3rd life, but make it Corika!

{Wristbands} Underwater

An arrow struck down the sheep, causing it to poof and for its wool and meat laying on the ground.

"Nice shot, love." Avi said, smiling. His green-tinted glasses reflecting green-tinted light.

"Thanks, Avi." Skull walked over to the now-dead sheep, picking up his arrow and the meat. "...Think the others are okay?"

"You've been asking that all day, Skull. They... only two people have died. We're gonna be good."

"I know, but.." Skull sighed, sliding his arrow back in his quiver. "It's only been a day and two people died. We're dropping like flies."

Avi wrapped his arms around Skull's waist, resting his head on his shoulder. "To be fair, it has only been a day. Shelters are still being mob-proofed, and one person died to fall damage. Tonight, should be easier."

"I hope you're right about this, Aves."

Aviator kissed Skull's head. "For now, I'll go back home and cook up the meat. You wanna come with me?"

"...I'll, uh, I'm gonna see if I can find any more game. You know me, hunting helps me clear my head."

"Stay safe then dear. K?"

"Alright." Skull turned around in Avi's grasp and pulled down his bandana to kiss his cheek. "You too."

Avi smiled, letting go of Skull. "See you there, sweetie." He turned back towards the direction of their home, his footsteps fading out.

Skull kept heading forward, footsteps light on the undergrowth, and an arrow knocked in his bow. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement. There!

He pulled back his arrow, carefully aiming. A bolt of white shot past, and Skull fired. It didn't kill the creature, but it snarled, teeth pulled back and ears flat against its head. A wolf.

"Oh, shit.." Skull cursed under his breath, slowly walking backwards. The wolf stalked towards him, growling as more of its brethren appeared from the bushes. Skull kept slowly walking backwards, only stopping when foot's next step isn't on the grass. It's in water. "Fuck.."

The wolves kept slowly approaching Skull. He looked behind himself; it was a wide river, but he should be able to get across it easily. He stepped back into the river, the water reaching just below his knees. On the count of three, I book it across the river.

One...

Skull took another step back, the wolves didn't come any closer.

Two...

He put his bow and arrow away, taking a few deep breaths.

Three!

Skull turned towards the other side, quickly diving into the river and swimming as fast as he could (which, to be fair, wasn't very fast). He didn't think the panic would set in.

He felt the water on his thigh, above where his prosthetic was. That feeling alone, Skull's heart raced from panic, and his muscles stopped moving, he completely froze up from sheer terror.

Humans normally float, but Skull's leg dragged him down, sinking to the bottom of the river.

Skull knew he needed to try and get out but... he couldn't. He was... way too scared.

He needed to breath and if he moved that would increase his chances of death. Not that it mattered, Skull knew he was going to die either way. What made his mind race in his last moments was... weird.

Why am I freezing up? Inklings die in untreated waters, it's only natural I would panic there, but... I'm human. Water- it shouldn't make me this scared.

So, why am I-

He didn't get to finish his thought, as he choked out a breath and water filled his lungs. He closed his eyes, opting to try and struggle upwards.

He didn't make it.

>Skull drowned

Skull opened his eyes in his bed, the warmth of the sheets felt nice as opposed to the coldness of the water. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with air and enjoying the sensation. Had he been taking air for granted?

Avi had his hands over his mouth, facing away from the bed. "N-no... nonononono! I shouldn't have-"

"A-Avi, It's a-alright-" Skull managed out, whole body feeling weak, almost too weak to move. If Prince managed to make xyr way to Emperor's home last night, he didn't know how.

His husband turned around, probably blinked, and took off his shades. "Skull, you're..."

"I-I'm alive. I t-think.."

In that moment, Avi just flopped next to Skull, hugging him tightly. "You alright? I just-I saw the message and I know w-water freaks you out more than it does normal inklings and-"

Skull pulled his bandana down, kissing Avi gently to shut him up. "Hey, it's alright... I'm here now, aren't I? I just... Feel a little weak, to be honest."

"Oh, Skull, you're not wea-"

"I meant, tired. Not weak in the self-deprecating way, weak as in the physically exhausted way, you dork." Skull managed a weak smile. "You're my dork, though."

"I've always have been." Avi said, running a hand through Skull's hair. "You feeling alright, by the way? I know you get freaked out by water more than most people..."

"I..." Skull took a breath. "I don't know... I feel a bit dazed, almost. Like- How does Army describe post-panic attacks?"

"Dazed, tired, a bit on edge, and... I think the phrase he uses is 'like your brain is scuffed for an hour after'." Avi stated. "I think that's what he says at least."

"Even if it's not, that's... what I feel like. I think I might have Aquaphobia? I'm not exactly sure..."

"Well, whatever it is, try not and do... whatever you did, alright?" Avi asked, kissing Skull's forehead.

"I'll try, Aves..."