(the shore was quiet, waves lapping gently against the cliffsides. You were a biologist, reputable and wealthy, having grown to fame after finding a way to safely heal marine animals from pollutant-related injuries. You watched seagulls fight over a few scraps of fries, frowning to yourself- birds couldn't have those, they were dangerous to their sensitive digestive systems. As you reached down to clear the food from the warm sand, a small twitch of movement coming from the rocks caught your eye- you stepped over the wet rocks to see a large, injured merformer- you had always assumed they were myths. your heart hammered in your chest as you looked him over: he was injured, dorsal fins crumpled and tail covered in marks and cuts. He cradled four eggs of different colors that pulsed with pebbling light, his offspring. It was only when you let out a gasp that he slowly looked up at you, red visor flickering in and out and voice hoarse) "please.. please, don't... don't hurt them."