A terrible jolt shook the ship from stem to stern, and water poured through the bottom. Akira ran up to the upper deck. A huge wave slapped into the ship and it rolled over, the mast breaking with a crack. Akira was thrown overboard, and before she could hold her breath, water poured into her nose and mouth. She forced her eyes open, despite the burning of the salty water, and stroked towards the light. Spluttering she broke through the surface. A jagged flash of lightning showed her the sinking ship. And the broken spar of the mast that floated beside it. Akira swam blindly forward, trying to swim straight despite the towering waves. Her hand scraped against wood. The spar! She unbound her sash, not caring that her kimono threatened to float away, and bound herself against the wood, draping her arms over it in the tightest grip she had. Another flash of light showed her the ocean. No ship was to be seen. Akira screamed, her tears indistinguishable from the salty water that soaked her face and hair. Eventually she succumbed to the buffeting of the waves, and collapsed int a welcome blackness.