Fregley the Feggle

Chapter 2
New Jersey Accents and Dead Creature

When Xavier awoke, all he could taste was salt water. He slowly sat up, brushing his shaggy red hair out of his eyes and realized that he was on the beach. He glanced at his arm and saw the teeth marks, still looking fresh. Just sitting up made him feel dizzy. Letting out a long moan, Xavier leaned back onto the sand again.
"Good morning sleeping beauty," muttered a voice. It had a strong city accent, slick and smooth. Startled, Xavier jerked up, whipping his head back and forth, looking for the source of the voice.
A Listrick laid on its side about ten feet away from him, half in the water half out. All the boy could do was stare at it. The Listrick narrowed his eyes at him.
"It's not nice to stare, kid. And you're welcome by the way." Xavier opened his mouth but no words came out.
"Geez, kid, Listrick got your tongue?" He let out a laugh, but his face made it clear the creature didn't find it funny.
"'You're welcome for what," Xavier managed to say, finally able to find his voice.
"For saving you, duh. But you know what I get in return? A kick in the side."
"I thought you were trying to eat me. Sorry," Xavier quietly said.
"Whatever." The Listrick started to pick himself up, but was obvious in pain. Xavier felt guilty for kicking him, especially when he had saved him.
"Do you need any help? You look hurt," he cautiously said. "What is your name?"
Shakily standing up, the Listrick glared at Xavier.
"No, I don't. I'm fine." Trudging toward the dunes, he limped with each step and grunted with effort.
Xavier continued to stare for a couple of seconds. He was confused to why he had been saved by a Listrick of all Ark sea creatures. He wondered where his parents were. Xavier thought about what he would do next.
"You didn't tell me you name," he called to the limping creature.
"Because it doesn't matter. I'll never see you again and you'll never see me. You're on your own, kid."
His heart began to race at the thought of being alone and vulnerable. Xavier could feel his eyes start to get watery. He didn't know why he was crying, but Xavier couldn't stop the hot tears from sliding down his cheeks. Scanning his surroundings, the boy realized just how different the beach was. There was seaweed everywhere. Dead sea creatures laid in the sand, Listricks, Wahlas, Crabberts, and many more species. The scene made Xavier sick. He was surprised the Listrick that had saved him wasn't among the ones on the beach, especially after Xavier had kicked him.
He turned back toward the creature, "Hey, wait-"
But he was already gone.

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