Phase 18

Mandryx's Perspective

Upon my entry into the dimly lit laboratory, I observed Raiden, deep in concentration, bent over the worktable with a furrowed brow. The laboratory was adorned with a collection of glass vials, alchemical tools, and intriguing specimens of fantastical creatures. Amidst it all, the centerpiece was the sample of the mesmerizing saber Vincent and I had collected the previous day – a creature that emitted a captivating light and swayed gracefully with glowing tendrils.

Quietly, I stealthily maneuvered through the laboratory, attempting to approach Raiden. Despite the faint echoes of my steps, he seemed entirely absorbed in his research, ignoring my persistent presence.

"Mandryx, you're wasting your time," Raiden finally spoke, without looking at me. "I've already informed you that my research is of paramount importance."

"And I've told you, Raiden," I replied with frustration, "This creature can wait, but I cannot. Please, talk to me and stop ignoring me."

Raiden paused briefly, seemingly considering my words, but then returned to his work, paying no attention to the urgency of the matter. "The company is also awaiting the report on this matter."

I took a step closer, my impatience growing with Raiden's stubbornness. "You're merely using that creature as an excuse to avoid me. You can work on the report while still acknowledging my presence. I've been trying to communicate with you for the past week."

As if my words triggered a reaction, a red glow emanated from one of the saber's tendrils, indicating its deadly poison. The sight might have startled Raiden, but he remained unfazed, seemingly immune to the creature's malevolence.

"I understand what you desire, Mandryx," Raiden replied calmly, his focus unswerving. "But this research is critical; it is one of the mission's primary objectives. We should not bring our personal matters into it; it is beyond the scope of our contract."

Frustration surged within me as I clenched my fists. "I can't allow you to continue this act of indifference. I have tried to be patient, but it seems that my well-being no longer matters to you. I thought you wanted to know the reason, so why continue ignoring me?"

Finally, Raiden turned to face me, a hint of coldness flickering in his eyes. "Let me ask you this, if I give in to your presence, will you honestly tell me the truth? I know you will only keep lying, and in the end, I will be left hanging once more," he spoke emotionlessly. "So, stop wasting your time pursuing me, as I will only persist in ignoring you. I already tried asking you for the truth in the medical area, and you ignored me. I don't want to go through that ordeal again."

Shaking my head, I carried the weight of my responsibilities. "I only seek closure, I promise. When the time is right, I will share everything, leaving no detail undisclosed."

Raiden's expression softened slightly as he gazed at me, torn by conflicting emotions. "Closure won't change the past, Mandryx. We cannot undo what has occurred, and some wounds run too deep to fully heal."

Taking a deep breath, I searched for the right words to convey my emotions. "I know. But building walls between us won't help either. We used to be a team, trusting each other with our lives."

His piercing eyes bore into mine, searching for any sign of deception. "You can't blame me for having doubts after what I witnessed."

"I don't blame you for doubting me," I replied honestly. "But I cannot prove my innocence if you don't allow me even the smallest steps. I was trapped and manipulated, controlled by forces beyond my reach. Please, Raiden, grant me a chance to make things right."

For a moment, it appeared that he might relent, but he shook his head firmly. "I can't afford distractions right now. This research is crucial, and the company is closely monitoring it. I won't risk jeopardizing it for anything."

His words weighed heavily on my heart. "So, that's it? Are you willing to completely continue the 'I-don't-know-Mandryx-at-all' act for your research and the company's approval?"

Raiden's gaze wavered, revealing a trace of regret. "It's not that simple, Mandryx. You cannot fathom how difficult this situation is for me. You've hurt me, so don't dismiss your actions as mere scars that will heal on their own."

"Then let me share the burden with you," I pleaded. "We were always there for each other, supporting one another through thick and thin."

He hesitated, torn between duty and the echoes of our shared past. The saber's glowing tendrils seemed to pulse with anticipation, sensing the tension in the air.

Raiden let out a deep sigh. "I will allow you to do as you wish, but don't force me to engage with you."

"That would be great, but please, stop ignoring me," I replied, trying not to provoke him further.

"But until then," he asserted firmly, "I need your word that you won't disrupt my work and that you'll respect the boundaries I've set."

Though it was difficult to accept, I recognized the wisdom in his request. "Okay, I promise. I won't interfere with your research, and I also have my own report to complete."

Raiden nodded, appearing somewhat reassured. "Good. Let's focus on our mission and the report for now. Once that's done, we can find a safe space to talk."

As we returned our attention to the mesmerizing creature on the worktable, a glimmer of hope flickered within me. Perhaps, with time and patience, we could rebuild the trust we once had and mend the fractures in our relationship.

Little did we know that the journey to understanding each other and unlocking the truth behind the secrets we held would be just as perilous as any adversities we had undertaken before. I'll give him his privacy, but I won't cease pursuing him. I may not reveal the truth just yet, but at least I can communicate with him again, no longer strangers to each other.

"How are you doing there, Thunder?" both Raiden and I turned our gaze towards the partially open door, where Kevin peeked his head, checking on Raiden.

"Doing fine. Where's Vincent?" Raiden replied, still engrossed in his work.

"He'll be here by 10:00 am. Can I come in, Director?" this time, Kevin directed his question to me.

"Go ahead," I granted his request, as I had already concluded my conversation with Raiden.

The other scientists began to return to the office, signaling the end of their break. I had taken advantage of the moment when no one was around to talk to Raiden in private.

"I'll be on my way now, as I still have other tasks to attend to," I mentioned to Kevin, noticing that everyone was coming back.

I returned to my room and changed into my diving suit. Ever since the accident in the cliff, I had been secretly monitoring Grandpa's schedule, with the help of Zhan, one of Grandpa's assistants, who happened to be on duty this month. I had given him an excuse regarding Grandpa's health to cover my real intention.

"San!" I knocked impatiently on San's door. It had been a minute or two since I started calling him, but he remained unresponsive.

"Director," a voice called out, and I turned to see San's wife, who reminded me of Raiden due to their shared allergy. "San is not here; he's already waiting for you at the main area."

"Thank you," I replied before leaving to meet San.

San playfully teased me as I arrived a bit late. "Now you're late," he said.

I responded with my sweetest smile and stood beside him in front of the pool. "I love you, my friend," I expressed warmly.

"Does something GOOD happen?" he emphasized the word 'good' teasingly, looking at me.

"Not just GOOD, brother."

"Then spill the beans already."

"Your dear best friend has obtained permission to communicate with his husband without pissing him."

"Good luck."

"Thank—" I stopped mid-sentence when I realized San was no longer talking to me.

I waited for Dianna to leave before throwing my helmet to San. He dodged it, causing it to fall into the pool.

"Go get that!" I said, annoyed.

"Bro, don't be vexed by your own clumsiness," he remarked, prompting me to push him into the pool without his helmet. I quickly wore his helmet before diving into the water, leaving him to struggle to retrieve mine.