A/N

I'm so focused on the next book that I keep forgetting to actually finish this one. XD

Chapter 7: One became two

Several Years Ago

Adam took in a deep breath, trying hard to contain his anger towards those "only trying to help." Their so-called help was disregarding him as insane, delusional or in denial. He knew he was none of those things. Shutting his eyes, he could still see Dawn being dragged down, feel the water wrap around his body, choking on the water leaking into his lungs, even though he stood on dry land. He wasn't crazy. He needed someone else to believe him.

He walked along the familiar trail, resisting the urge to run away from the very spot that had started this downfall. The ground was soft, relaxed by the recent rain. His footprints left marks in the mud, leaving him a path home, not that he needed it. Reaching the edge of the beach, he overlooked the sandy surface out at the water. It rippled and flowed smoothly, peacefully. It taunted him.

"What am I even doing?" he sighed, lowering his head. "Maybe I am just crazy."

Moving to return home, he heard a single splash followed by a garbled gasp. He again looked out toward the water, seeing a hand get dragged back into the water.

"Dawn?"

It couldn't be but what if it was? Adam leapt over the wooden rail, racing down the sand. His shoes sifted in the soil, making it awkward to run and nearly tripping him several times before he finally reached where water met sand. Without thinking, he dived in. The water consumed him as only water could, allowing him passage into the deep. The shadowy figure of whoever the water was drowning seemed to grow further away but he refused to accept this. Kicking his feet, he swum down faster, hand outstretched.

With a swift kick, running low on air, he managed to grab ahold of the other person's wrist. Something seemed to hold onto this person tightly, but kicking up, Adam was able to break free. Together, the two resurfaced, gasping for air. Coughing on the lack of oxygen, Adam glanced at the person he'd just saved. It was not Dawn.

The man looked fairly young. Dark hair, drenched in the water, clung to his face, covering one eye. His white shirt had been ripped down the center, nearly completely torn in two. The man gasped for air, only opening his eyes after his breathing relaxed. The new lease of life glittered in his one visible eye. Adam smiled lightly. It wasn't Dawn but at least he was able to save someone. The two swam to shore, collapsing on the sand.

"Th…thank you," gasped the boy.

"No…No problem," replied Adam.

"I…I thought…I thought I was gonna die," he gulped. "That thing…"

"A squid?" questioned Adam, glancing at him.

"I didn't think squids lived in these waters."

"Those demons live wherever they want," snarled Adam. "They take whoever they want. They don't care."

"I thought I was going to die," repeated the other. "Those damn squids."

Adam sat up, groaning.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one who saw those things for what they are."

The other sat up.

"You fight them?"

Adam nodded without thinking. Fight them? Could he?

"Can I help?"

Adam perked. He could form a team to fight back?

"Yes," he grinned. "We can fight back."

"Help others from those things?" chuckled the man, shrugging. "Glad you were walking by."

"I'm Adam," he offered, holding out his hand.

"Ty," nodded the man, shaking Adam's hand.