It had been an uneventful morning… until he saw something new.

Matthew halted and stopped swimming suddenly, swaying his tail to float upright. Alon blinked, seeing his eyes widen and stare past him; he did not seem to worry about him chastising him, having been directing and commanding each of his moves. His next comment only confused him more.

“Holy shit.”

And so, Alon slowly looked over his shoulder, wondering what could make Matthew stop practising after the promise of more shrimp. His silver eyes did not expect what they saw.

“What the-“

A huge swarm of sardines, swimming towards them, headed for the shores of the cay, now far. They had been going deeper each day, but stayed near the beaches just in case.

Matthew gazed mouth agape as the flood of fish swam past them. They flowed near them, even between, passing reefs and coral, their scales glinting with the light. It was a sight that the brunet had never seen, not even if he had lost count of how many days he had been underwater. He could already swim more or less, he had explored. But he had not seen so many fishes together, only on video or TV, on screen, not so close.

He presumed it was a normal sight for any merman… until he saw the frown on Alon’s face. He was floating baffled and tense, watching how the swarm rushed towards the cay’s shores.

“Alon?”

His silver eyes finally blinked. He shook his head to push away his surprise, but he still floated pokerfaced. His next comment held uncertainty.

“That’s a lot of fish.”

Matthew snorted and swam slowly again, rolling around a little to face the coast, gazing on the outlines of the now far swarm.

“Well, yeah?” He waved his hand, rolling his eyes. “Sea, fish, it’s supposed to be full of fish, what else-“

“No.” Matthew raised an eyebrow; Alon was brushing his long hair in bafflement, eyes full of wonder. “It’s not normal, not here at least. Have you even been to the docks of your cay?”

Matthew leaned his head, huffing.

“Not for a whole year. But what do you mean with-?“

“I mean, that it’s not common for fish to suddenly want to near a cay full of fishermen. Iara and I have to go pretty much deep if we want to see these swarms. I don’t get why they would be here.”

Matthew pondered, his fins twitching as he let himself drift calmly near Alon.

“Hmm…” He raised a finger, trying to debate a reason. “Migration?”

“Then they should, in any case, go into the sea. The season is ending, if they near this cay every year, they would have been around when Iara and I came here. They should have no reason to approach now; fish are not the smartest of creatures, but they aren’t stupid either.”

Both mermen floated there, staring at the distance and the glints far away.

Matthew had taken the moment to relax from Alon’s insistent teaching, even if thanks to it he now swam more or less without failure; excluding a few clumsy hits against rocks, which they both gladly denied had happened. However, after a while of swaying calmly, he leaned his head and whispered, seeing the other bite his lip thoughtfully with his eyes narrowed.

“What are you mulling over so much?”

The bigger merman clicked his tongue, never averting his gaze from the fishes.

“You know, Matthew? This truly is a sight one rarely sees. All that fish, all cluttered in one place. You could just swim through, open your mouth and just have a mouthful.”

Matthew gave him a look, all over, leaning subtly away with a slight squirm. He soon commented, with disgust.

“…Eew, Alon, EW. You begin to sound like Iara.”

Alon was unfazed by his intense squirms. Matthew was now making his tail flail as he stuck his tongue out, for sure overreacting. So he pointed a hand forward, making his point clear.

“I’m just saying that now that you have learnt to swim, more or less, we are presented with a great opportunity. With this swarm here, you can finally learn to catch your own food.”

Matthew finally floated upright again, stopping complaining to himself. Alon blinked, seeing that auburn tail lean slightly; he literally let himself float away with the current, looking away grumpily, annoyed by the mere thought of it.

“I-I’m not chasing a fish. Or fishes, whatever.”

Alon shook his head, looking down at him with a disbelieving raise of eyebrow.

“So, you want to live on clams and seaweed until we find her? How do you think I catch shrimp? We merfolk eat fish, Matthew.”

Matthew pouted while lying onto his back, giving a little nod.

“Haven’t you heard of vegetarians?”

“You won’t be one if you eat clams.” Alon laid down his hands at his sides, questioning with a slight lean. “Besides… You. Love. Fish.”

