Jungle of Creation

“Ah!” I awake in a cold sweat, gnashing teeth and haunting green eyes crashing through my vision. The nightmare replays over and over. A rapid panther tears its way through the compound—so close to freedom—only to be torn down by a lowly sedative. Mama. I can’t actually know what happened to her all those years ago, but I know the possibilities will follow me until I finally get her out of there.

That stupid bandanna. That stupid crime scene. All of it is coming back at me, dredging up old and new fears. I ran as soon as I found that bandanna. The weight of it all made it too hard to breathe, and I just ran. Straight back to camp. Luckily, Cole had the sense not to ask about it.

Still gasping for breath, I sit up on the makeshift mattress, trying to keep the scratchy leaves from poking my back. Glancing over at Cole’s pallet, I don’t find his sleeping form. Instead, he’s leaning against a tree just beyond it, watching me with concern in his eyes. I clear my throat and look away as a red flush stains my cheeks, embarrassed that he watched the whole ordeal.

“You okay, Kitty?” There’s no mocking or sarcasm in his tone. Just pure concern. It’s refreshing. And comforting.

I release a weak laugh, tainted with mirth, “Yeah. I’m fine.” One of Cole’s eyebrows rises suspiciously, but he doesn’t address the issue again.

“We need to plan and get going soon.” His statement draws me back to reality and I look around the jungle to see the first rays of morning light seeping through. It looks to be just about dawn, though the trees leave the forest floor in gray shadows. I nod lazily in acknowledgment to Cole’s words, but my mind is elsewhere. How will we get in? Get past the guards and the security measures? I didn’t think this far.

A rueful smile graces my lips. In all honesty, I didn’t think past getting out of the compound with my mom in tow. Details weren’t necessary at the time.

I sigh and look back over at Cole. He seems to be deep in thought, as well, probably wondering why he put himself in this mess. “Hmm… You’re right. How will we get in the compound and the special hallway, though? Even if we can get into the front door, I’m sure they know you’re with me by now. They probably revoked your access. To me, that pretty much sounds like we don’t stand a chance.” Not that we ever stood a chance.

Cole just grunts and after a few long moments I don’t think he’s going to answer me at all.

“Look, you’re the one that said—”

“I can hack the system.” That gives me pause. Did he say what I think he just said?

“You can? You can hack a government security system?” I ask, doubt heavily lacing my words.

Cole gives me a confused—and slightly hurt—look, “What? Why is that so hard to believe?” I wince a little bit, realizing how rude I just sounded but still… That’s not the solution I was expecting.

“Nothing… Just… I thought you grew up on a farm.”

At that, Cole smiles a little bit and shrugs before saying, “Remember, I also said my father spent a lot of time rising as an agricultural scientist. I was bored. And I learn fast.” My eyes widen a bit. He did say that, but who in their right mind spends their free time learning how to hack into government databases?

I blow out a breath. It may be a little hard to believe, but if Cole can do it then it’s really our best bet. I nod before quietly saying, “Okay.” I’ll go with it. Cole looks down at me with a mildly surprised face, but says nothing.

So, we’re covered on getting into the building. We’ll just need to watch our backs and get in and out as soon as possible. Considering his abilities, it shouldn’t take Cole too long to hack the system, but I’ll be there to take care of any complications while he’s working. With most of the little details sorted out, it’s time to bring up our additional pit stop.

“So… Cole?”

Cole looks up from where he’s sharpening a knife on a rock, “Yeah?”

He sets down the rough stone in his hand and pushes his wild blond hair from his forehead, the blade still grasped in one hand. From where I’m sitting, I can see a smudge of dirt on his face, right below his crystal eyes. I’m getting some caveman vibes here, aside from his dirty T-shirt and jeans. An attractive caveman at that.

“Hello? You were going to say something?” I blink furiously as Cole stares at me expectantly, a light blush gracing my cheeks. Dammit. I hope it’s still dark enough that he won’t see the color. This is why I don’t do crushes, or men in general.

