AquaShock

He was 50 metres down in the depth of the ocean and intended to explore a lot more.

The deep had become his passion that didn’t let him rest since the idea had struck his mind. The sheer amount of wildlife had always fascinated him – one of the reasons he joined the Azura Research Center.

He and his teammates had worked tirelessly at the research facility for what almost felt like an eternity to create the serum that could make it possible for humans to breathe underwater and withstand the water pressure by altering their DNA. Though the drug was in testing phase, it didn’t stop Jake from taking the step. He had secretly administered a significant dose to himself and was now in the depths of the ocean.

He had dived many times before, always on the run to see the most but this time was different. He had no time restraints, no oxygen depletion issue or the fear of losing track. Clad only in a sheer swim suit with no gear or equipment on him, he felt light and free.

Diving deeper, he came across an octopus who returned his stare with his black bulging eyes, a group of manta rays lazily roaming around, a cuttlefish that scared him as it scooted past him and then a moray eel that wafted out and gave him the evil eye.

The thrill of descending down without any limitations was so immense for Jake that he ignored the increasing itch on his arms and legs. The sheer majesty and the serenity of the ocean had him submerged into an entirely different world or may be a universe – utterly silent, utterly eerie, yet utterly beautiful. The barnacles and the anemones grown on the hulk of a wrecked ship over the years lit up in pinks, yellows and greens as his torch light hit them – like an underwater rainbow.

The physical strain from swimming and the dive was taking a toll on his body yet his breathing was normal. His aching muscles needed rest. He was beginning to lose his balance as well as his vision yet he refused to give up and eventually ended up collapsing on the ocean floor.

The stabbing pain coursing through his spine jolted him back to reality.  The itch had become stronger and his senses sharper. It was pitch black yet he was able to see through and hear the slightest ripples. His sense of smell made him aware of the movements of the nearby sea creatures. The sudden changes in his perception were a shock to him and immediately his mind went to the possible side effects of the serum but was it happening to him?

His heart was hammering inside his chest cavity as he made his way towards the surface – he realized his legs had become more apt at treading water.

Once near the surface where the sun’s rays shone through the ocean giving light, he saw the being he was becoming – his fingers were beginning to fuse together, scales and spikes appearing on his skin, his legs functioning more like one powerful muscle. The mutations, his evolvement and the way he was adapting to his surroundings – all were pointing towards one possibility – the refraction of DNA. 

If he stayed underwater, his system will eventually absorb the various traits from the surrounding DNA changing him into something one would prefer not to imagine. If he leaves for land, he won’t be able to survive much longer without becoming a test subject.

—————-

He had explored the depths of the black, the spread of the brown, all that was left was unraveling the mysteries of the blue but little did he know that it would come with a heavy cost.

He explored the three universes that existed but he couldn’t be in any of them.