So I just want to say sorry for the extremely long time it took to update! I typed up the chapter, was editing it, and then my computer died and deleted my work... I really didn't have the motivation to rewrite it for a long time, but I finally got to it!

Since it has been so long I will give a quick review of what's happening...

Basically Joy ran away because she was tired of living with souls. She found the caves only to find out that she was responsible for getting Ian and Wanda captured. After her and Jamie rescue Wanda and Ian, Ian proposes, and there is a huge celebration. Joy and Jamie finally realize they actually like each other and kiss. However since Joy was spotted in Arizona, there are numerous seekers looking for her. The caves soon find out Joy is actually the President's daughter. Jamie freaks out at Joy, and Joy is overcome with guilt. Jamie soon realizes he shouldn't be mad at Joy and goes to apologize only to find out that she has ran away. Joy is captured, and Jamie decides he is going to go find her.

Wow almost to 100 followers! I honestly can't believe this! I know I say this every time, but still... in total disbelief.

Special thanks to Camille (i am super happy you continue to show your support), April7430 (I'm glad you are back to reading), captinjackie1 (made my day with your long review), nobodyinamerica, gymnasticsgirl0115, stephcullen2000, and Atlafan1286 for your reviews! I hope you continue to enjoy the story!

Without further ado... chapter 21!

Joy's POV

I was there for what… a month, a month in a half? The time seems to blur together and events pile on top of one another. The only thing that I know for sure is that the period was just too short.

Even though I wasn't there long, the imprint of the caves begins to shines its way through me. My senses pick up on small details I was oblivious to in my pampered life. In the caves every detail is significant; one slip up could cost you your life.

My mind begins checking off the list I have composed in my head. There are 103 tiles on the ceiling of the holding room where the seekers are keeping me. The chair in the corner contains 20 screws to hold it together. A floorboard in the far left corner squeaks whenever I step on it, and the vent above sends out a small click every 14 minutes or so.

I honestly don't know if I picked up on these things because of boredom or as a source of distraction. My gut tells me it's because of the latter. If I think about the caves too much, I know I'll cry, and that will mean too much emotion. This then results in a soul replacing my brain, and well… the caves will then be in real danger. I have to -NEED to keep it together for them. For Mel, Jeb, Jared, Ian, Wanda... For Jamie.

The tears tickle the corners of my eyes teasing my sense of restrain. Focus! I can't lose it.

Voices blend together behind the walls and it sounds as if I buried my head in sand. The conversation has been going on all morning, and my stomach swirls knowing the topic of the argument. Just don't think about it. There's not a lot I can do now. If they pick the option I dread, there's only one choice for me. The only question that remains is why are they risking the chance to put a soul in me now? After all this time, it doesn't make sense.

I don't know how long I have been in this room, but I'm definitely becoming stir crazy. After nonstop activity in the caves, sitting on a bed just doesn't cut it. How did I ever live like this?! All I know is that I have slept at least four times and received 9 meals, so my best guess is about three days.

The noise outside my door grows louder, and the shadows under the frame move. In a flash I rush to my bed. The springs squeal out in protest, but my eyes flutter shut faking sleep. Not long after, the door creeks open and I hear footsteps draw close to my bed.

"Look she's asleep. Can we please just wait until my wife gets here to have this discussion with her? The business at home took longer than expected. It will only be a few more hours."

The quiet whispers belong to my father, and the voice that responds is Tuck.

"There isn't a lot left to talk about."

"Are we sure no one will get hurt in the transplant?"

My father's voice is deep with stress, and his speech is muffled by the sound of his hand rubbing against his chin.

Oh no. The final verdict is drawing closer.

"Yes. As I said before, her body has been stable for a host since she was 10. In addition, she's better now then she was 8 years ago. We even have a soul willing to take the risk."

What?!

"Just let us converse with her. It's the right thing to do and you know it. After that we can figure out whether or not the action is necessary."

I can't believe this. My brain struggles to wrap itself around the idea. They could have put a soul in me at anytime. I'm not actually immune.

I must have moved during my turmoil because the whispers stop in a sudden rush. I urge my body to remain as still as possible. Come on keep talking.

"We should go. Leave her alone."

Tuck is the last to speak before I hear the door shut. As soon as I'm alone, I spin around and stare at the white ceiling above. I feel as if a part of me has slipped away; I'm left with a bitter emptiness that mocks my sense of truth.

How can this be? The souls don't let humans stay. Why was I given the chance? Why am I still here?

