Chapter One; You smell funny

Adam was beginning to look especially rugged and worn. His shoes were beginning to tear, and the dirt roads he had been following were proving to be infinite. His hair and face were dusty and dry, and he couldn't help but lick his lips as they began to crack. He needed water, and he needed it soon. His memory was foggy, and would vaguely fade in before disappearing as soon as Adam tried to get a handle on it. His eyes were getting a tad more narrow, and the edges of his vision blurry. As his walk began to turn into more of a limp, a gas station began to slowly roll into view. It looked so far away, and even as he ambled towards it, it never seemed to get any closer.

His odd and inconsistent pace came to an abrupt halt as something white broke through all of the sand and dust colors. Something was coming towards him, and it looked large. Too large for Adam to feel comfortable. He began to stagger backwards when he realized he was too tired and thirsty to run. He fell onto his knees on the dirt road, and felt the little pebbles poking into his throbbing knees, as if they were tiny needles trying to puncture his skin. The large white creature finally reached him, and he realized what he had been so terrified of was just a dog. A fluffy, white, almost wolfish looking dog. It's tail was wagging furiously and it gave Adam a few happy licks to the face. Adam felt his hand rise and land to pat the dog on the head. It was so fluffy and soft, so comforting. He let his forehead rest on the dog's head, his eyes getting heavy. He slowly slipped into a state of daydream. Everything began to feel unreal as his head tried to nod off.

He vaguely dreamt of a naked girl draping his arm around her, standing, and sloppily pulling him along the road. Was she headed towards the building he had spotted earlier? The angle the girl had him at left his head more or less pointed directly at her chest. Her boobs were certainly not the biggest he had ever seen, but they were round and perky, and in his half-asleep, half-awake state, he could not bring himself to take his eyes off of the beauty in front of him. At least he would die happy. Every now and again he'd try to fully slip away, but the girl kept shrugging her shoulder and jerking Adam's head back to stare at her bosom. Once or twice his eyes would flick up to her face. The sun would glow behind it, accentuating her features, but they were so amazing to his dazed out glance, that as soon as he looked away, he had a hard time recalling the details.

Out of nowhere, the sun was suddenly not bearing down on Adam. The girl had gotten him into the abandoned gas station. The tiled floor was cold, the windows blocked by dark grey bed sheets. A good sized cot sat in the side of the room, behind the counter of the abandoned store. Adam tried to help now that the heat began to lift from his back, trying to shuffle towards the bed. He had to drag his eyes away from the girl, but he managed. She helped lay him down, and he got to feel her soft skin as her arm brushed by his head. He heard her give a small sigh before she was out of view.

Adam tried to lift his head and look around, but he must have made a sound because she came rushing back. She had clothes bundled up in her hands, and she was telling him something. What was she saying? The pressure in his head was making him crinkle up his brow, and the girl finally gave him a look, and laid down with him. His relief allowed him to sigh and relax, and he kept an arm around her, as her head laid part way on his shoulder and chest.

-the next morning-

Adam's eyes finally flicked open, for once actually taking in his surroundings. The walls were a light brown, blue and white linoleum tiles on the floor, empty wooden stacks and shelves organized around the room, and then an L shaped counter, the bed tucked inside of it. He looked at the dark grey sheets that were effectively blocking out the blazing sun. He could see the sun shine through the edges, but it wasn't enough to light up the room. If you weren't looking at it, it might still seem like night. Either way, his attention shifted to the girl on his arm. His fingers were a bit tingly, but they still had a pretty firm grip on her waist. Her head was on its side, and he could make out some of those same features he had seen before. He couldn't believe it wasn't a dream. She was real. And still naked. Her brown hair was a bit tousled, but fine besides that. Perhaps that was from their slightly windy walk. He let out another content sigh, and was about to give into sleep once more when she stirred. Her head lifted and her drowsy eyes met his gaze. A smile quickly formed on her lips, and Adam never wanted to see the smile leave her face. He had thought it was pretty before, but the smile completed it.

"You're awake! Which means you probably actually noticed I'm naked…"

Adam realized that he hadn't really focused on her body so much as her face. He surprised himself, but quickly figured out the girl felt a tad awkward. He gripped her a little tighter as he lifted himself up into a sitting position. He brought a hand up to his face to cover his eyes, but not before stealing a quick glance. The bed shifted as the girl left his side, picking up the clothes that had been dropped to the floor the day before. He heard her leave the sanctuary of the counter, needing a bit more space to dress.

"So. Thank you for saving me."

The awkwardness of the situation had finally begun to sink in, and then he remembered that the last thing that was clear in his memory was a dog. He hadn't noticed a dog in the abandoned store when he looked around earlier, but he also did not get a clear view, since it was blocked by the counter.

"Yes, well, you looked like you were going to die…I'm still a bit worried about your head."

She returned to his side, and gently pulled his hand from his face. In her other hand was a bottle filled with water. She pushed it towards him, and he happily grabbed it. He chugged about half of it before wondering why the hell they were inside of an abandoned gas station. He suddenly thought he might be in danger, but also decided this girl did not seem like an immediate threat, and was happier to be with her than without her.

