Back against the door of the cabin, Tiger slid down to his knees. He was big-bodied, but more than anything right now, he wished he were small. Small enough to hide away from the problems of the world. Small enough to fit in someone's shirt pocket. Small enough to float away in a boat made of peashells. Little. Tiny. Miniscule. He pulled his knees close to him, and rested his head in them. He wanted to melt into the wood of the boat. He wanted to feel all his efforts and worries bleed out of him. He wanted to be released.

"Tiger?" Koala knocked on the door. Tiger closed his eyes. Let me be, little one.

"Dinner," she called. Tiger didn't budge.

"Tiger? Are you okay?"

No little one. I am not okay. Go now.

Tiger rose and padded to his bed, curling up once more.

"Tiger?" Koala stepped into the room.

"Why did you enter, Koala?" Tiger grumbled. "You're disturbing me."

"You didn't say anything," Koala murmured. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Tiger said gruffly. He rolled over to look at Koala. The girl seemed much better now. It had been 9 since she'd been rescued. Her hair was softer, and her face free from marks and scratches. The most significant change, however, was the brand on her back. Tiger could see it now, poking out the top of her sundress. It was ugly. Red and blistered, the skin slightly raised like dough. He had scarred her. His actions were justified, of course, but it sickened him. That this small thing of a girl had been wrenched from her home, and had been subjected to the terrors of the world.

"Koala?" Tiger asked. Koala jumped, eyes widening. Tiger had never began conversation with her unless he had to.

"Yes?"

"What do you think will happen in the future?" asked Tiger.

"Future?"

"Yes, your future."

"Mine. I have a future..." Koala smiled. The idea seemed to please her. "I don't know what's going to happen. But I think I'll be okay from now on. I'll be big one day, and I'll be okay. "

Tiger met her gaze. Her eyes were shining. She was strong. Stronger than him. Small as she was, she was anticipating the world excitedly. How fate had a sense of humour! The big, scary fishman who wanted nothing more than to become small was in the company of the small girl who was waiting anxiously for her own growth.

"Don't forget that you said that," Tiger sighed, "Don't be like me. I'm scared of the future, you know that? So don't be like me."

"It's okay, Tiger," Koala said, approaching the fishman. "I'll be here."

She held his hand. Her palms were tougher than Tiger's from all the brutal work she'd been forced to do. But rough as they were, they were strong.

"Okay," Tiger whispered.

Protect me, little one.

A.N.: I have been rather emotionally drained lately. A little reflection of that in Tiger's piece. Reviews, Favourites, Subscriptions, Reader Birthdays, and Requests are welcomed and much appreciated! I'll see you on the 11th for ObscureWriter and Zoro!