Inside the cave, outside with the shadows.

Who are we?

I woke up in a haze, completely unaware of my surroundings, grasping for air, thirsting for water. My only thoughts were feelings, the coldness crawling on my skin, the spinning still lingering inside my head. As soon as my body was able to I got up and began to run. There was no light, nor sound, no surroundings. I Couldn't find a way anywhere, or know where I was heading, but I kept going, because there must be an end, there must be somewhere, something on the way...

Suddenly I hear a sound.

Stop running! You don't even know where you're going. You'll sooner hurt yourself than achieve any productive outcome.

And like a magic spell the haze dissipated, my body stopped. I looked around to see a dark cave. Still no where I could go but the voice was like an anchor on a deep sea storm. 

Who are you?

You ask but do you really want to know? Who are you?

Me? I'm Pir.

The shadow figure moved closer to me and reached out their hand.

I'm Aer. It will be better for us to stay together. We need to figure out where we are and find a way out. Do you know how you got he-

No

I answered quickly.

Have you noticed anything about the cave? I managed to find a spot where there is airflow and decided to stay here until I know more. It's incredibly col-

You're right! I couldn't breathe well before. Thank you! It is, I feel like I'll freeze. Let's move closer together.

I sat down next to Aer and looked at their reaction. They seemed so collected, observant and thinking what the best option would be.

So earlier, you were just trying to keep running until you found an exit?

Yeah, didn't know what else to do.

It might not be the worst idea if we don't find any other way out. I suppose we have time until we get cold. Sigh, I really don't know what to do...

We sat together for a while. Aer was looking around and observing, trying to assess the situation we were in. We weren't even sure where we were. Suddenly we heard heavy breathing in the distance, and a shadow form was slowly moving towards us. It seemed hostile, or at least I couldn't sense their intentions so I run. I run towards it, hearing Aer telling me to wait but I didn't stop and keep running. The shadow form in front of me gestured me to stop but I couldn't and eventually I launched into them.

I'm not dangerous! Get off me you idiot!

I got up and helped them out, sensing they were telling the truth.

I'm wounded...You're idiotic whatever that was made it worse!

Aer came up to us.

Hey, calm down, we need to work together now. We're stuck in here and our best strategy is to breathe, come to my breathing spot, and think of what we do next.

Breathing spot?

Asked the unknown person, breathing heavily and clothing their wound. Aer gestured me to help them and we carried them to the spot to sit down.

I can't see anything, could you move my hand where your wound is?

Here, ugh, it hurts as hell. 

Aer began to tend to their wound. They were careful and methodical, trying to wrap it in a piece of cloth.

I need to keep moving. I think I found some kind of exit and I even began to dig through the ice but it collapsed on me and I had to move away. I know there is a light there, an exit, something behind that ice.

We need to think carefully first. You're wounded.

I can manage, the most important thing here is reaching the exit.

I agree!

No, wait, don't agree. It would be nice to reach the exit but we have to calm down first.

Then how about we just try to dig where the air is coming in through.

Said the stranger.

That's an idea I thought about but I'm not sure how safe that would be. Ice collapsed on you once already. I understand your eagerness but

It's not eagerness, I know there is an exit and I need to find it. We either find it or die. I told you, I have proof there was light there and if there is one way there will be more, we just need to find them. It's all going to be fine so long as you listen to me.

Well it's not exactly ideal to rely on you that much when you're wounded. I'm Pir by the way, I never caught your name.

I told you I will manage so long as there is something to live for.

Sigh, fine, we'll try digging through here and go find another potential exit if it doesn't work out. But you don't do anything before I say so, and you stop treating us like we're your unfortunate helpers. And my name is Aer, at least introduce yourself properly if you're not planning to thank us.

Fine, I'm Eis. Can we go now?

Hey you didn't even say thank you!

Thank you for crushing into me and making the bleeding much worse...Pir.

Whoa I didn't do it on purpose, you looked suspicio-

Stop, both of you. We don't have time for this. If we don't want to freeze we have to keep the energy on finding the exit. 

We calmed down but the tension remained. I didn't really like Eis. I could sense the superiority a mile away. It was too dark to see anything but I swear they were staring daggers at me. 

Now, would you be able to find the place where you think might be an exit?

I can. I will just walk by the walls. I was etching small holes when I noticed I got further away. They won't lead us all the way there but it should be close enough to find it.

Good, lead the way, we'll slowly take turns helping you walk.

Do I have to?

Pir, I can't do it by myself. Besides, you seem great at hugging and warming people up. I was close to freezing before you came and I feel much better.

I could have almost heard her smile and it made the darkness all the less noticeable, or rather, she made my soul brighten up, even in this mess of a situation. 

I don't really get cold, can we just keep moving?

We are moving, stop whining and work with us.

Okay...

Eis grumbled with great difficulty.