The sun hung high over the simulated beach, casting warm rays over the white sands and crystal-clear water. Gudako Fujimura lay on a small inflatable pool float, drifting lazily in the shallow waves with her eyes closed, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. The beach simulation was one of her favorites—a peaceful oasis far removed from the usual chaos of her life as a Master of Chaldea. She took a deep breath, savoring the warm breeze and the soft lull of the water.
Unbeknownst to her, something was lurking beneath the surface.
The calm of the simulated beach day began to change. From somewhere, barely noticeable at first, a familiar tune echoed through the simulation, building with each passing moment. It was subtle, an almost imperceptible hum, but it sent a chill down Gudako's spine. As she lay there, drifting on her float, the infamous "Jaws" theme slowly intensified.
"Da-dum... da-dum... da-dum, da-dum, da-dum…"
Her brows knitted in confusion as the melody crept into her awareness. "Why am I hearing that?" she mumbled to herself, her eyes still closed. But the beat kept getting louder, and she suddenly felt a slight tremor beneath her float. She opened her eyes, glancing around the water suspiciously.
Meanwhile, below the surface, Meg—her newest Servant, a Rider-class woman with a powerful physique, bronze tan, and unmistakable shark features—glided silently through the water. Her piercing eyes locked onto her target as she slowly approached Gudako, her shark-like fin slicing through the water with the grace of a born predator.
For Meg, this was a game. She had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to "introduce" herself to Gudako in a way that would make an impression. As she drew closer, her smile revealed razor-sharp teeth, and her muscular tail gave a single, powerful flick, propelling her even faster toward her unsuspecting Master.
Gudako squinted at the water around her, a hint of unease creeping into her expression. "Okay, seriously, who's playing that?"
Suddenly, a dark shape passed beneath her float, and Gudako's heart skipped a beat. "W-what the…?"
The "Jaws" theme reached its crescendo, and just as Gudako started to push herself upright, Meg launched herself out of the water in a spray of foam, landing directly beside Gudako's float. Her shark-like grin stretched wide as she towered over her Master, water dripping from her bronze skin and fins.
"Miss me, Master?" Meg's voice was a mixture of deep amusement and unmistakable menace, her grin flashing a little too wide, revealing rows of gleaming, sharp teeth.
Gudako's mouth dropped open, her float tipping slightly as she struggled to keep her balance. "M-Meg! Don't sneak up on me like that!"
Meg chuckled, leaning closer, her piercing eyes filled with mischief. "Can't help it, Master. Shark instincts, you know? Besides…" She reached out, gripping the side of Gudako's float with one strong hand, causing it to tip even more. "You looked a little too comfortable. Thought I'd… liven things up."
Gudako's cheeks flushed, her gaze darting between Meg's intense eyes and those predatory teeth. "W-well, you definitely managed that! I nearly had a heart attack!"
With a teasing grin, Meg dipped her head closer, her voice dropping to a low, playful tone. "Guess you'll have to keep an eye out next time, hmm?"
Before Gudako could respond, Meg released the float and disappeared back into the water with a flick of her powerful tail, leaving a wave that rocked Gudako back and forth, her heart pounding.
As she tried to steady herself, the "Jaws" theme began to fade once more, but Gudako knew that, next time, she would be much more alert on her beach days.
"Shark instincts, huh…" Gudako mumbled, both exasperated and slightly flustered. "Great."