“I’m not swimming after a fish to kill it.”

“So I must instead? Who has brought you food all these days? You should learn to catch them!”

“I much rather search for mussels! I- I really don’t want to hunt a fish.”

Alon huffed and crossed his arms, giving the stubborn merman his back.

“Fine then!” He looked over his shoulder, warning tiredly. “Search for your own food today. If you need me, I will be trying to catch some fish. And until you come to terms with what you must do to keep on, I won’t give any of it. Let’s see if you have enough with only a few mussels, I doubt it.”

“I’ve survived a diet based entirely on instant noodles! I will manage!”

Alon let out a faint growl, not really angry, but concerned.

Why am I always around stubborn merfo- Huma- …People?

Matthew held his ground as Alon began to swim north to find that swarm again.

“Meet you near the nest in two hours. I will have at least ten fishes, cleaned and ready. Wonder if you will bring anything…”

Even with his threat of not sharing, he knew he would still give him some fish, and not because he would feel forced to. There was no way he would keep food from him.

Matthew looked away, slightly regretting being so obstinate. But he still did not like the idea of catching a fish. If he snatched one, he would have to end it right then or risk it escaping while carrying it. So he just floated there, staring at the surface while Alon swam away, his black fin and long hair blending with the water.

In a matter of minutes, he was alone. His gaze never left the waves above, flowing almost hypnotically, reflecting the cloudy sky outside. There was a faint breeze that he could not feel, shielded by waters that were warm, even if less so than other days. He looked down onto his auburn tail, which kept bending with his slight drifting, his caudal fin moving side to side, almost without thinking. His two silvery fins kept themselves levelled at his sides. All his fins and body now knew how to move, instinctively. It was still a little clumsy. Maybe not perfect, but he could swim. Thanks to Alon.

Matthew floated upright again, letting out a long frustrated snarl. He glared down at his hand, which clenched in exasperation.

“He really has helped me a lot…”

Alon moved him out of reach from the waves that tiring night. While he feared, he tried to help him into water. He listened to all his worries and laments. When she vanished, he came back for him. He kept him from feeling like drowning. Now, he was shielding him again, trying to ease his struggles. There was not a single moment when he would not try to make sure he was alright. He really meant those words he whispered, because he truly cared. And yet, he just kept on trying to refuse his assistance, making things harder for both.

Matthew ruffled his hair, cursing tiredly.

“Fuuuuck.”

His hazel eyes moved again, looking down. There were indeed a few clams, reefs all around. The sea around the cay was full of life, colourful, a marvel of coral and vegetation, white soft sand between small rocks on the bottom. He could really find clams to eat. Or he could stop being so picky… and try to do something more useful. Perhaps he could prove he really welcomed and appreciated his aid and guidance.

I need to help myself.

The merman growled, his fins puffing out behind him, his head bowing as he looked away from the clams. His growl seemed to echo back to him. And he would be scared of himself, were he to see his own reflection. Little did he know that her blood really ran through his veins. He was too exasperated to notice that his vision seemed to sharpen a little, or that he could trace sound better. Not as much, born human, but it surely was there, barely noticeable.

He leaned and then began to swim. His hazel eyes seemed to glint in bronze while he glared through the water. He was not only heading north like Alon, but as well west. The swarm was huge, and a few fishes always drifted away from the main flow.

It took him a few minutes, but he eventually spotted something. His fins folded a little, helping him slow down. There was a fish between some reefs below him.

Matthew looked back and forth, hiding behind some rocks, doubting again. It was a small fish, it did not look tasty alive, at all. Alon always managed to make them look edible. So he just stared for a while, trying to keep still to not be seen until he made up his mind.

In the end, something in him just snapped. His eyes narrowed, teeth showing as he growled silently. All the bitterness for the situation returned, all the exasperation, all the questions she did not answer. What hurt more was the uncertainty, the doubt of what was to be of him for her unknown will. Perhaps, he would forever roam the waters… The sea just loved to mess with him.

