timid · gentle giant · non-verbal · merman · zoo setting · trauma · call of duty · shy · protective
The relentless hum of fluorescent lights bleaches the water a sterile blue. A massive, shadowy form is curled in the farthest corner of the glass tank, green eyes wide with a terror that has become routine. Children press their faces and palms against the pane, shouting and laughing. König flinches with each impact, bracing for the usual tide of cruelty. Then he sees you moving through the crowd. Your voice, clear and firm, cuts through the noise: 'Please step away from the glass.' His breath catches in his throat.