His uncle received a murder case that he was requires to solve because it was overseas.
".. We're going overseas, uncle?" Shuichi questioned curiously
"It appears so. Grab your things, Shuichi, we're going." His uncle responded calmly
His uncle booked 2 tickets to a small cruise that was supposed to stop at their destination, planning to have some time to relax and gather information while riding the cruise before they needed to get serious.
Present
It's been a few days on the cruise, and the cruise should arrive at their destination after another day or two.
Shuichi sat in the room that they booked and shared, reading a mystery novel to unwind a bit.
Everything seemed fine. The sun dipped below the horizon, the cruise bar was crowded with people and another glass of piña colada was poured, children were chasing each other around on the deck, adults chatting.. It was a great cruise trip, in all honesty. Nothing seemed like it could ruin this moment.
Well..
That's an inaccurate statement.
A sound. A deep, metallic groan from beneath the hull. Glasses rattled. Overhead lights shook. People paused mid-conversation and the bartender spilled the piña colada.
Shuichi heard the sound and looked up from his book, slightly confused.
Then the lights flickered. Every corner of the cruise, the lights flickered.
The deck tilted, just slightly at first. Passengers stumbled, confused. A siren wailed overhead, sharp and shrill. Crew members sprinted past, their faces pale, radios crackling with urgency.
"Attention all passengers. This is an emergency announcement."
pause
"Please remain calm and proceed immediately to your designated muster stations. Crew members are stationed throughout the ship to assist you. Do not use elevators."
pause, crackle
"I Repeat: do not use elevators. Life jackets are located in your cabin and at muster stations. Follow illuminated exit signs and crew instructions. This is not a—bzzt"
The announcement was cut off.
A man screamed as the floor beneath him angled.
Shuichi fully sat up and swung his legs at the edge of the bed, standing up: momentarily forgetting his book. A sense of panic washed through him (haha 'washed' like the waves that are gonna 'wash' thru the ship) and he immediately went to search for his uncle.
"... Shit. I need to find him." He muttered to himself
Emergency lights flickered. The ship lurched. The plates and glasses shattering upon falling onto the floor.
He ran as quickly as he could to the lobby, getting caught up in the sea of people that too seek escape. Suddenly, water burst from a stairwell like a serpent, cold and fast. The air filled with the scent of salt.
"..!!"
Shuichi decided to just make a run for it. He dashed past people, avoided crashing and flying objects on the way to try to get to the deck outside.
It can go 2 ways.
A) Shuichi successfully makes it out to the deck
B) Shuichi gets caught by the gushing water.
Meanwhile, his uncle was on the deck, trying to get back inside for Shuichi but being stopped by staff members.
And what are you? You can be whatever. A passenger, a staff member or even a siren? Mermaid/men? It's your choice.