"Run! We have to run!" Shalka shouted.
"What? Why? Why should I run?" Shane stammered.
"They are here. Fortunately, it seems they haven't noticed us yet."
"Who hasn't noticed us? Who are we running from?"
"The Atlantisians! We must get to dry land; they cannot pursue us there. The nearest land is the coast of Florida, more than ten kilometers away. Once we reach the five-kilometer zone of the shore, even if they are following us, they won't come any further."
"Florida? How can we get there? It's too dangerous—what if someone sees us?"
"Don't worry, boy. According to what you humans say, I am an octopus. I have the ability to shapeshift and camouflage. When we arrive, I will change my form."
"That's incredible... your ability is so effective. Have you been there before?"
"Yes, I was there for a long time. but that story is for later. We must move now, before they find us."
"Khekhekhekhe... 'Before they find us,' khekhekhe. What a warm conversation. You didn't even notice me, you idiots."
"Ugh, Shalka! What is this disgusting creature?"
"Damn it! They found us! Boy, grab my hand!"
"Which—which one? I mean, which tentacle?" Shane yelled in panic.
"It doesn't matter! Just grab one! We need to gain speed!"
"Okay! Aaaahhh!"
"Tch! The damn things fled. Why is this sly octopus so fast? I'll have to mount one of these sharks. Let's go! Khekhekhe!"
"Hey! Slow down a bit, I'm being crushed under the pressure!"
"I can't go slower! That Atlantisian is right behind us. We have to lose him."
"Hey! Who said I was behind you?" Fen's voice echoed nearby.
"Whoa! He's riding a shark!"
"Stay calm, brat! I can see that myself. Watch our back!"
A high-speed chase erupted between Shane, Shalka, and the Atlantisian. Shalka was fast, but the Atlantisians had a major advantage here: their control over marine creatures.
"Hey, Shalka!"
"What is it now, kid?"
"I'm saying—I mean—is it normal that more than ten sharks are chasing us?"
"Bastard... he's using his control over the beasts. This just got harder, and we're still far from the coast."
"Hey, you losers! You can't escape Fen! My sharks... ATTACK!"
"They're attacking! They're coming right at us!"
"Hold on tight, boy! We have to outmaneuver them!"
Shalka managed to dodge most of them with fluid grace. As the final shark lunged, Shalka tried to evade it just like the others. But this time, the target wasn't Shalka. It was Shane.
"KID!"
Suddenly, an explosion erupted within Shane's very being as a five-meter aquatic killer with razor-sharp teeth lunged at him. In an instant, the entire body of water in front of them turned into solid ice.
"What?! Boy... was that you?"
"I... I don't know. I don't know what happened."
"It doesn't matter for now! We've found a chance to escape. Those sharks and that creep are trapped behind the ice. Hold on tight—we're heading for Miami. I have a friend there who might be able to help us."
Shane and Shalka gradually approached their destination. Shane was still dazed, but Shalka's experience saved them. They emerged from the water at a secluded corner of a Miami beach. Shalka quickly shapeshifted so no one would grow suspicious. Shane felt a bizarre sensation; after being in the water for so long, breathing the open air felt strangely different.
They began moving toward the location of Shalka's friend.
"Wow... I'm really in America."
"Well, you are now."
"Shalka, is this your first time here?"
"No. I spend most of my time here."
"Really? What are you doing here?"
"In a way, I was researching this place, and specifically the ocean."
"So where are we going? Where is this friend of yours?"
"Can't you survive for two minutes without asking a question?" Shalka huffed.
"Sorry... I'm just a little excited."
"I understand. We are heading toward a Biology Lab. I met my friend there while researching aquatic life. He is the only one who knows my true identity."
"A Biology Lab? Really? I've always wanted to see one of those."
"Keep your cool, kid. We're almost there..."