The water was endless in front of him, reflecting the sky above and seeming to be part of it, but a different shade of blue and black with stars like salt sprinkled onto a black tablecloth. The moonlight glinted and flashed like white shards on the water's ever-moving surface as the ship shifted side to side, reaching the crests of waves and then disappearing into their green valleys.

The sea itself was rolling in its perpetual rhythm, never pausing. It never seemed too calm or boisterous, just always the same pattern of movement, like a giant pulsing heart. The salt and brine of the open ocean was always in the air, mixed with the clean smell of the wind.

Shinonome Akito stood on the deck of the large ship, leaning against the railings while looking beneath the ocean while he blocked out the noise of the party behind him. They were returning from a kingdom after a fight that had just been settled, and he was exhausted more than words could describe. He didn’t understand how everyone else still had the energy to party when he was already dying.

A groan escaped the tired commanders lips as he let his head rest on the wooden railing he was leaning against, closing his eyes in hope for some rest. Alas, something always had to happen.

He pulled himself up at the sound of panicked yelling, burning wood and rain that was already hitting him hard, his eyes widening at the sight of fire. It was spreading and burning everything in its path, and everyone was trying to get onto the evacuation boats. Thunder struck from above, the reason why the ship caught fire in the first place. He was running over all the wooden railings and jumping over fires, but he didn’t manage to make it in time… and he fell into the dark ocean. He tried his best to swim up to get air, but a piece of wood knocked into him, knocking him unconscious and leaving him to drown.