The Fish Tank

Ruby tended to his daily business, checking around the dragon and scaring off smaller fish. He was a bully, that was for certain. He flared his fins at a possible mate who swam by him, but with no use. Depressed, Ruby sank down to the bottom of the tank and sighed. "What am I doing with my life?"

Although Ruby was an alpha male, he did not truly enjoy it. The mates he recieved were fantastic, and mating season was always a great time. But then they left him, like a broken tool. Threw him out like trash.
So Ruby wasn't sure on mates anymore, in fact, all he wanted was a true friend. Something in his eye glimmered when he glided around his territory of the tank, he was calling for company all the time.
A small guppy swam by with its mate, Ruby snarled and chased them away. "I've gone and done it again," he whispered in sadness, scaring away people who came near him had become an awful habit.

Ruby looked outside the tank, he saw a big world. Lots of unique things he had never seen before. Then he caught sight of his reflection, he chased it up and down and spun himself in circles trying to catch the thing. Little did he realise that his reflection wasn't another fish. Eventually Ruby gave up and retreated back to his dragon, swimming around to entertain himself.

Lyra let out a soft squeak as she hit the water, quickly readjusting herself she stared up at the surface of the tank. This was home now. Letting out a soft sigh, she shivered lightly. This tank was a lot warmer than her little cup, but it was enjoyable.

Lyran was a pretty female, her body a striking sapphire blue, each elegant ruffle tipped with black. Looking down towards the bottom of the tank, she gave a soft tilt of the head before making a bold move and swimming toward the white and blue gravel; definitely prettier than her old home.

As a couple of Guppies came close, she quickly adjusted herself.

“Hi!” She greeted, rushing to meet them. But they only swam away in frenzy, darting behind rocks. Lyra stopped in her chase, her fins sinking slightly before they straightened. Now, it was time to explore.

Ruby heard the splash of water. He hissed More fish... That's not what I want... he thought to himself. But then something changed his mind, he remembered how he wanted more friends, and a mate to settle down with. After all, he didn't want to die alone. Eventually he decided to dart to where the noise came from. Then he saw her... A stunning female Betta, he rushed towards her and tried to make friends.

"Hi, I'm Ruby. What's your name?" he said softly. His eyes looked up and down at her dazzling colours. Was this going to be a mate for his life?

The female jumped slightly as she was addressed. Turning, she smiled as she met the male face to face. It was nice to see that some fish in this tank had manners.

"Hiya, Ruby." She smiled, looking at him with wide, curious eyes as she swam around him. He was pretty, that was for sure. Once she was back to his face, she gave a light twirl as if showing off her trailing fins. "I'm Lyra - or... That's what that pink thing kept calling me." She giggled, eyes locked to him for a moment before they darted around the tank.

Ruby darted around with Lyra, other fish hurrying out of the way. The male smiled at her warmly, he found it ironic how she said he had manners, considering he was the one who caused the fear in the tank. "I was one of the first to come into this tank, but you must be pretty new," he spoke confidently. They swam round the dragon in the central tank, Ruby showing off his magnificant fins to the female.

"This is where I live, it's a lovely peaceful place," he claimed, staring lovingly at Lyra. Ruby even tried rubbing up against her for a brief moment, showing signs of affection at every corner. He wasn't shy, that was certain.

Lyra blushed softly as she felt Ruby rub up against her.

"Well, it's certainly a beautiful place so far." She laughed, giving him a light nuzzle before the cluster of kelp caught her attention. Her eyes went wide with that familiar curiosity. Giving the male a light nudge, she darted forward - scaring a few of the guppies out of the way - and swam into the cluster, giggling gleefully. "What is this stuff?" She called, happily.