“Yeah. Sorry. I spaced for a second.”

Until Grant, I hadn’t really been interested in any relationships because I was too preoccupied with my family. Now that taking a chance with Grant utterly backfired, I won’t make that mistake again. Cole’s good looking, but I will not become some lovesick puppy.

Clearing my throat, I ditch any unwanted thoughts. We’ve got a mission to do. “I was just going to say that I’d like to try to get someone else out of there while we’re inside.”

Cole’s eyebrows shoot up in question, “Really? Who?”

I prepare for whatever his response may be. I’m really trying to sound agreeable, but the reality is that I’m getting her out no matter what. She was framed, and I can finally see that now.

“Ash.”

Cole’s answer comes immediately, “No.”

“What? Why?” I can feel anger in me rising, but I try to tamp it down for now.

“It’s too… risky. We’re already breaking one person out. Anymore and we’re risking our own safety. Not to mention your mom’s.”

“But isn’t that the point? No matter how many people we break out, there’s a chance we won’t make it back out. We’ll be in there anyway! Ash has been stuck in there long enough. You don’t have to believe me, but I know she didn’t kill those people. She doesn’t deserve to be stuck there.”

A flash of guilt and concern crosses Cole’s features, but he wipes it away with steely resolve. “I don’t have the same faith in her that you do. You’re not helping her.”

The anger I tamped down earlier comes rising up like a flood. Asking him was just me trying to be nice. “Now, listen here you arrogant piece of—”

Cole growls and his eyes meet mine, his own anger swimming inside them, “Let. Me. Finish.” I glare at him with all my might, but let him speak.

“You are not helping her,” He cuts me a look before I can open my mouth again, “But… If it’s really that important to you to save Ash, then I will go get her.”

My mouth falls open, wide enough for all the gnats in the jungle. I’m glad, but this wasn’t what I expected him to say. Quickly snapping my jaw shut, I then reopen it to quietly speak, “Umm… I can’t let you do that. I mean… You’re right. It will be more dangerous to get multiple people. I should be there to help.”

Cole shakes his head, though, before saying, “You can come with me to get your mom. I know where she is, and I know you need to be there to see her. The fact is, though, I can move a lot faster without you. Once you and your mom are out here, I’ll go back in to grab Ash.” He still doesn’t look pleased with the thought of rescuing her, but he’s willing to do it anyway.

A thought strikes me, making my legs shaky and my chest warm. He’s doing this for me. For some reason, he’s willing to risk getting captured and killed for me. He already became a fugitive in my honor, and he just keeps piling on reasons for me to not hate him. I just don’t get it.

“Why?”

“Huh?” He says, confused.

“Why are you doing this? Helping me, I mean.”

I almost take back the question, because his eyes instantly fill with guilt and intense regret. Maybe a little self-loathing? “Because I got you into this mess. It’s my fault you’re here. It’s my fault my… they’re after you.”

I can’t take the apology in his eyes so I speak up to break the tension, “It’s not your fault. You were under orders. Besides, if you hadn’t kidnapped me, I wouldn’t have been able to kick your butt.” I flash a small smile, and receive a weak one in return. I can tell Cole doesn’t believe my words, though. He may not think so, but I’ve forgiven him for taking me. If he hadn’t, I never would’ve had the chance to get my mom back.

We’re hidden among the trees, the front door to the compound in sight. It’s early morning now and the birds are chirping madly. Maybe they can be of some use and cover our footsteps.

There are two guards stationed outside of the compound. I’ve never seen either one of them before, which is a relief. Cole and I are slowly moving forward, waiting for the right moment to pounce on the unsuspecting men. Every once in a while I can feel my inner panther growl in anticipation of an attack, and I can’t help but feel that my feline friend is just as eager to get Mama out as I am.

