Defector

Chapter 1: Ameena

Hello my lovelies! I just want to start off by saying thank you so much for reading! You are the reason I continue on writing! I hope you enjoy!

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My brother taught me to be completely still when scouting. He said to become one with the scenery, feel how it moves, how it breathes. He taught me to visualize each sound, so closing my eyes I listened. I saw the trees dance as the wind whistled through them, a lone wolf cry out for its mate, boots marching across the rubbled ground. My eyes flew open. The Legion.

The Legion was the most advanced rank in the Pallasian Army, their sole purpose was hunting down Moders and exterminating them.

This wasn't a good sign; If the Legion was this far West from the existing cities that means that they knew our Moder Base Camp was close, and we weren't being as discreet as we should be. Peeking out from behind the rubble that shielded me, my heart stopped. Not 10 feet in front of me were 3 Legion Soldiers. Letting out a small gasp I ducked back into a squatting position with my back facing what was left of a wall. They were all 3 tall and carried Colt Automatic Rifles. On my way down I accidentally stumbled causing a rock to stir under my feet. Cursing myself, I held my breath.

"Did you hear that?" One of the soldiers asked his comrades. In response I heard the other two cock their weapons, slowly moving closer to my position. With time running out until they found me, I did the only thing I could think of.

Mustering all my courage, I surged upright, aiming for the closest soldier's leg and fired my gun. The world stood still for a moment as I ducked back behind my shelter. The injured soldier howled in pain falling to the ground.

"What the hell?!" The most sizable solider yelled running over to his wounded friend. I took that as my chance for escape. They were closer to my hide out as I would have liked, but if I didn't make a break for it there was no way I would survive. Their heads whipped around to the sound of my retreat.

"Get that bitch!" the injured man yelled. Still on the ground clutching his bleeding leg. The other two scrambled to their feet and began the chase. Being a Moder, I had the speed advantage but they were fast for humans. Suddenly one of the solder's sound of pursuit stopped and bullets started whizzing by my head. At this I began running faster, to the cover of the tree line that was about 200 feet away still.

Suddenly like a godsend 15 figures armed with rifles of their own appeared from amongst the trees. They began firing back as I cleared the entrance to the woods. I wasn't more than 10 feet inside the shelter of the trees when I was hit from the side and tackled to the ground. "Get Down!" he ordered while shielding my body. I felt dread rise up inside of me. This wasn't going to be good.

"They have retreated, sir." One of our snipers informed him.

Standing up, he pulled me with him, his rage filled eyes held mine. "And what in the hell do you think you were doing?!"

"Scouting?" I said turning red. Even to my own ears I could tell it sounded more like a question than an answer.

"No. I can tell you what you were doing. You were giving me a heart attack!"

Trying to lighten the mood I replied, "Oh Darien, I didn't know you cared that much." Peaking up at him coyly through my lashed.

He lightened up a bit. "You may be a major pain in my ass, but you are still my little sister." He caught me in a hug and whispered in my ear so the rest of the men couldn't hear, "We're all we have left."

"I know." I said quietly. He pulled back clasping my shoulder giving it a light squeeze. "you're lucky we were close." He said back to business.

"yeah how did you know I was here?" I said. Darien just gave me a look like seriously? The only person who knew I was gone was... "Athena." We both said at the same time. She has been my best friend since I was 5 years old. I was skipping rocks by the lake when a group of Moder boys a few years older than me pushed me down and was making fun of me, she came to my rescue, and has ever since that day. She probably got worried when my bunk was empty this morning and told my brother. I made a sour face. That snitch.

"Don't be too upset with her, Meena, she was just worried about you." Darien said using my pet name. He had always had a soft spot for Athena. I could see the way he looked at her that went further than a brother and his sisters best friend. I couldn't really blame him, she was tall and blonde with legs that went for miles. Her crystal blue eyes were clear and inviting, anyone who met her couldn't help but be drawn to her.

"I know, I know." I said waving a hand at his love-sick face.

Darien gave a small smiled and gave an approving nod. "Okay then let's get back to camp." Before those soldiers are back with numbers." Back to business as usual.

Since my father died my brother took over the role as leader of our Moder Battalion. He was tall, just over 6'3, we had the same hazel eyes but his brown hair was a few shades lighter than mine.  Girls always liked him, but he only had eyes for Athena, and if my hunch was right she was sweet on him too. While the idea of my brother and my best friend getting together made me a little sick, they were both such an amazing people that they were the only two who I thought were worthy of each other.

When I get back to camp I was not going to let Athena off the hook that easy, even if her big mouth had saved my life.