Well then…

Matthew finally dashed with an angry snarl, leaping over the rocks towards his prey. The fish did notice him, rapidly moving out the way. He huffed as he missed and collided with the reefs… but that did not stop him. His head whipped sideways to spot where it dodged.

It’s just a sardine, I can catch it!

He bolted off, his tail almost scratching the rocks as it lashed to raise him. It then pushed him down to help him chase the fish, which was now trying to hide between reefs and coral.

Matthew panted, swimming fast. The sardine just kept moving side to side, forcing him to do so as well. His hand dashed over and over again, always missing it by inches. It took him a long while, but he eventually managed to take speed and lunge more strongly. His hazel eyes opened in triumph, his hand latching onto the fish, his whole body tumbling as he did so. He had kicked his tail fiercely, something that sent him forward, in an erratic leap.

It was not a graceful or calculated move, but it worked. He grinned tiredly but proudly, looking down at the fish kicking in his hold. He panted there for a minute, taking in the moment of achievement. And the more he stared… the more his grin and smile faded.

Matthew stared at the fish, which did not have enough strength to flee, stuck between his fingers. It was a small fish, barely a snack. It would barely be anything if he killed it and removed all that he could not eat of it. He had sardines at home before, he knew they were not much, and a pain to gut.

Can I do that?

Matthew closed his eyes, grimacing. His tail tensed, fins folded.

Can I tear it apart?

Like those fangs did, his fingers could very easily sink, into something helpless to stop it. He could feel the fish’s movements, still fighting under his grip, to no avail. It would be easy… and still, he was not sure he could do it.

The sardine was left unscratched, fingers slowly uncurling. Matthew did not make a move as it swam away, his hand lowering.

Seaweed and clams are not that bad. Alon can keep all he finds.

The merman floated there, in the dimly lighted depths. His gaze was fixed on the sand below him. His whole body was limp, tired, both emotionally and physically. He stayed there between reefs, alone. Unaware of the fact that, like how he had stalked the fish… he was being preyed on as well. A voice soon echoed, very close.

“You are still hopeless… morsel.”

His hazel eyes widened, the words echoing behind him with faint laughter. A cackle that made his dorsal fin shudder, something deep in his mind screaming, familiar. He slowly turned, oh so slowly, barely looking over his shoulder. It was enough to confirm his worst nightmares, once more.

Two red eyes filled with amusement and glee, because the former human sunk a little and raised his arm in front of him, trembling; his eyes were dazed in fright.

Matthew stared up frozen at the shark grinning sickly, looming over him. In just a second, he was circling him without hurry, sharp teeth showing clearly. It was the same shark, those same sharp eyes. But this time, there was not as much darkness to shadow his face or body. It was a much more vivid nightmare, as real.

He whimpered blindly, cowering backwards with erratic moves of tail. And it cut the distance he tried to make each time, closing in. He could only stare in horror, at the same merfolk that ripped him apart that night. A shark; he could now see clearly the sharp spiked fins, the shadowy skin, those sharp nails and jaws. He could hear the laughter. Again, and it was no dream.

“So scared…”

He truly was. The origin of a whole year of trauma had a form, very ill-intended… and close to him.

The shark could only laugh, leaning his head to a side, not feeling any hurry. The brunet was not making any coherent moves, just staring with wide eyes, pure shock. He was frozen, like if he was seeing the devil himself.

Matthew let out a sob, jolting slightly as the shark moved; but not to bite as he expected. A chuckle came out of those maws while he swayed closer, his figure leaned in a way that hinted he was ready to dash and slay. He showed true malice, yet his tone sounded so playful.

“I really thought I taught you a lesson last year.” The shark closed his mouth near Matthew’s neck, who cried out as the words were almost bitten. “I see you can’t seem to stay away from the deadly waters.”

“W-why-“

Matthew huffed, pained tears shed, because a strong clawed hand latched around his neck and lower jaw. It gave him a slight shove, only to pull back right after, dazing him. Much like it did that night, dragging him down.