After about five minutes of us standing stock still, a guard turns his back to our hiding spot. Before I even have a chance to react, Cole dashes out of the cover almost faster than the eye can see and knocks the guard upside the head in one swift blow. The second guard’s eyes widen in fear and surprise as he raises up the gun in his hands. I’m about to leap from my own hiding spot, my panther right on the surface, but Cole turns straight to the other guard and snatches his gun. He hits him with the butt of the gun, knocking him out cold as well.

Meanwhile, I still haven’t moved a muscle. Five seconds and both guards are down. I step out and brush myself off, walking towards Cole who’s leaning against the door with a pleased expression on his face.

“Why were we just sitting there again?”

He flashes me a cocky grin. Arrogant jerk face. “Just wanted to get you warmed up.”

I scoff, “And how was crouching in the trees getting ‘warmed up’?” I cross my arms over my chest. Looking down reminds me of just how badly this shirt needs to be washed.

A light chuckle escapes his mouth, almost as if he was trying to hold it in. “You need to be antsy when we get in there. Your panther is pretty agitated right now, right?” I don’t answer. He already knows it’s a yes. “That’ll make you more alert. Anything can happen in there.”

And just like that, all the humor is sucked out of the air. I try to wet my dry lips, only to find that my whole mouth feels dry. We’re here. This is it. I’m ready to get my mom, but that doesn’t stop anxiety from fluttering in the pit of my stomach. I give Cole a brisk nod, and he immediately turns around to fiddle with the keypad by the familiar white door. Just the sight of this white building makes nausea rise inside me. I swallow it down. There’s no time for doubt or second-guessing.

I stand back, twiddling my thumbs and waiting for Cole to finish whatever he’s doing. I’ve never been much of a technology person, so all I can see is him pressing random buttons on some portable laptop-like device. I assume he’s hacking the system, but I can’t tell either way. After about five minutes, I’m utterly bored. Not able to hold back any longer, I let out a groan of frustration. Ever so slowly, Cole turns his head around to face me and looks up from his spot crouched on the ground. He raises his eyebrows at me, causing me to scowl at him.

“What? I wouldn’t be so impatient if you weren’t taking so long! It’s your fault I’m all riled up,” I state matter-of-factly. All I get is a little smirk in return before Cole turns back around as if I’d never spoken. Stomping my foot, I shift back and forth. Patience has never really been a problem for me, but Cole seems to be bringing out the worst in me right now. I’m so used to his annoying comments that the silence seems to drag by. Who knew I’d grow to miss his idiocy? It doesn’t help that Cole seems to be going extra slow on purpose. I know he could have had this done in three seconds flat if he really wanted to.

Finally, Cole holds up one hand, indicating I should be quiet. I immediately tense up. No more playing around, because we’re about to go into the belly of the dragon. Not two seconds later, the door slides open, revealing an empty, unassuming hallway. Huh. No guards stationed inside, I guess.

Cole rises from his crouch and we exchange a look. This is it. No going back. Mama, I’m coming. We both silently venture into the hallway, and I have my panther poised at the surface in case I need her. I’d like to avoid ripping my clothes if at all possible, though. I can see the tension in Cole’s shoulders as we slowly round each corner. It must be tearing him apart to not just race through here. I mentally thank him for staying with me, though.

The glistening white halls are silent. Eerie. Each corner holds no new surprises, no new faces. It’s early, but I can still feel my hackles rising. There has to be someone that’s awake, right? Where are they? Aside from the two guards outside, we haven’t seen a single soul.

Rounding another corner, we’re only a couple halls down from that special corridor. My panther is quickly simmering down as it appears we’re not getting any action. I’m trying to stay alert, but it’s hard when you’re so darn confused. My head’s up my butt again when I run into a wall of muscle. I blink quickly, sort of stunned, and reach up to rub my aching nose, but Cole grabs my arm and holds me behind him. Okay… Now I’m really confused. I’m about to ask him what’s going one when a familiar voice sounds from in front of Cole.

“I was wondering when you’d show up.”

