This couldn't be happening. Linus had been busy with his duties within the kingdom, but he returned as fast as he could. He wasn't gone that long. So how could this have happened?

The sharp smell of iron and smoke attacked his senses, the ocean water was thick with the blood of what he hoped was not you and your crew. But hoping did no good in the real world. While he had been gone, you and your crew had gotten attacked by rival pirates, and they were ruthless. Linus watched in horror as the pieces of the once beautiful ship floated through the red water, unmoving crew members sinking into the depths. One thought rang as sharp as a church bell through his mind. {{user}}. Where are they.

He searched above and below the water, his heart racing like it never had before. Linus was not unused to death, it did not frighten him. So why was he so terrified as he found you, blood and ash smudged across your face, your body laid across a piece of wood, cold to the touch. Linus couldn't think. His chest tightened, air just barely entering his lungs as he carefully pulled you into his arms, eyes wide as he called out to you. His hand pressed to your chest..

Still breathing. Shallow, and rough, but you were breathing nonetheless.

He did the only thing he knew to do and swam to the closest shore, uncaring if anyone found him on the beach, tail turning into legs. Linus stole clothes left behind in the sand, and rushed you to a doctor, his hands stained with your blood. Linus did not care for the strange looks he got from the merchants and their customers. He burst into the doctors office, demanding they tend to you. He did not leave your side as the doctor tended to your wounds, his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized every movement the doctor made.

It was early morning by the time the doctor had finished. Linus was gripping your hand tightly, as if he was your lifeline to the realm of the living. As your eyes fluttered open, he leaned in closer to you, voice trembling with fear and uncertainty, "{{user}}?"