In retrospect, he shouldn't have done that.
Losing his balance, he toppled over the side of the small ledge. With a splash, the water engulfed him: blocking out any of the others' remarks. Holding his breath, he quickly paddled up to the surface. Aside from areas near small chunks of floating ice, he'd been right: the water was warm; not comforting warm, but it was close to room temperature. Stroking as he made his way to the edge of the rock, he reached up for Koizumi's extended hand. His hand in hers, she tugged as he felt around for a foothold.
…or as he tried to feel around for a foothold.
Unable to lift him up, Koizumi slipped on the snow, dropping Kaito back in the water with a small plunk. Sitting cross-legged as he resurfaced once more, she huffed, "Geez… It was your own fault you fell in, you could at least take my help when I offer it. But…if you're going to be stupid like that, get out yourself. "
Not happy about his soaked hair or clothing, Kaito snapped back, "I did take your help, it's just for some reason I…I can't feel my legs." That was a lie, he could feel them but they felt…strange. '…I guess it doesn't matter how warm the water feels, they're numb…'
As Koizumi shot her head off to the side in a scoff, Yuusaku approached. With a somewhat worried expression, he placed his hand on Koizumi's shoulder. "Now, now, let's get along. We have something we need to be doing." Turning backwards, he motioned for the rest to gather. "Come on, everybody: let's pull Kaito-kun out of the water."
Grumbling as they got in a line, each of the others tugged at once. Wondering as soon as Yuusaku had issued the order, Kaito wondered further as he was flying through the air, '…why did they all have to help get me out?'
Each landing with a thud, it took a second for them all to regain their bearings. Rubbing his head, Kaito perched himself up with his left forearm. Lying on the ground, he glanced up at the others who had all fallen from their standing positions. Whether they fell from pulling him out or their current shock, Kaito wouldn't be able to guess.
They were all staring behind him, their eyes wide, their mouths open; almost like…
Then it happened: without seeing the cause of their shock, he tried a second breath. Coughing and gasping, he tried to kneel but he just fell over. Without air, he couldn't breathe, let alone speak. 'W-What's happening? W-Why…no, no, n-' Lacking the vital ability, he couldn't even think anymore. Barely conscious, he wasn't able to take in his surroundings before he naturally took another – possibly last – breath.
He wasn't sure how, but he was in the water again; the water…that felt so right.
Contacting the bottom of the river, he finally opened his eyes. Not only did the fact that he was underwater rattle his senses, there was another anomaly. Floating above him ever so gently was a giant tail – most likely belonging to a giant fish. Not wanting anything to do with the flounder, Kaito covered his mouth and made his way to the surface again, hopefully in time for him to breathe.
Popping up just in front of Yuusaku, Kaito attempted the life-saving breath, and failed. The gasps and coughs arose again. Unable to see any of their expressions, he could only hear Yuusaku yell, "You idiot!" Immediately afterwards, his head was forcibly shoved below the current once more.
Confused at Yuusaku's sudden actions, Kaito struggled, still lacking air. He could feel it; his instinctive breath coming. He had to get above the surface before his lungs filled with water. Unfortunately, Yuusaku's push on his head never faltered, and after a few seconds, Kaito's last breath came.
…Contrary to what he thought, it wasn't his last breath; far from it.
As he attempted to bring in air, he felt his throat…close. Instead of breathing from there, small slots opened on his cheeks. Baffled, Kaito felt rejuvenated. The air he so desperately needed…it was there, in the water. Recalling the information gathering before him – and able to do so with oxygen at his disposal – he gradually looked towards his lower half.
When he did, thousands of bubbles rose to the surface on account of his terrified shriek. His nightmare…hadn't been a nightmare. …much like Kudo's remembrance of the day he met Houseki, the day he'd been half fish…it had been a memory.
Still partially freaking out, Kaito noticed the hand that had been on his head retracted. Looking up, he was able to clearly see Yuusaku's relieved face beyond the surface of the water. Kaito scowled. Deciding to take advantage of the situation, he grabbed the rock in front of him. Performing a handstand-like motion, Kaito brought up his tail; over the water, roughly slapping Kudo Yuusaku's face.
Breathing deeply – which was still strange underwater – Kaito resurfaced once more, angry as a beaver. "What the hell? You could've warned me before you practically killed me!"
Although I can imagine Kaito's moment of panic when he turns around and sees his tail...XD
