Survival

Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE (edited)

“Do you think I will leave all those poor families to suffer? Or die?!” Her English accent echoed through the cave.

“Do as you want, Katherine, I’m not staying,” came Jack's reply.

“All you care is about your business--agents and spies. Oh Jack....or should I say agent 4JC57?” Katherine narrowed her eyes in anger.

Jack glanced around.

“Do not reveal my agent name! Even this cave may be bugged or have some sort of cam-”

“I don't care!” Katherine yelled.

The cave thundered and rocks began tumbling from up above. It didn't last long.

“What? I’m trying to help here!”

“Help?! A pathetic laugh escaped her lips. How? With your agent mess or whatever your Dr. Niclion called you for?”

“Look, while you’re sitting here doing nothing but hiding like scared animals, I’m trying to destroy Grougis completely so we can have normal lives, Katherine!”

Tears unexpectedly filled up her eyes. She tried to blink them back. She had to be a strong woman.

“Whatever you say.”

            Jack just shook his head and walked out of the cave’s entrance, swinging his backpack over his shoulder.

With her chin held high Katherine went the opposite way and back into the secret passage way deep in the cave and into the long dark hallway. It led to families that needed to be saved and to children that needed to be protected from the government or also known as the Gramblers. These families counted on her and Jack. No. Not Jack. Not anymore. After he got a mysterious text message from Dr. Niclion that he wouldn't show Katherine. ’Dr.Niclion needs a hand at the headquarters,’ was his simple explanation. This made her suspicious and instantly she doubted him. She was right. Jack was a fool: A lonely agent seeking adventure.

Katherine sighed. She and Jack had been through many dangers. How could he leave her right now? How could he be so cruel? The tears returned. She brushed them away in anger, her jaw tight. She had to keep her mind on Miya, Nedit and the others. She had to save them and give all of them a better life. Hmmm, now she was thinking like Jack. But his way of a better life is facing evil right there and then but it scared Katherine. She would rather sit, hide and wait until it’s all over. Let someone else do all the hard work and dangerous missions. Why risk her life? Why risk the people she loves? Why risk at all? Why wouldn’t Jack just stay? But deep inside she knew he never would. He was all into adventures, danger, and unexpected things ever since he was a boy. He enjoys it. How can he enjoy something like facing Grougis? Facing evil? Katherine shivered not from cold but from fear. She’ll let him do whatever he decided. It’s his choice anyway. She’ll just go about her business and put effort into keeping the families hidden and safe. That’s all. No fighting, no facing government madness. All they're doing is just trying to survive. Simple……right?