"So. I'm Ollie."

Adam felt quite dumb for not even thinking to ask the girl of her name, but was insanely happy to hear of it. Glad to put a name to the face, a name to associate with the wonder who saved him.

"I'm Adam."

She nodded knowingly, "Yes, I was hoping you were. We kind of have a lot to talk about, I guess. But first I kind of want to know what you know."

Adam had been trying to put all the daunting thoughts out of his mind. With Ollie around, Adam only wanted to focus on being happy. And making her happy, since that smile was what was making him want to stay awake. Right now the smile was gone, a look of worry had overtaken her face, her mouth in a thin line, her eyes glazed and wondering. He wanted nothing more than to bring the smile back. He was tempted to reach out for her hand, and she must have sensed it, because she got back on the bed. She sat crossed legged, her knees touching his legs, which he had drawn them up under his chin without realizing. He relaxed them, and sat like her. Their knees touched, and Ollie put her hands together, and laid them on his lap. The sudden comfort of her closeness allowed Adam to freely think of all the things he had been trying so hard to restrain.

"I…I remember coming out of the ground not too long ago. I vaguely remembering being brought back from heaven, in order to be a vessel…I remember my brothers, and how they tried to save me. I remember learning of all the evils of the world. Even the angels seemed like demons…I know that something bad happened, and I must have died if I crawled out from the ground…"

Ollie nodded, taking in all of his words. Her brow furrowed slightly as she seemed to be deeply contemplating something.

"It was an angel who told me where you would come up. You were a bit late, but maybe they had a harder time rescuing you than they thought they would. It'll be harder to find them though, I think. I don't know any rituals or anything. I had mind to ask, but they disappeared."

Ollie's hand grabbed for the bottle that was still half full in Adam's hand. He kept forgetting how thirsty he was. He lifted it to his lips while he tried to sort through what she was saying, it was all so confusing.

"They wanted it to be me who found you though. Since they came to me, I figure that, anyway."

Adam gulped the last of it, bringing the back of his hand up to his mouth, wiping away any excess water that tried to escape, "But why were you naked…? And where did that dog go?"

Ollie's eyes fell, and a new look formed on her face. One of almost shame. Her head began to tilt away, she was trying to hide her expression with her hair. Adam did it before he even thought about it, his hand lifted and gently grabbed her chin. He pulled gently, but she did not resist, so it was easy. He brought her to look directly into his eyes, and he raised his eyebrows, curious for an answer.

"I'm…a skinwalker…" Her chin tried to fall again, but Adam had not removed his hand, so he pushed her chin back up. Her eyes shifted away, staring fixedly at a part of the counter behind Adam. Adam let his head give a small shake, "I don't know what that is." It didn't sound good, but Adam did not want to judge her. She was the only thing keeping him going right now. She gave a quick sigh, "I got bit a few years back. I can freely turn into a dog whenever I want. It was easier to get to you as a dog, easier to take the weather and such…It was easier to sniff you out too. You smell funny." Her nose crinkled as she took his scent in again, but it was merely the smells of the underworld that Adam had brought back with him. His hand fell from her face, and his own brow crinkled in confusion. She…was the dog…? His mind flashed back to the dog, then flashed back to her chest. Something else was tugging at him, but it was dark and vile and he just shook the thoughts away. Bringing them back to memories of her chest. His eyes must have had the same idea, because when he brought himself back to reality, he was staring right at them. He quickly looked up, a bit worried she'd be upset, but she was facing away again. Shamed and worried. He was about to reach for her again when she pushed herself off the bed. She turned and walked out from behind the counter, Adam's cheeks flushed again as he realized a second too late he had been staring at her butt. He did not even get to enjoy the view, since he had surprised himself. She quickly returned, two bottles of water in one hand, three in the other. She placed them on the bed, and then ambled onto the bed herself.

Adam had only just noticed now her attire. A slightly loose, plain black tshirt, and just below the knees blue plaid pajama pants. She looked adorable and sleepy. Her hair was a light brown, bangs covering her forehead and eyebrows, and the front being a bit longer than the back. It was short and fitting. Her face was slightly round, but not fat. It was thin, somehow. Her large brown eyes looked like they could give a mean puppy dog face. Her nose was small and button like, and Adam was tempted to plant a kiss on it. He was brought back out of his daze when she wedged a cold bottle into his hand, "I'm worried about your head…" She raised a hand to his head, and brushed it lightly through his hair. It felt good as her fingers slightly scratched at his scalp. It was comforting. She did it for a while, after seeing his enjoyment.

"Please drink."

Adam nodded, but before unscrewing the cap and taking another large gulp, "I'd like it if you drank some too."

