The little dolphin watched in horror as a huge shark was coming closer to her. Normally, Wadanohara and others would help her. But this time, even they couldn't do anything. Fukami could only barely keep protecting Memoca and Wadanohara was doing her best to at least heal Tatsumiya, who was lying on the ground, bleeding heavily. Samekichi was protecting them. Dolphi got separated from others during the first attack against them and was currently the only one, besides the shark, unhurt.
He was now coming towards her. She had to notice he was a very lot like Wadanohara's shark familiar. Only he had darker hair and star-shaped scars over both eyes. He wore a thick black cloak and a pair of black trousers. From the first sight, you could tell he was one not to mess with. Poor Tatsumiya didn't stand a chance without her magic. And not even Wadda was able to do much to him. Only Fukami's attacks had some effect but it still wasn't much. What could a poor lonely dolphin do?
Dolphi's eyes widened and her heartbeat sped up terribly. She wanted to run but her legs were too weak to even stand. Falling on her knees she watched shark's face twist to an angry grin. Only now she realized how lucky they were Samekichi didn't want to harm them before. It didn't seem like a problem for this one and surely wouldn't be for him as well. Samekichi was stronger than they thought and he proved it many times by now. At least he was loyal too. But now? There was completely no place to run to.
The girl tried to protect her head with her tiny weak arms but it was obvious it was defense as good as none. One hit by the shark could easily break her neck, be it with or without her arms. Hot tears ran down her cheeks as she was crying in fear. Fukami made an attempt to help her but his tentacle was almost ripped in two by the shark. Dolphi closed her eyes so she at least didn't have to see him as he hurt her. Her whole being was begging for mercy. Was this really the end?
Suddenly there were steps. Rather quiet rythmical steps in their direction. And then a voice, "Seems like I'm coming a bit late for the fun. Is there anyone stronger around?"
A hand landed on scared dolphin's head and gave it a gentle pet, "Are you alright, little dolphin? You shouldn't play with sharks~."
The girl dared to look up at the man. He was fairly tall, almost as tall as the shark himself. He wore a black suit, gray shirt and black pair of shoes and trousers. Smoking a cigarette, he seemed to be rather careless. His hair and fin were black but he had two white spots on his head. Was he maybe the orca Wadanohara mentioned before? But what was he doing here? How was he even able to survive now when the sea was full of enemy soldiers?
The shark seemed angry at him for stepping in the way. He clearly was looking forward to torturing the poor dolphin. Now an orca shows up! A growl escaped him as he gave the other male a death glare, "This is none of your business. Get lost before I kill you too, you small fry!"
The orca's eyebrow twitched a bit and a wide grin spread across his lips, revealing all of the sharp small teeth. He let the cigarette fall out of his mouth and made a few more steps towards the shark, leaving the dolphin behind for now.
"Oh, a small fry? I'll show you, who is the small fry here, sharkie~" without turning back, he just adressed the small girl once again, "This won't be a show for little dolphin like you. Look away till I'm done here, would you?"
She did as she was told, placing her hands over her eyes. Right now, it was easy to imagine this adventure being over and everything returning to normal. When she closed her eyes, she could already see the town blue and nice again. And most importantly, everyone would be safe. Sure, Memoca would still pull some of her pranks and Fukami would be grumpy as usual... And now there was also scary Samekichi. But if Wadanohara said he was safe, Dolphi was sure she could give him another chance.
But how about this weird orca man? Would he be alright fighting the shark by himself? Even though she was so scared, the little familiar had to fight the urge to look at what was going on. She could hear punching and hissing in pain, even a few screams, but she simply couldn't recognize who of the two was hurt. It took all of her self-control to follow orca's order.
Surprisingly enough, it didn't take long till she heard orca's voice again, "Now let's see. Small? Check. Fry? I bet you would fry well. Alright, little dolphin, you can look now."
Opening her eyes a bit, the girl was a bit afraid of what will await her out there. Out of her peaceful and kind darkness with fantasies. What if the reality is so horrible it will crash them? But as she looked, she saw a hand hold up to her to help her stand back up. The scary shark was lying on the ground behind the orca who had the proudest smile she has ever seen. She took his hand and he helped her stand. As soon as she was back on her feet, the male leaned down to her face, tracing his thumb over her lips before all of sudden giving them a quick peck.
Her face flushed red as her first kiss was being stolen by a stranger just like that. She wasn't the only surprised one of course. For a moment it looked like Fukami will attack the mysterious orca the second he moves away from her. Wadanohara was equaly shocked. The only one who didn't look surprised about it was Samekichi. For whatever reason.
Seeing the blush, the orca chuckled and grinned, "Good grief... So cute. You really need to visit the Iceberg Isle. Once you do, ask for Idate. I'll be off now, see you later."
"Wait!" Wadanohara suddenly called, stopping him. He turned to her with a questioning look. The witch looked at Tatsumiya, nearly alright now, and back at him, "Please, take Tatsumiya to a safe place. She can't use her magic, she can't defend herself!"
Idate put another cigarette to his mouth, lighting it, and then smirked. Looking Tatsumiya up and down, his look soon enough returned to Dolphi, "I will. But only if she comes with. This ocean is far too dangerous for one like her."
Memoca started protesting immediately. Of course, the last thing she wanted was for Dolphi to get hurt. And since the orcas were unpredictable... She was stopped by the witch soon enough though as well as by the dolphin herself when she came and shyly took his hand. Wadanohara smiled, "Alright. I entrust her to you, mr. Idate."