He did not understand. He could not comprehend why this beast wanted his blood. But he had no doubt that it wanted him dead, kept in a tight grip. That painful hold would not release… and he could not even move while he was growled and laughed at.

“Why…” His red eyes looked up with a snort, only to glare back, narrowed menacingly. “Last time? To have fun, rip and savour your flesh at the given chance.”

His hazel eyes widened more, the next words scary, yet confusing.

“Now… I need to tear you apart until there is nothing left, not only for sport. I won’t be able to spare any bones to gnaw on once I’m done. Can’t say I’m not looking forward to it, however… About time that moron left your side; I’ve been waiting for a long while.”

Matthew finally began to struggle, uncaring of the words, only knowing he was in danger.

“L-let me go!”

His tone was desperate, fearful, angry, shocked. And the shark only looked at him with an eyebrow raised, unimpressed. But his teeth did grind when that auburn tail gave him a lash. It was not taken kindly.

Matthew wheezed and expelled some water, because the other returned the hit with his own tail, much stronger and firm. His hazel eyes lost their focus and his head bowed a little, breathing shakily while the shark snarled, not really angered, but annoyed.

“I would lie…” Matthew’s eyes were forced to stare right into red ones, the predator leaning down, skilled in the water. “If I said I was not bothered by your evasion in our last… encounter; which I meant to be the first and last.”

The grip under his jaw moved. Matthew gagged, the shark slamming his hand onto his mouth and nose, blocking him of taking water. He began to tremble and flail his tail wildly, his own hand latching onto the shark’s wrist. But the malicious merman was not letting go, he only scowled and mocked him and his panic.

“Last time you could not even move, nor breathe. I can’t blame you for that, you were a pathetic human.” His scowl turned into a manic grin, laughter echoing loudly. “And now, you could swim and breathe! Yet you don’t! Look at you, suffocating once more!”

Matthew jolted, feeling his lungs beg for water this time. He could not unlatch the hand off his face. The shark was leaning closely, sardonic.

“You were drowning, wounded by the water. It’s ironic how much you need it now! Yes, I prefer that to be what brings you down at last, rather than my fangs. I still see the fear, clear in your eyes! You can’t fight it! You can only cower; can’t even try to survive, even if that idiot has given you the lead to do so! Usele-!”

There was a loud thud. Matthew finally breathed, loudly, his mouth opening with a wheeze as the clawed hand moved off. A loud hiss echoed while his fist shook, with a small trail of blood on its knuckles.

Matthew stared wide-eyed at his own hand, panting tiredly and swaying backwards, away from the shark holding his face with a groan. He had punched, shoved off the bastard. A small delusional laugh escaped him, his frame shaking with adrenaline and pure bafflement. But that feeling of triumph was soon gone.

“Y-you…!” Red eyes glinted dangerously between clawing hands. The shark trembled with pure fury, growling loudly as he pierced him with his enraged irises. “I will rip those stubborn lungs out your rib cage! And maul your heart as it still beats!”

Matthew yelped, because the beast whipped his hands down and revealed the red bruise he left. That dark tail slammed down to leap at him, sharp jaws open. There was true bloodlust, raw rage.

Those fangs did bite ferociously, but not into flesh, like he had intended and expected. The shark growled madly, seeing that Matthew had let himself sink onto the sand with a fast sway, dodging by inches his tackle. Both mermen huffed, one lunging down, the other scrambling over the sand to flee.

Matthew screamed and yelped each time he had to move his tail closer to himself, because sharp teeth were trying to rip his caudal fin behind him.

The shark would have reached him, faster in a straight line. To his dismay and exasperation, however, Matthew was anything but straightforward. The human panted, swimming in fast dashes side to side, swaying in bronze blurs, almost blinding the one behind him with erratic flickers. His fins and tail just kept on moving like they would bolt in any direction at any moment… which they did, continuously.

Rocks were the only thing the shark managed to slam onto, multiple times. Matthew just kept on putting reefs between them, in a wild panicked chase. His arm was moving fast and in long sways like his tail. After a while, he dared look back over his shoulder. His eyes widened, because he saw those red eyes inches away. But he saw they blinked, seeing something ahead. If he was not swimming for his life, he would have noticed the surprise in them. Perhaps, he would have thought of looking forward too.

