Sea Lion Shores and she won't wake for no shouting

yunxu turns on his heel. with his head ducked down against the saltspray he picks up speed. he knows as he does it it’s not a smart idea. his paws slip on the rocks and if he isn’t careful he’ll break himself open on them. easy prey.

he manages to keep himself upright for a terrifying minute or so, sliding on thick algae and rocks slick with water. but his shoulder burns with every step and, eventually, the stretch of his leg breaks open the scab; a fresh wave of pain rises down to his toes, and his next step takes him slightly off balance.

his foot comes down awkwardly, and that’s all it takes. he doesn’t even have the chance to scramble for purchase. there’s a horrible moment where his heart rises into his throat, and it’s not that far a drop but all he can think of is his sunstriped opponent disappearing over the cliffside –

– and then he hits the ground hard, breath rushing from his lungs, his head thuds onto the sand. a wave crashes over him, and yunxu flinches back until his back hits the rocks, spluttering and spitting seawater with a new ache in his ribs to match his protesting shoulder.