Chapter 2: My Dream and Rescue

I was walking along a beach, the sand squishing between my toes. The air was fresh and sharp. I breathed in deeply.

Then I heard someone behind me. I wasn't afraid. When I turned around, I saw a man. He was ankle deep in water, and there was powerful glow surrounding him. I didn't recognize him, but I felt like I knew him somehow.

He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and beach shorts. In one of his large hands there was a trident. I frowned, but couldn't place this man. I had once heard about a trident and a man, and an ocean. Something important.

"Kimberly," the man spoke to me. I could hear something in his voice. He'd said my name the way my mother always used to. I looked at him and smiled. He smiled back. "Kimberly, my dearest. Help is on the way. Help will come, and bring you closer to me, to my realm," he held his hand out to the ocean. "Come to me and you will find your brother."

"Brother?" I asked. "I don't have a brother."

"Indeed you do, but he has been lost to you. Trust him, for he will one day save your life. Look for him by the sea. The sea, it is always your home. Seek it when you are afraid. It, too, will save your life someday."

"Wait!" I cried. "Don't leave! I don't even know your name!" The man laughed, a deep, throaty sound.

"You will uncover it soon enough, child. Until then, farewell."

I woke up, feeling sticky and gross. My eyes refused to open against the sun's light, but I forced them open. There was flakes of. . .something coming off my face. I lifted my head, but I suddenly felt light-headed. My head fell back down.

I might have been too tired to feel the pain at first, but when I started to wake up, I felt it coming. First, a twinge. Then, a knawing sting. It grew until I was blind with it. My screams must have summoned help. I could feel myself being carried somewhere. I didn't care. I thrashed, clawing at my head. The pain was there, and then I felt the bloody warmth again. I pulled at my hair, but my hands were wet and warm too. Someone was speaking to me. I think it had been a girl's voice. It wasn't a girl carrying me, but once I grew too light-headed and weak to fight, I felt a small hand touch my forehead. I was gasping for air. I didn't want to go under and into darkness again. I feared it would be the last time I saw light.

"Someone help me," I croaked, in words I didn't understand right away. I grunted. That was weird. "Help, me." I spoke those strange words again.

"Don't try to speak," a girl's voice said. Then someone else said, "Don't distract her, she's in pain! You can't expect her to stay calm with you talking like that!"

"Everyone, be quiet!" said a boy's voice. It was the person carrying me. "Hurry, open the door!"

After that I couldn't tell exactly what happened. I might have fallen asleep. All I know is that the pain slowly went away. I was so relieved I didn't try to talk again for a long time. All I did was sleep.

Chapter 2 everyone! Short, I know, but don't worry! Chapter 3 will be longer, I promise! Comments and reviews helps me loads everyone, don't be shy (although kindness is a great virtue!) I'll keep updating the story. Coming up next: The Ocean Beckons