Swordfishspin was never great with words, was he? -- He walked along the lonely shores, remembering the days of walking beside Violetserenity back home. He'd gone too far across the beach without even realizing it. His round blue eyes blinked up at her admiringly, wondering if he'd ever be like that. Like you could move mountains without blinking. She seemed so strong, so supernatural. Now he felt his paws sink into the sand, the little pieces of rock flow in between his toes. He let out a deep breath that faded into the wind. He wasn't sad, wasn't mourning. He was solemn. He remembered his sister, Blobfishpaw. What was his father's name, again? He felt the price of that question weigh on his heart, like everything else. He had been so happy on that race with Albie. Now, if felt like the only thing that mattered. Soulfaith. Soulfaith, and his quiet, knowing smile. Had he known all along? Had Albie really talked about him, or was Soul attempting to kindle a friendship that wasn't meant to be? He let out another sharp exhale, forcing his shoulders to relax. No, no stress about Albatrossmoon. Perhaps... There was that last question. Albatrossmoon. How did he feel about Albatrossmoon? His heart slightly seemed to soar, well, more like a glide, as it took off from his chest. He sharply glanced behind him as though he heard the rustle of his soulmate's paws on the sand. His eyes scanned the camp but saw nothing but unfamiliar faces. Nothing else. Soulmate? After all of the severed connections, all of the worry, all of the thrilling joy of having a friend, he felt the burden on his back lift. A tension eased from his bones, and he felt himself sink to his stomach. He rested his chin on the sand gently as he watched the sunset. He gave him a purpose. And as he watched the ocean swallow the sun, he made a promise. "I'll always protect you, Albatrossmoon." A soft, whispered phrase. A /soulmate's/ promise. .. writing and art by @UrWolfy26 albatross owned by @cloversight and designed by @calliepillars @auzzielover for swordfishspin's design (we love you albie)