Jamie POV

I remember my parents once told me that it gets calm before a storm. At first I thought it was nonsense, but with more experience I realized they were right. Just before the madness, everything seems to grow too quiet, too tranquil, too creepy. It's almost worse then the actual chaos because the anticipation seems to float around your head driving you insane. Well this is definitely that feeling. My palms grow warm and clammy against my arm as I review the situation again in my head.

First, Joy has run away.

Second, the news has informed us that she has been captured.

Third, she is being held in a facility in Arizona.

Fourth, we are running out of time.

The more my mind dances around the facts, the sicker my stomach becomes. It's been three days since she left, and I am literally about to break into the headquarters in a frantic charge with my arms flinging helplessly. It was miserable sitting and waiting for the news to finally feed us small facts on Joy. When it finally confirmed she was still a human and in the same facility that held Ian and Wanda, I basically shit my pants I was so ecstatic. Unfortunately we couldn't just leave. The security is higher then usual, so Jeb insisted we come up with a flawless plan.

Now it's time to go, and I'm extremely antsy, but I can't fight this feeling that something is going to go wrong. Especially now since everyone is acting so… so… so god damn casual. You would think that we went charging into a high-risk situation everyday. Ok maybe we do every other week, but still.

Mel's hand brushes against my shoulder, and I nearly jump out of my skin. Why am I so jittery? I just need to leave. The sooner the better.

"Wow nervous? Do we need to spray you with some calm?"

I know Mel is trying to lighten the mood, but it doesn't help. In fact it just makes my stomach swirl more. Oh shit… I think I may hurl.

"You guys shouldn't be coming with. It should just be me risking my life for Joy."

Mel shoots me a look that could kill, and her eyes send me a can-you-really-be-that-stupid vibe.

"Are you kidding? I live for this stuff. Besides if she's your problem… she's all of our problem."

My mouth opens wide to protest, but her hand collides with my face blocking my mouth before I can make a peep.

"And if you don't like it well… I'm older so you don't get a say in the matter."

I roll my eyes and strain to lick her palm that lies on top on my lips. As soon as my saliva contacts her skin, she snatches her hand away and waves it in the air with disgust. You think she would learn my ways by now… After I'm finally free, I sigh with impatience.

The silence that grows after is tinted with a touch of grief. We both know what Mel is about to discuss with me. It's the same conversation we have before every mission. This time though it seems more threatening. More real

"I love you Jamie, you know that right?"

I smile and nod my head. The answer is too obvious for words. How can I not know that?

"I love you too Mel."

More silence. More anticipation.

"Do you remember the day dad came back?"

Again I nod my head. This time though the small flashbacks are too painful to allow me to answer. I don't remember all of it. I was too young to really understand the details, but I know enough to have the agony remain in my memory.

Silver eyes fill my vision. Emotionless, evil eyes that tore us apart. Eyes that never were supposed to belong to my father. They are the only vivid images in the cloudy haze of my memory.

"Just use that as my reasoning if, you know, if I have to…." Mel drifts off lost in her discomfort.

"The same goes for me."

Without hesitation, Mel pulls me into a giant hug. My emotions flood into me, and I get dizzy.

"I couldn't do that to you." The sentence muffles into my ear barely audible.

"I know you would be too strong to let them get me. Just like with Wanda." At that she squeezes me tighter.

"I mean we got lucky with Wanda," Mel replies with a hint of a smile in her voice.

When we pull away, Mel reaches into her pocket and pulls out a tiny red pill. She places it in my palm, and closes my fingers around it.

"Only if it is the last option."

I don't even nod my head before Mel is gone. She runs away from the truth of the situation; the truth that latches onto her worst nightmares.

The pill is the medicine Doc produced a few years ago for extremely dangerous missions. With the chance of a soul insertion, every person here risks the possibility of revealing the caves to the seekers. There is one simple solution to this problem, however. Death.

A soul can't pick apart your brain if you are dead.

I examine the simplicity of the round object. I try to wrap my head around the fact that it will kill a person in one minute exactly. Nothing would work fast enough to save your life. Not even the souls.

Joys POV

My brain instantly knows I'm dreaming. It's one of those moments that's too perfect. Everything is in order; there are no worries. My brain ties my emotions into the scene and I strive to soak in the happiness. Jamie and the others smile at me as we dance celebrating peace among the souls and humans. Again it's too ridiculous to be real life. The bliss continues for some time, but conscious me battles with my dream self. The delight collides against the sad truth; however, my imaginary self wins. I allow a few seconds of enjoyment before I'm forced into reality.

