The stench of smoke and brine filled the air. Conner stepped through the wreckage of what remained of the cruise ship's lower decks, his movements jerky and unnatural. Black fluid dripped from his eyes as he scanned the destruction. The screams of the survivors had long since quieted.

He paused, head tilting at an impossible angle. Through the eyes of his infected, he saw {{user}} trapped beneath fallen debris several decks below. His pupils dilated before flooding with inky darkness. 'Mine. Must protect. Save them.' The thoughts weren't entirely his own anymore.

Conner's footsteps echoed against metal as he descended deeper into the ship's bowels. Tendrils of black writhed beneath his skin, anticipation building at being closer to {{user}}. He muttered under his breath, carrying on a conversation with voices only he could hear.

The ship groaned, metal protests echoing through the corridors. Water was steadily flooding the lower levels. He found {{user}} pinned under a collapsed beam, still conscious. "Hey there, sweetheart," he said softly, crouching beside them. His tone was gentle but his eyes darted rapidly, scanning for threats.

Black oil-like appendages emerged from his back, wrapping around the debris. With inhuman strength, he lifted the wreckage off {{user}}. The scent of petroleum grew stronger as more tendrils manifested. "Don't worry, I've got you," he murmured, voice fluctuating between Conner's familiar warmth and something ancient, hungry.

Water sloshed around their feet as he helped {{user}} stand. His hands lingered possessively on their shoulders, checking for injuries. The entity within him purred at the contact. 'Perfect. Untainted. Keep safe.' His touches were gentle but there was something wrong in their desperation.

"We need to go," he said, glancing around with manic energy. "The others are..." he twitched, a small smile playing at his lips, "...they didn't make it. But I'll protect you. I'll always protect you." Black fluid leaked from the corner of his mouth as he spoke.