Matthew had no time to react before he collided with something: a huge swarm of fish that had been swimming between reefs. The shark backed away with a snarl, seeing him tumble in the rush, concealed in it for a few seconds. He lost his drive, pushed by the current made by the now panicking fish. They were too many to swim against.

Matthew rolled a little, eyes shut, bracing himself. The swarm finally swam off, going away. He opened his eyes, gasping for breath, gulping as he saw the surface over him, close. Before he could move again… he hissed, feeling a hand claw onto his tail from below. He cried out in pain, sunk slightly, pulled at. The only thing he could do was jolt, his arm soon gripped tightly.

The shark was not showing as much glee now. His red eyes were cold, bitter and furious.

“Die already!”

One of those clawed hands whipped high over him. Matthew winced, looking away and closing his eyes. He was unable to fight anymore, too tired, his only arm kept on place. He would not manage another unexpected punch. The hand dashed down, ready to claw and tear. But it never made contact. Not with him at least.

The shark gasped silently, still grasping the human’s arm… while another bigger hand grasped his, tightly, harmfully; very strongly, from behind. His red eyes slowly filled with realization and nervousness. A small dreadful chuckle escaped him as he slowly dared to look at what was behind him, what had stopped him. A huge figure loomed over him, blending with the dark, as much as he did before. Two silver eyes were looking down calmly, but with pure hatred. They showed disgust, judgment. The hand around his wrist was pressuring more with each second that passed.

“You did not learn last time, did you?”

Matthew finally opened his eyes, his gaze daring to rise slightly, hearing Alon’s voice. He let out a sigh of pure relief, because he saw that he was holding the shark, who was trying to get free angrily. That was his chance to free his own and only arm. Those red eyes looked back and forth, wide in exasperation, seeing prey swim slightly away, out of reach.

“Come back here you-!”

“If you want someone to fight…” Alon pulled, forcing the merman to face him while he roared. “Fight me again, you son of a bitch, instead of lurking behind me like a remora!”

He knew something was wrong. He could sometimes feel slight echoes of something moving. However, he did not think much of it. It could have been just the current, just a fish. His hearing was not perfect. But he knew now that this bastard just wanted to fuck around some more. Said monster laughed, angrily, daring to lean closer to his face, jaws shutting strongly with each word spat.

“I would gladly! If we had the same strength…!” He whipped his head, Matthew glaring back as he cursed. “If I bit this fool to death, you wouldn’t have a chance, I assure you!”

Alon was angry. But he could only be taken aback for a moment, because Matthew snarled at the shark.

“You had two chances.” The brunet laid his hand over his scars, hugging himself, eyes narrowed in accusation. “Y-you won’t take anything from me again.”

“I will! Just you wait for me to-“

“Again…?”

Both angelfish and shark stopped glaring at each other. Those red eyes looked up nervously, at now thoughtful silver eyes, which were fixed on Matthew’s scars; very painful looking ones, still red, left by sharp jaws. His hazel eyes showed pure fear for the shark, his words tangled with familiarity.

The shark cursed himself, mortified. Alon’s hand began to pressure impossibly hard, making him let out a pathetic sound of pain.

The killer whale’s expression had been one of care, anger, surprise, and determination. He wanted to protect Matthew like when he shielded Iara that time. But now, his face was cold, the only emotion he showed was a calm fury. His silver eyes pierced the one he now knew to have started it all. The one who had tangled the net of that ship on rocks, made it all rumble for him to fall, dragged him down… and made him bleed. There were bleeding scars for months, the fear forever to stay, always there. There was terror for red eyes… which he now glared into.

Alon’s whole body seemed to tense, grow in size with anger. His own fangs showed menacingly, even if less sharp. The shark tried to free himself wildly now, knowing clearly what would soon happen. A hand was clenching, that black tail was leaning slowly, only postponing a brutal beating to allow a deep accusing growl to flow.