Suddenly the world shakes around me, and the caves begin to collapse. Rocks fall and tumble, but instead of darkness, light evades the space. My eyes flutter open, and I suck in air too afraid of what just happened. When I realize I'm stuck in my holding cell, the mix feelings of relief and dread fill me. How did I end up here?

"Joy. Sweetie wake-up."

My mother's innocent voice floats into my ear, and my heart swells at the familiarity. I didn't even realize I miss her so much. I was too wrapped up in cave world to remember my past. When we meet eyes, I want to jump up and hug her, but I instantly stop when I notice Tuck's intimidating eyes watching over us. My father is next to my mom with an equally dissatisfied look.

This isn't going to be good.

"Light of Joy, I beg that you will cooperate. We can all go home if you just answer a few questions."

My father is calm and collected, but I can sense the pleading in his eyes. He hates conflict, and I know I am causing him stress. My heart sinks with realization of the strain I put in my parent's life.

"I will try to answer it the best I can," I say back to him.

My strategy is to lie. I have gotten better, and I think I can handle it.

"Honey that is all we can ask from you. I just hope we can help you."

The sincerity in my mother's voice breaks my heart. I can't lie. I can't do this. She will see through me in two milliseconds. I need to come up with a better method.

"Where have you been since the night of you birthday party?"

I don't hesitate.

"In Arizona."

My father fires back.

"Let me rephrase that, where in Arizona have you been."

"Tucson, Arizona."

My father sighs, and my mother places her hand on top of his. He can instantly tell this isn't going to be easy. Tuck shakes his head and scribbles a few notes on some paper. Oh boy.

"Joy this is serious. I am just going to cut right to the point. Have you or have you not had contact with humans?"

I freeze debating the answer in my head. Lie or not to lie.

"I have."

My father nods approvingly and my mom smiles, encouraging me to continue. I try to swallow my answer back down, but it's too late.

"Where exactly did you meet these humans? Did they take you anywhere?"

His voice is hopeful, and my eyes drift downward to avoid seeing the pain fill his face.

"The city, and no where I can remember."

There is a slight pause as my father digests the information. I hear Tuck write a few more notes onto his paper.

"Can't remember or don't want to tell?"

Already I am beginning to crack. I feel everyone's eyes on me, and the pressure is building within my chest.

"Please dad don't make me do this…"

"You know I have to Joy. You ran away from home without so much as an explanation. Just a small note? We were all very worried about you."

Every word cuts into me. I have to remind myself that I left for a reason. Vanishing was supposed to stop my parent's suffering. Now I see that it added more complications. If only they realized how easy their life would be without me.

"I know I'm sorry." I say it, and I know they think I'm saying sorry for leaving. In reality I'm apologizing for continuously adding stress.

"Do you know how serious the consequences of your actions are?"

"I'm starting to get the idea."

My comment comes out with sarcasm. My mother sighs, while I can see my father's frustration build.

"A seeker is going to be placed inside your body if you don't help us."

He says the sentence with enough force to emphasize his point, but it's not loud enough to reveal true anger. I need to fight back. Right now I'm losing the battle.

"Why? I haven't done anything wrong."

"You communicated with humans! You helped break into a facility. How is that not wrong?"

This time I can feel my irritation begin to grow. He isn't seeing my point.

"We didn't hurt anyone."

My father stands abruptly letting a bit of restraint slip. My mother pulls on his arm to sit back down.

"You turned against your family, your community. You became a traitor."

This time I pull out of my chair. How dare he say that! I'm done with appearing small and weak.

"No I didn't. I am not a traitor! I'm still on your side!"

We both stare at each other. My dad's jaw is tense, and his eyes are on fire. I hold my stance striving to get him to view my side of the story. Each of us holds our breath, and I watch him process my words through his head. After a few seconds, he blinks and snaps himself back into being calm. His glance turns to my mother and his eyes sweep her for comfort. She pulls him down to his chair once again. I follow and sit without a word. When he speaks, he is eerily calm once more.

"Then prove it. Help us locate the humans. Tell us the location of their hideout."

Not this again.

"I can't. I'm sorry but I can't." I say it calm as well, but with confidence. I am not going to ruin the caves.

"Then we have no other choice." He turns to nod his head towards Tuck.

"Please David, give Joy some time," my mom struggles to keep my father's attention. She sounds worried and anxious.

Tuck is the one that intercepts my mother's response. "Joy has had plenty of time, and we can't risk anymore. She is seen as a threat."

No, no, no! I can't become a soul. The caves will be found. I have to do something. My father is the only one who can stop this.

