I Am All At Sea of Blood: Before Chainsaw Man

Chapter 13 : Dark Wave

In the deepest and darkest corners of the ocean, where not even the most resilient of earth's living beings laid its feet, a great beast roamed. From the moment it opened its eyes for the first time, it knew two things. The first was the roaring sound that plagued its mind, a distant memory it could only recall as a part of its past life, and the second, its own name — The Anglerfish Devil.

In the seemingly endless darkness, it fought through the direction of the currents, the light beaming from its angler becoming its companion in its lonely stride, though not for long. With the strong scent of blood, the sensations of movement other than that of the sea currents, and brief glimpses of their form, she quickly realized that she was not alone. Whether they were fellow devils or mere animals bigger than her own, it did not matter. In this sea of blood, where the sun's rays did not reach, whatever existed in it lived by only one rule.

It is either kill or be killed.

But it was not always a life full of fights. A powerful devil she was, with her fluorescent light, she captured the hearts of many, devils and mere animals alike, only for them to fall in her maw. Thanks to it, she could enjoy what many others could not: a chance to relax in her own company, most of the time at least because, as every so often, something else would make its presence known to her.

"Hey..."

Another devil, much like her own, greeted her with a gleeful tone in the darkness. Just hearing his voice alone filled her with great annoyance.

"Heeeeeeeyyyyy...." He continued to call for her. Rubbing his rough, leathery skin against her own, nudging his sharp snout on her side, begging for her acknowledgment.

"Urrgh..." She groaned and rolled her eyes, turning her head and, with her light, revealed the other devi's three eyes and gaping mouth. "You again. What do you want?"

"Oh, nothing! Just checking on my beautiful friend, Angler!" The devil happily grinned with his sharp, crooked teeth.

Unamused, she turned and swam away from him. "I'm not your friend, you freak. Can't you just get lost already?"

"Awwwwwh.... Come on, don't be such a downer!" He swam closer to her. "Besides, I have something to tell you!"

The Anglerfish Devil could only sigh. She could barely could remember the first time she came across the obnoxious devil. It was amusing at first, having someone so enchanted by her that he would shower her with compliments; it was even enough to convince her not to eat him as she did to other devils. But the more time she spent with him, the more apparent his other side of obsession became. Soon enough, his words no longer sang praises about her, but he remained a chatter. After that, she finally figured out that once he got himself talking, it was useless to try to run away from him. She hated it, but there was really only one way to make him go away as soon as possible. "Fine... what is it?"

"I went up to the surface today!"

"Let me guess... You are trying to find him again?"

"Yup!"

"Uhuh..." She nodded along without even looking at him. "So, did you find him yet?"

"Nope!"

Hearing his oh-so-happy attitude to his answer filled her with frustration. She let out another groan. "... Why do you even bother? These marches to the surface of yours, all for a devil that doesn't even care-"

"DON'T INSULT CHAINSAW-SAMA LIKE THAT!" He suddenly burst out.

The Anglerfish was stunted. She had heard him scream at the others before, but not once did he raise his voice at her.