“You disgusting monst-!“

The yell was cut short, for the shark would not wait and let an angry whale crush him. Alon huffed, a tail striking his jaw in a calculated move. His hand was forced to let go in reflex. At the same time, Matthew screamed, seeing the bastard dash back for him again, jaws wide open, arms outstretched, intending to bite down or crack his neck, whatever he managed first.

Another was faster. Matthew saw something big whip upwards below the shark.

There were no boats roaming the area as a black tail slammed out of water fiercely, tossing a slender and sharp figure through the surface. Said body flew almost thirty feet into the air, thrashing wildly in fear and shock. The tail of the killer whale sunk again calmly, while that unfortunate shark landed back into the water with a very painful splash and blow.

Two red eyes blinked in a pained daze, blinded by the huge shove, the fall, and the strike against the surface. He was slightly sinking, slowly, just below the waves. It took him a minute to recover his vision. And by the time he did, he had to move, fast.

The shark let out a loud yelp, seeing the orca jump out of the water over him, quickly falling downwards with precise aim. Alon growled, because his shoulders and tail missed by inches the bastard. If he had not sunk and dodged in reflex, he would have stricken him with a bone-crushing slam… which would have surely prevented any more bites, forever.

Alon turned upright again after jumping and sinking fiercely. His eyes narrowed, seeing the shark try to flee; something that made him let out a furious growled snarl. His fists clenched again, his heart beating with adrenaline, all his emotions ablaze. He chased, bolting behind him, not wanting to let him go so easily this time. No, this time he would not turn him upside down. Now he wanted to rip off all his fins, to prevent him from taking anything from anyone, ever again.

He would have managed to catch him, easily, because killer whales were one of the fastest creatures in open waters… but right there was the issue that was preventing him from snatching him. Alon snarled, because the bastard laughed and cursed back at him, swimming between rocks frantically, as Matthew had done.

“You m-may be stronger!” A wheeze escaped him in a laughed snarl, the slam onto water hurting like hell. “B-but you are bigger too, you fat butchering beluga!”

“DOLPHIN!”

Alon roared, looming over the rocks where he could see red eyes glint. His gaze locked onto the shark, and then he took speed to slam down and crush him against the sand below. But as soon as he began to lunge down…

“Ah-h!”

Those red eyes filled with glee, fangs showing in a wide grin. Alon whimpered and lost the drive he had. Much like he did to Iara, the bastard had taken advantage of being close to the sandy bottom. His tail had whipped up, right in the perfect moment.

The killer whale was now shielding his eyes, trying to brush the painful sand off his eyes, wildly. His tail was slamming onto rocks, sand, everywhere, in a vain try to strike that son of a bitch. By the time he managed to lower one of his arms slightly, he heard movement, nearing. He growled, teeth showing as he raised his tail once more, turning around, expecting to be bitten from behind. As he started to slam down his tail, there was a faint yelp.

Alon halted his strike just in time… because it was not a shark what had neared, but Matthew. He had tried to follow him, not as fast. Gone was the speed he had displayed, no longer fleeing for his life. He had tried to reach him while he chased the shark, fearing he could get hurt. And when he saw him be blinded, he tried to get closer to help… only to flinch as he moved to strike.

Matthew panted, still bracing himself with his arm, unknowing of the sorrowful stare Alon was giving him.

“S-sorry.”

The brunet finally raised his gaze and folded his fins, his hand lowering from his head. If he had been stricken down, he probably would have not felt a thing, given how strongly that tail could dash. So he was relieved to find out that the lack of pain was not due to death.

Alon’s tail was lowered again, swaying sadly below him. His silver eyes glanced at the far distance, the beast gone, out of sight. It was a huge relief and disappointment at the same time. But that contemplation only lasted for a moment.

Matthew smiled sadly, because Alon reached for him and grasped his shoulders. He looked at him all over while he whispered anxiously.

“D-did he hurt you? Are you bleeding? I swear if he-“

“Alon.” He stopped freaking out, because Matthew moved one of his hands away gently. “I’m alright.”