"Dad please! I promise I will be good. I won't be a risk. I'll stay at home, go to school, and stay out of trouble like I did before. I will try to learn the soul ways again," I say desperately. That's what is happening. I am desperate to save Jamie.

"We can do all of this if you just realize who your true family is and help us. Prove to me that the souls are worth more to you than humans."

Hope has begun to creep into his face once again. I am unwillingly to hurt him further, so I remain silent. The souls and the humans are both my family. No matter what I decide I will be harming one of them. My heart aches with the realization. When his stare breaks, he frowns.

"How did they get inside of your head?" my father asks with disbelief.

I have to prove to him that they are not dangerous.

"They didn't. They took me in. They weren't threatening. They were peaceful."

Silence. I sense the conflicts inside of his head.

"You have to trust me." I strive for him to believe me once more.

My father shakes his head, but instead of frustration there is disappointment.

"Can't you see they are just lying to you? That's what humans do! They are selfish and they lie to get what they want. You shouldn't trust them."

"If you just gave them a chance you would see that they aren't evil."

"That's what they want. They want us to let our guard down so they can trick us and get Earth."

This is an endless circle! He is never going to believe me. I can't hold it in.

"No. That's a lie!" I snap at him.

Tuck cautiously moves forward staring me down.

"Enough. Mr. President, I think it is quite apparent Joy is unwilling to answer the questions. It would be best if we just proceed with the transplant."

Great I just blew it. I can't seem to do anything right.

"There has to be another way." My mother flashes her concerned gaze back and forth between my father and Tuck.

"No ma'am. Without cooperation there is no other choice," Tuck response with only formality.

"Dad. I'm your daughter! You know me. I would never harm any souls. Don't do this."

He has to listen. Why won't he listen?! His back turns to face me, and when his shoulders slump in defeat, my stomach drops with them.

"I'm not so sure you can still be my daughter. The human lies are implanted too deep at this point."

Emotions collide into me and I feel hopeless and powerless. Why can't I just go back in time? I want to scream! Why is this happening?! Why can't I find happiness for anyone? The caves will be destroyed because of me. I have failed them.

"Mom?" It pops out, and I find myself desperately wanting to run to her and hug her. I wish she could wrap her arms around me and pretend everything will be ok.

Her silver stare absorbs my whole body before focusing on my eyes. There is warmth and something else behind them. I have seen it before, but there is no possible way it can be true. It almost like she is trying to tell me she will fight.

"I will always protect you."

Then before I can confirm my feelings, my father pulls her out of the room. Tuck remains at the door while a few nurses file in to stand next to me. He pulls up a communicator.

"Prepare the doctors."

I hear the hiss of the spray and feel the nurses catch me as I absorb the last few moments of my consciousness.

Jamie POV

We have regrouped in an alleyway close to the facility to prepare for the invasion of the building. Everyone has their guns close to them and packs filled with emergency supplies. Anxiousness continues to shiver down my spine; I can't wait to see Joy again. I hope she will forgive me.

"Alright people. Everyone knows the plan right?"

Mel has taken charge, and I can't decide if I am disappointed or relieved. Half of me wants to say relieved because now I can solely focus on getting Joy back. I'm pretty sure I would be a chaotic mess leading everyone into the facility. The other manliness half wants to say disappointed because… well … it's a pride thing I suppose.

Once we all nod, I look around the circle of familiar faces. Jared stands next to Mel gazing at her with admiration. Ian has his arm protectively around Wanda's shoulders. Each one of them looks brave and ready.

"We will begin the invasion with Wanda entering the seen acting hurt-"

Suddenly there is a booming click, and a cloud of smoke engulfs the ally. Before anyone of us can react, our bodies land on the ground one by one while the haze fills our lungs.

I collide with the pavement. My limbs try to move but I am completely paralyzed. When I try to speak, all that appears are quiet mumbles. My eyes fly around me attempting to take in the scene. Even though we can't move, our minds remain active. All of us are still awake frantically striving to find the source of the weapon.

As the smoke clears, a constant click grows closer. The tap of heels echo off the walls, and the figure stops to stand in the middle of our circle. When she finally speaks, her voice is calm.

"I highly suggest you forget your plan and listen."

EEEP! so much drama is building up to the next chapter! What do you think is going to happen to joy/ Jamie and gang?!

So was that chapter exciting? boring? suspenseful? Also I will definitely try to update faster! (I know I say this a lot but still i will try)

I can't believe there's only a couple more chapters left!

With only a little but of the story left remember to review/ follow/ fav! There isn't much time left!

Thanks again for the support!

Happy reading and creativity everyone! :)