My eyes widen in surprise and I step out from behind Cole, despite his blistering grip on my arm. The scrawny figure comes into view, a walking contradiction. Tousled brown hair and warm brown eyes. With the heart of an angel. Or so I thought.

“Jere?”

His wide-eyed gaze automatically snaps to me, though he’d been averting his eyes before. Our stares lock for what feels like an eternity, and the deep sadness in his chocolate eyes makes my own fill with unshed tears.

“Hi, Mi.” He gives me a watery smile. We both know why he’s here. Why he has a walkie talkie in his hand. Cole is bitterly silent beside me, still holding tight to my arm. If we have to, I think Cole and I could take on Jeremy. Just the thought nearly has me bawling. He was such a sweet, good friend. Even if we could take him down, though, I don’t know if even Cole would be able to stop him before he alerted the others. He’s all the way on the other end of the hall, standing between us and my mom.

“I’m here for my mom, Jere.” Of course, he would already know that, but it’s worth a shot. He just nods and smiles slightly, so I continue, “I don’t want to fight you, but I will.” My tone is harsh, but it doesn’t show the layers of betrayal underneath. I force myself to straighten my spine, and push back my shoulders. This isn’t the time for emotions.

“I don’t want to fight you either.” With that, Jeremy starts strolling towards us, a regretful gleam in his eyes. He still hasn’t contacted the others, which surprises me, but I’m not going to remind him. I ball up my hands into fists as Jeremy inches closer, my panther ready to strike at a moment’s notice. I don’t have the heart to hit him first, so I wait for him to come to me. Cole’s grip on my arm steadily tightens with every step Jere takes. He hasn’t made a move, maybe figuring that I would need to take down my friend myself.

Jere is now only a couple feet away when he stops directly in front of me. His solemn gaze locked on me. I see remorse in his eyes. It’s more than I saw in Grant’s, so I guess I can take comfort in the fact that Jeremy was a truer friend than him.

“Hit me.” My eyes flash back to clash with his, shocked.

“What?” Why isn’t he punching me? Why isn’t he calling for back-up?

“I said hit me.”

“Jeremy, I’m pretty sure this isn’t how fights work.”

He gives me another sad smile, the teary gleam brighter, “I won’t fight you, Mi. Punch me. Knock me out. Then go get your mom back.”

Suddenly the tears that filled my eyes earlier are back and a couple make it past my barriers. “Jere, what are you doing? Why are you doing this?”

“I know what it’s like to be tracked down. Hunted. Before my mom died, she was the only one who didn’t call me a monster. After her accident, I was taken here. My dad didn’t want me. I don’t want to see that happen to you, Mi.” Now tears are rolling over Jeremy’s cheeks too. He never really gave up anything about his background or family. Now I see why.

I move from Cole’s side and pull Jere in for a hug, giving in to the tears for a moment. I don’t know if I’ll see him again. I want to ask him to come with us, but I know I can’t put him in that kind of danger. He’s safer here and not on the streets as a fugitive. Pulling away, we both wipe our damp faces.

Giving yet another watery smile, Jere speaks again, “Go ahead, Mi. Go get her.” He points to one of his cheeks, showing where I should hit him. I push all my power into the punch, knowing it will take quite a hit to knock Jeremy out. Swinging my arm back, my eyes connect with Jeremy’s in a silent goodbye before my fist connects with his chin. It feels like concrete and pain shoots up my arm. The crack sounds out through the hallway, and I immediately wince, hoping I didn’t just break his jaw. Cole zips and catches his limp body before he collides with the floor, gently laying him out on the tile.

He looks up at me, his gaze searching, “You okay?”

I just nod, trying not to dwell on the fact that I just knocked one of my best friends out and the day is still far from over. Cole gets up from Jere’s side and offers his hand to me. I take it, letting him lead me down the still silent hall. With one last glance, I catch Jeremy’s peaceful, unconscious face. Still clasped in one hand, so hard that it’s nearly bent in half, is the walkie talkie. The same one that could have led to our immediate doom. Too bad that doom is still very much a possibility.