Everything began to blur for her. She didn't have time to grab a breath before submerging. Blood beginning to dye the blue water to red once again, but this time it was warm, fresh, and from a living source. Aoi.
Her eyes gazed up. The lights overhead of the tank shining down, blinding her. But it began to be shadowed by finned figures and the colouring of blood.
The sharks were circling her. Preparing to feed. In her vision which faded between consciousness she had many thoughts running through her head as a somewhat familiar figure approached her head on.
'Hikaru... so you're going to be the last one to betray me huh?'
The figure began to darken fading to black as it approached. Drawing closer. As she felt herself finally drifting unconscious, the last image she could almost swear seeing, was not a toothy shark mouth, but rather, a hand, reaching for her, before everything faded to black and she was out cold.
Splash!
Was her last dream going to have the sound of her splashing in the water? How ironic. Everything was black and muffled.
"-oi! A-"
She could almost swear she heard someone call her name. What was this voice? Who was it? It was not familiar, yet it sounded like it knew her?
Her lips felt something warm on them. Something breathing life back into her. With breaks in between she began to hear their voice again but it seemed clearer now.
"Aoi!... Aoi can you hear me?!"
She began to see a light, but a shadowy figure blocked her view. Did she know this person? It seemed to be a male figure. The cold drips of water landed on her face, helping her regain a grip on reality as she stirred back to consciousness. Her vision still blurry. She could make out only slight features.
A male with tanned skin and bright red hair. Did she know someone like this? She couldn't recall. Then if that's the case. Who was he? She innately tried to get up as she responded with a slightly muffled "I -" she coughed, water spluttering out of her mouth and throat as she coughed more and more up. A warm, firm, large hand rubbing and patting her back to assist her. It felt so caring and compassionate. Her head aching as she came to.
She was on the platform. Recognising the surroundings well, though her attention was focusing on the individual who saved her. Aoi's vision steadying and adjusting to scan his face.
Blue, oceanic eyes, hair as red as the blood dyed water and skin so tanned he almost seemed like a foreigner. He had a noticeably toothy grin, as his expression showed relief.
"I'm so glad you're awake! I was terrified for a while there!" His gravelly voice echoed relief. Her eyes though, were still entranced by his.
After a few moments her hazy vision began to scan down. He was shirtless though, his abs and muscles were that of something a Hollywood movie star would flex. Maybe he was a model?
Her eyes continuing to wander, his legs however seemed darkened. Grey maybe? They were unusual.
Shaking her head which still stung with an aching, sharp pain, her vision became more clear, and she began to make an unusual distinction. His legs were not legs at all.
...But rather....
...A...
...Shark tail?!