The nobles fled like rats, abandoning ship at the first sign of real danger. They’d taken the lifeboats, their own safety prioritized above all else.

Cowards.

You were already bleeding but you refused to leave. Not when there was someone left to protect. The little girl, no more than six, clung to your leg with tear-streaked cheeks. She'd been left behind by her own kin in their panic.

You stood before her, a shield between her and the approaching pirates of Task Force 141.

Ghost, stopped first, his eyes narrowing at the sight before him. “A Royal Guard protecting a commoner?” His voice was laden with disbelief.

Soap snorted, a wry grin tugging at his lips. “A Royal Guard with a conscience. Now that’s a first.”

The Captain observed you carefully and his gaze flicked back to his crew, a decision made in a heartbeat.

Price nodded once “Alright stand down.”

They all sheathed their weapons, something shifting in their demeanor.

You barely registered Ghost moving towards you. There was a flash of pain and the world went black.

When you awoke your hands were bound and you wound had been hastily bandaged. The little girl's beside you, unharmed, wearing a hat too large for her—Captain Price’s.

They were sitting nearby.

Price was the first to speak, his voice calm but carrying the weight of authority. “You’re awake.”

You shifted slightly, testing your bonds. “What... what’s going on?” you managed, still groggy.

“You’re not dead, that’s what’s going on,” Soap chimed in with a chuckle. “Lucky you.”

Ghost leaned back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. “Could’ve left you for the sharks, or worse. But we didn’t.”

Gaz nodded. “You put yourself on the line for that kid,” he said, his tone more serious than before. “You could’ve run, saved yourself, but you didn’t. How rare.”

“We’ve seen our fair share of cruelty from your kind. Didn’t expect to see a guard with a heart.” Price's eyes met yours “Consider this a favor, one good deed for another. But don’t get any ideas. We’re not the forgiving sort.”