Operation W.A.R.

Chapter 20

Kath's POV-

I literally teleported away, and I have no idea how the heck I'm gonna get back. Here I am, in a town I have no clue about. I know that Ascana is in the center of this damned country, and Uthington in the north, but if I'm somewhere else, I'm gonna be pissed. I looks around, people all over the place. I'm on a sidewalk in a city that is so colorful its crazy. Billboards on buildings, music is coming from somewhere, cars honking, its all a huge mess of colors and sounds. In front of me is a giant skyscraper and it looks like could be a bank of some kind. I don't get this. I could be anywhere. Standing there, taking in my surroundings, a stranger runs into me, almost knocking me over. Its a kid, much younger than I am. Falling on me, I see his face. Honestly, a cute little guy. He has nicely cut blond hair, and bright green eyes.

-Sorry! Sorry!

He practically yells and gets off of me. He's kind enough though to help me up, and standing he's super short. It takes me a while to realize he's wearing a black hoodie, with the hood over his head. Is he trying to hide or is he running away from home?

-Thanks and next time be a little more careful.

He's still holding on to my hand and I take the opportunity.

-Hey, where am I exactly?

Like lightning he is overcome with surprise, almost like it should be obvious. 

-You're kidding, right?

I nod my head, a little embarrassed at this point. 

-Ascana, genius.

What!?

-You're kidding?

Now he shakes his head, confirming my crazy and hazy dream to be a reality. 

-I can't be.

-Well you are. You seem lost. What's your name?

Strange kid, but he's not wrong.

-Katherine, but most people call me Kath. And you?

-Adam. Where are you headed?

So many questions, but he seems to know the city. Wait, I can read minds. Right. 

-I need to find the science facility here in Ascana, you know, the one that controls the entire country basically.

"She needs help. I can actually help someone today." OK, he seems nice.

-Wow. I can help you. Follow me.

And he runs off. Dang it. Now I have to run after him. In the same direction he went I follow him. He's difficult to catch up to, but with some work I never lose him. Fast little fella. Suddenly, he stops at a stop light. This time I almost run into him.

-Wait.

I'm literally panting.

-What are you doing on the streets? Aren't you suppose to be home or something?

-I don't want to be home.

Is all he says. But in his mind there is more to the story. "Mom doesn't care about me, being president has her busy."

-You're Adam Fountaine?

Shocked and scared he looks at her. The stop light becomes green and he's off, and I'm after him. Something tells me he doesn't want to help me anymore. Not having a phone right now sucks.

Jack's POV-

We end up at the train station after we finally make it to Uthington and trying to evade every police officer in the town. Stella's buying us tickets to Ascana after a long argument that it was unsafe with Akilah, but in the end she finally gave in. So here we are, waiting for Kath to appear somewhere.

-We should have stayed at waited for her.

It comes out of me without any thought. I can't help worrying about her, even if she doesn't care about me. 

-She will find her way back. Besides, we can't be in the sun all day just waiting for someone who sucks at her own talent.

-Hey! Akilah, keep your comments to yourself from now on, got it?

-Look, I can't read minds like her, but I know what you're worried and its sweet and all, but I've learned to never underestimate Kath. She's stronger than she looks.

Little comforting, not much, only a little. Branton somehow ended up being busy with a magazine as we're waiting for Stella to come back. I try to distract myself with anything really, but I can't wondering where Kath is, or if she is OK. Should I be worried? Maybe not, maybe yes. 

-I'm back with the tickets. We leave in thirty minutes.

Stella's says returning with slips of paper in her hand. She gives each of us one and sits down next to me. Unlike me, she is filled with joy and glee.

-What are you so happy about?

That came out ruder than I intended. She looks at me, like she just remembered why we're suppose to be worried or depressed.

-Umm, well, you have to look on the bright side.

She gives me a big smile, usually it was very contagious, but now its just disgusting.

-And that would be?

I decide to look away. Her brown eyes are trying to make eye contact with mine, and I don't want any of that.

-Well, we're finally out of the facility and we're going on an adventure.

-And you call it fun?

-Again. Look on the bright side.

I cannot stand Stella right now. And I have to wait another half an hour until the train leaves? Damn my life at this point.