The Laminax Facility

TᕼE ᒪᗩᗰIᑎᗩ᙭ ᖴᗩᑕIᒪITY #3- Lurking Sharks

Jason raised his katana, slashing toward the Lantern Shork in a swift motion. The creature recoiled, growling, "Hey, hey, hey! Chill! I'm not trying to infect you, okay?"

Jason hesitated, his weapon still raised. "Then what are you going to do?" Ava asked, her voice trembling as she clutched the knife tighter.

"Nothing! I'm just curious, geez," the Lantern Shork barked, rolling its glowing eyes. With a flick of its tail, it slid back into the water, disappearing beneath the surface.

Jason and Ava exchanged uncertain glances, unsure whether to flee or stay put. Before they could decide, the Lantern Shork reappeared, bursting out of the water with a splash, something clutched in its clawed hands.

"SLIMEPUP?" it said cheerfully, holding up a strange, furry, blue dog-like creature that seemed to be made entirely of slime. Its small, gelatinous body jiggled as it wagged its tail. It wore a tiny, white mask over its face and let out an adorably high-pitched squeak.

"Uhh... no thanks," Jason said, shaking his head and taking a cautious step back.

Ava, however, had other ideas. "Can we be friends, blue shark?" she asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity, her earlier fear seemingly forgotten.

Jason's jaw dropped. "Ava! Don't be stupid-"

"I'd love to!" the Shork interrupted, its purplish-blue eyes glittering with excitement. It grinned, revealing sharp, glistening teeth, though the gesture somehow seemed friendly rather than threatening.

"Yay!" Ava squealed, dropping her knife and running toward the Lantern Shork with her arms open wide.

"Stop!" the Lantern Shork roared, its voice laced with panic. "It's dangerous—there are unfriendly sharks here that could infect you!" But it was too late. Before anyone could react, two grey-furred paws shot up from the water, grabbing Ava and pulling her beneath the surface. Her scream echoed as the water bubbled violently, the surface rippling with the force of the struggle.

"AVA!" Jason shrieked, his heart racing as he rushed forward, but it was no use. The water was already calm again, the shadows of the deep claiming her.

"Don't worry! I'll get her!" the Lantern Shork growled, its voice low but determined. It leaped into the water with a quiet splash, vanishing beneath the surface.

Jason stood there, breathless, unable to do anything but watch, gaping, wondering if he'll ever see his sister again. 

A soft, high-pitched peep broke the tension. He turned to see a blob of a white slimepup sitting by the door, its eyes locked on him with quiet curiosity. 

(rewritten 22/7/24)