishing?”