The realization that no actual water was filling her lungs was enough of a jolt to get Kyoko together enough to plant her feet solidly on the ground--as solidly as you could in VR, anyway. From there it was just a matter of, you know. Standing up.

They broke through the surface without ceremony or fuss, but it was a moment before Kyoko could look at Vianca again. "... I'm sorry.... We can just quit if you want...."