Written for Write to rank: Round 6- Brown Belt hosted by action
Prompt: Write a 2k-word one-shot. The prompt is open, as in anything action-packed, all we want to see are these three things incorporated into the story:
A betrayal no one saw coming.
The Words: " Building trust is the first step in the perfect betrayal."
And lastly, end with a big old cliffhanger.
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The ruins rumbled. Before they could react, wind growled followed by rushed footsteps and hushed voices that alerted them to the approaching enemy and all three scrambled toward an unknown exit.
The grounds shook with each footfall as they raced the crumbling doorway. Evangeline leaped across a wide gap between two pillars, whipping around to extend a helping hand to a grumbling Jack. Bullets flew behind them, a blanket of aimless shots that lay wedged in tumbling walls.
Even the hidden chamber wanted them out of there. Soon, they were back out in the unforgiving sun, dodging scattered logs and spread-out roots, and using their environment to their advantage to escape.
When a few of their pursuers caught up to them, Evangeline pushed her wounded friend behind a large tree and stood side to side with Malik who's already disarmed two of them and knocked one out. As they engaged in hand-to-hand combat, the familiar rush of adrenaline coursed through their veins. Her training in self-defense and combat tactics kicked in as she delivered well-aimed punches and kicks, incapacitating her opponents with swift and calculated moves. Her body moved with fluid grace, strength, and precision.
Beside her, Malik's movements were as powerful and efficient, his fists and feet striking with impressive accuracy as he knocked out two more before Jackson managed to regain his footing and joined the fray. Despite his initial grumbling, his agility shined as he dodged experienced attacks before disarming his attacker and using the fallen weapon to fend off another, aiming for non-vital areas. He shouted, "They're getting closer!"
"No, shit," Malik grumbled, whipping around and hauling a flustered Evangeline with him. "We gotta go!"
Erratic hearts, lungs struggled, and limbs ached. They raced time to reach a safe zone where Lieutenant Ramirez would be waiting for them in her helicopter after Jackson called her to come pick them up quickly.
After messily climbing on board, the adrenaline finally began to subside. All three were in a similar state of bruised knuckles, dried blood, and clothes stained with dirt and sweat.
Jackson sighed. "Well, this certainly wasn't your typical archaeological dig."
They laughed, finally at ease. Yet, Evangeline couldn't stop thinking. This adventure had taken an unexpected turn, leading her to think that there was more to unravel behind the sudden attack they faced. She grew up hearing all kinds of stories about secret organizations with dangerous and outrageous missions that revolved around myths and legends.
