Scott stared out over the horizon at the setting sun, propped up against a boulder on the small, secretive beach that he called home. The stars were rising through the trees behind him, and water lapped around his long legs and thick tail. The salty breeze carried the scent of the ocean mixed with the earthy aroma of the nearby forest.

He'd have to go fully back in the water soon, he knew, to prevent dehydration and illness. But for now, he was content to sit and watch the beautiful sky. The scene was peaceful - no pirates, no humans, just calm rippling ocean, a mostly-cloudless sky, and faint birdsong carried on the wind.

He froze, ears pinning back as he heard something from behind him, in his forest. Raising himself a bit straighter, he turned around to stare into the woods, sharp teal eyes searching for whatever had disturbed his solitude. His tail tensed, ready to propel him into the water at the first sign of danger.