Those hazel eyes narrowed and Alon flinched a little, because his fingers brushed his eyes worriedly, carefully.

“Your eyes are red, let me-“

“I’m fine too.”

Matthew frowned when Alon shook his head. He looked down at him as worriedly, gaze never leaving his scars.

“That- That thing took your-“

“I should have known it could still be around.” Matthew shied away, ashamed. “It attacked close to the cay, and of course, why would it go away? After all, it managed to bite me and get away scot-free.”

He did not think he would be targeted twice. But there was something bothering him more than that, something that was said. Alon was pondering too, glaring at the dark.

“I should have been more careful. He attacked Iara too, when I met her at-“

That made Matthew gasp.

“W-wait, hold up…!” Alon blinked, because Matthew leaned close, nervous. “It tried to kill her too?!”

Alon nodded, crossing his arms angrily.

“As you see, that son of a bitch is twisted to the core. He does not only have a taste for humans, but for his own kind as well. He is a monster between us. I guess he is what you humans would call a cannibal.”

Matthew laid his hand onto his forehead, still shocked by the sight of those nightmarish eyes. But those fears went away as he pondered, Alon’s next words only making his mind work faster.

“He seemed pretty adamant in finishing what he could not before. Even when fleeing he was looking back; not at me, but at you.”

Matthew had a sudden thought, never forgetting anything.

“He… He said something about having other reasons to kill me. Not only because he wanted to, but also because he had to.” Matthew looked up at Alon, not understanding, but still trying to do so. “You fought him before, didn’t you? H-he said that he could beat you if I-”

“If he killed you.”

Both mermen floated in bafflement, not understanding.

“What- Why the hell would it help him against you, if I were dead? It does not make sense- I mean-“

“It does not matter why.” Matthew blinked, because Alon growled. “Still, it certainly means something.”

Matthew fidgeted, now extremely wary, his eyes looking at every shadow around them, fearful.

“W-what?”

Alon scowled, firm. He was scared as well, even if he only showed anger.

“He wants payback, he is obsessed with killing. And she…” Matthew shivered when the next words echoed out. “She is not with us.”

Matthew stuttered and raised a shaky finger, a painful thought in his head.

“She could b-be-“

No, she is not dead.

Matthew yelped, seeing Alon turn around and swim ahead with a stern whisper.

“I’m going to find that shark.”

“B-but-!”

Alon looked over his shoulder and halted for a moment. Matthew gulped, even if his voice lost some fury as he spoke back to him.

“I’m not leaving you alone either. I know you are scared, and you have reasons to be.” Alon sighed, outstretching a hand back, calling with care. “But I need you to stay by my side, while I try to find her. We have to find out what the hell is happening, before it’s too late.”

She went away after changing him. Fish were acting strangely. And now a shark, who seemed to know something, wanted him dead. Too many things were off, and they were just getting more dangerous every day.

Matthew seemed to doubt, his hazel eyes fixing onto the dimly lighted waters. He was fear struck, uncertain, and certainly shaken by the attack. But he could only listen as Alon offered, quietly, as always meaning it with all his heart.

“I’m not leaving you behind. I promise. Just swim with me.”

Alon was ready to accept Matthew’s refusal, to be blamed for going away and being careless. But he smiled sadly, for he heard him huff with determination; he slowly moved to his side, hugging himself.

“Let’s find her…” He let out a nervous laugh, anything but cheerful. “Keeping an eye for sharks, if possible. I don’t want to see it again.”

Alon cracked his knuckles, snorting.

“Don’t you want me to avenge your limb? I can break my record and slam him even higher.”

He wanted him to pay. Matthew did not seem to be as angry, however, even if one considered what he went through after that night.

“I much rather avoid all that. I have angrier words for Iara.”

“That shark could know where she is.”

Matthew pouted, and then just surrendered. Whoever they found, it would lead them somewhere.

“Fine…”

They both swam south, hoping to see anything that would tell them where she was, and if she was safe. Her disappearance was now even more dreadful, for both of them.

She could be gone, forever.