Ollie seemed surprised by his concern, and her head tilted in a way that was almost a little too dog-like. She was curious at his words, confused by his worry. But it must have occurred to her that he wasn't going to have some water until she did, so she grabbed a bottle for herself, and unscrewed the top. Together they brought the bottles to their mouths, and each took their time gulping down the slightly chilled water. Never before had water been so tasty, so refreshing. As they each made contented and refreshed sounds, Adam found himself thinking about what was next.

"So. Now what?"

Ollie's head tilted the other way, and Adam felt a smile tugging at the edges of his lips. She was looking down at his shirt, trying to think of a good answer.

"Well…I guess it depends. They were not very clear, the angels I mean. They told me I had to find and save you. They told me about this place and the things I should bring. The cooler has enough ice in it to last another three or so days. I've been camped out here for two weeks. They said you might be curious, and I could be a tool if you were. I can help find you things, they said. But they weren't sure how curious you would be when you got back. And that they were hoping the reason would be me. But they said it probably wouldn't last. You'd eventually get curious. So I'll always be where you can find me, just in case."

Adam had inhaled deeply and felt his lips tug at him again. But this time, not for a smile,

"Why would you leave?"

"Why would I stay? I figured you'd be scared of me. I've lived on the streets before. It's easier to do that when you're a dog. I figured I could always stay close, and I think they thought that too. I'd be kind of like a guard dog, easily able to smell, hear, and or sense any danger."

Adam shook his head slowly, forcing a small chuckle, "I am not scared of you, nor will you stay out on the streets so long as I'm around. You won't leave my side, if I have a say."

The smile returned to Ollie's face, it began to beam and shine and it was contagious, Adam found himself smiling at her smile.

"You're not scared of me?"

"Not even a little. Should I be?"

"I bite, I guess."

She began to laugh and so did Adam. He couldn't help it. Everything seemed a lot more simple with Ollie around. As their laughs began to fade, he found himself looking around the tiny store. His curiosity was hard to contain, "Where are we though?"

The silence that took over was a lot more intimidating than it had been before. It felt heavy enough for him to bring his gaze back upon Ollie, who was biting her lip. Hard enough to draw blood. He raised a hand to her face, slowly bringing her back.

"Hell, Michigan."

The tugging he had felt before, that had since ebbed into almost nothing, returned full force now. Screams began to fill his head, blood curdling screams. Burning sensations ripped into his spine and flew down his arms and legs, filling the tips of his fingers and toes. He felt his hands quickly rise to his head, gripping tightly, screwing with his hair and pulling at it. Ollie's shouts seemed to melt in with the thousands of other screams, but it was the only one he pined and worried over. Hers seemed to stand out from the rest. It was when they stopped that the insides of him shrieked and spasmed, unsure if she had been killed and was at peace, or worse. He wasn't screaming, so what if she was in the same state as he was? He tried to call out to her, but his mouth was covered by hers. The fires began to ebb away, dying down to a small ember. A gentle and quiet ember that could be controlled, but it was still fire. The screams muffled until they completely stopped. His head stopped pulsing, his muscles relaxed. He kissed her back, and tightened his grip around her. Trying to shroud and protect her. When he came to, he realized he was on his back on the bed, his head on the pillow, one leg bent up, the other straight down the bed. Ollie was laying on top of him, lips pressed against his. He noticed his leg was up because it was just another part of him that could be against her, keeping her safe and close. She must have felt him relax, because she broke the kiss. Adam felt himself groan, but Ollie did not seem to notice it,

"Please tell me you're ok! Please…"

He could see her eyes watering, and she was trying so hard not to let them fall. She was acting strong, for him, for them. He had felt like he was protecting her, but perhaps she felt like she was protecting him.

"I am now, see? Look at me."

Her eyes looked up, meeting his gaze. He could feel the sweat cooling on his back, but tried to ignore it. He gave Ollie a look of what he figured was determined and down to earth, because she seemed to relax. Her forehead plopped onto his chest, and it released a sigh that was so large that Adam had to wonder if she had been breathing at all for this whole ordeal.

It was then that she scrambled up and off of Adam. Or at least, tried. He had his arms around her, so she ended up just landing beside him instead of on top. He felt a certain sadness, and looked at her, wondering what had caused her to move, when she began to profusely apologize.

"I am so so sorry, I just…I tried to bring you back around other ways! I swear I did! I tried to call you and yell and hug you and scratch your head. I didn't try to throw water at you, I'm sorry! Maybe I should have done that…it's just…the spasms…I just…I'm sorry, I laid you down and you gripped me…I just…I could have gotten free…"

The apologies had been unpredicted, and Adam couldn't help but laugh a bit. She eventually noticed, and looked up. Her face was so flushed and red that Adam nearly swooned! He was supposed to be doing that to her, not the other way around. He gave her a squeeze, and leaned in to kiss her forehead.

"Look, it worked, I'm happy, and I enjoyed it. Ok? Kissing me was not a mistake, and it isn't something you should be sorry for. I'm happy you did not throw water at my face."

Her face was still a bright red, but she seemed to calm down. Calming down had left both of them exhausted, and as they began to drift into sleep, Ollie mumbled, "Woulda helped the smell…"