The Man Under The Mask

Part 10

Sawyer's eyes flashed open as a searing-hot pain erupted from his chest, forcing a throttled cry of pain to escape his parched lips.

"Take it easy." Sawyer heard the words distantly and blinked trying to clear his blurry vision and concentrate on the shapes leaning over him and causing him much pain.

"Damn it!" Jack looked desperately at Sayid, who then nodded and leaned closer to Sawyer.

"Sawyer," Sayid whispered calmly in his ears, "you've got to keep still so Jack can help you."

The Iraqi put a firm hand on Sawyer's forehead forcing him to pause his pain-driven struggles and look up at him with glazed eyes.

Sawyer swallowed and bit his lips trying to bite back another cry of pain as Jack prodded his wound. He was so confused and so much in pain. Where was he? What happened? Why was he in so much pain?

"Sawyer? Can you hear me?"

"Sayid?" Sawyer asked skeptically. For some reason he thought it strange to hear Sayid's voice. Was he dreaming?

"Yeah it's me," Sayid smiled encouragingly at the tortured man lying before him, "Just keep still and try to take it easy, okay?"

"What...what happened?" Sawyer managed to ask hoarsely. Sayid didn't reply. Instead, he raised Sawyer's head slightly and helped him to some water. Sawyer managed a few sips before his head was eased back.

"Got to get it out," Jack murmured, then looked at Sayid. Sawyer shuddered under their holds and groaned.

"Sawyer?" This time it was Jack's face looming above him. "This is going to hurt, a lot, but I got to get the bullet out now."

Sawyer frowned. What bullet was Jack talking about? He was shot? He doesn't remember being shot!

"I... was shot?"

Both Jack and Sayid looked worriedly at him. Jack cleared his throat. "Yes Sawyer. You've been shot in the chest, and there's a knife wound on your side, which I cleaned and stitched. Now I need to get that bullet out."

Sawyer's confusion grew. He tried to think, to remember. He felt it was important to remember, but didn't know why. He closed his eyes against the pain. Sayid put a worried hand against his forehead and felt the heat of a fever radiating from Sawyer's body. He wet a strip from Sawyer's now disposed shirt and gently wiped the sweat from his flushed face.

Sawyer could hear them moving around him, whispering, but was too overwhelmed by pain and exhaustion to care. Then an image flashed in his mind and he forced his eyes back open and struggled to get up.

Jack was instantly back at his side, pushing him down. "What do you think you're doing," he barked.

Sawyer panted heavily, the effort of moving draining more of his energy. "Kate. Where's Kate?"

Jack exchanged glances with Sayid. They both looked worried. Sawyer missed their look and was about to repeat his question when Jack answered him. "Don't worry about that now. Just concentrate on getting through this."

Sawyer frowned and was about to push further when a new figure appeared in his line of vision. "Here, this should help." And with that Mr.Eko pried Sawyer's lips open and placed a small folded piece of clothe between his teeth.

Jack nodded, and Sayid let go of his hold on Sawyer's wound. Jack removed the rags they used as bandages from Sawyer's chest. Sawyer groaned against the pain when the material pulled at his torn skin. The wound had stopped bleeding.

Jack nodded at Sayid and Eko. At his sign, both men took hold of the dazed man. Sawyer blinked as he felt Sayid grab his arms and Eko put a restraining arm around his legs.

"We got him."

Jack inhaled deeply. "Here we go."

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Sawyer's screams were muffled by the rag in his mouth. His back arched fatally and he fought to get away from the hands restraining him- away from the excruciating pain that surged through his body.

Sayid and Eko were surprised by the wounded man's strength. They struggled to hold him still and glanced desperately at Jack, silently urging him to speed up the task at hand.

Sweat covered Jack's face and he finally paused to lock eyes with the two men. "It's deep," he told them grimly.

Sayid felt Sawyer relax against him, his breaths coming in heavy gasps. He tightened his hold around him. "Hang on, Sawyer. Hang on."

Jack looked up and met the dark man's gaze. Eko nodded encouragingly. Jack sighed, pressed his lips together in determination, and resumed the dreadful task. He dug deeper into Sawyer's flesh, aware of the extent of pain he was causing the man under his hands.

Sawyer jerked and thrashed but the two set of arms prevented him from escaping the pain. Finally, his strength began to desert him and his struggles ceased, allowing both men to relax their holds on him. Sawyer collapsed heavily against Sayid, and with each new slice of pain, he buried his face deeper and deeper into Sayid's protective arms. Tears of pain filled his eyes but refused to fall.

"I got it," and as on cue Sawyer finally went limp, allowing blissful darkness to claim him.

GGGGGGGG

Kate didn't know how long she slept, but when she woke up she was in a strange place. It was dark and she was laying on what felt like a hay strewn floor. She raised herself up carefully, checking to see if all her limbs were working. Satisfied, she began to look around through the dark, trying to determine where she was. The memory of what happened came crashing to her mind, filling her with dread and panic. Suddenly the door opened causing her to jump in surprise. She looked at the figure that strode closer.

The light coming from the door blinded her, and she squinted and put her hands protectively over her eyes. Two strong arms grabbed her and hauled her gruffly to her feet. She gasped and struggled to maintain her balance. As her eyes adjusted to the light she could make out the face of the man holding her. He was one of the savages that attacked them. His long hair, broad shoulders and tan skin made him look like one of those glorious Indian warriors in the movies. She swallowed, fear dancing in her eyes. The man frowned at her, and released her in disgust. "Relax woman, I mean you no harm."

Kate stared at him doubtfully, not sure if she could trust his words. "Who are you?"

"My name is Salik."

Now that was insightful. "Where am I?"

"This is where my people and I live."

She glared at him. "Where's Sawyer?"

He stared at her with deep studying eyes.

"The man I was with. Where is he?" Kate asked fearfully. What if they killed him?

Salik shook his head. "He is not here."

"Where is he?" Kate was confused.

"He is with the rest of your people."

Was this man playing with her?

"You," the man suddenly breathed as he grabbed her arm again and yanked her towards him, "will help lead him to us."

"What...what do you mean?" she asked fearfully.

"If he wants you back then he'll come."

GGGGGGGG

The wolf leaped, and he stood frozen as the beast sank its stinking teeth into her flesh. He wanted to move, but his legs were glued to the ground and he could do nothing but watch as Kate was being killed in front of his eyes. He was a coward! Her last scream was still ringing in his ears as he abruptly regained consciousness.

Sawyer gasped and panted and his eyes darted wildly around searching for Kate. Sayid was instantly at his side, putting a firm arm around him to stop him from attempting to get up. "Sawyer, it's okay. You're okay. It was only a dream."

Sawyer frowned. "Where is Kate?"

Sayid looked away, his face grim.

"Where is she!" Sawyer had a sinking feeling in the bit of his stomach. Was his dream real? Was she...? No she can't be dead. He killed her!

Sayid watched worriedly as Sawyer went suddenly still, closing his eyes with a bitter sigh. He was turning paler and paler. "Sawyer?"

Sawyer's eyes remained closed, but he licked his lips and turned towards Sayid. "Water?"

His head was raised carefully a moment later and a bottle of the soothing liquid was put to his lips. He drank eagerly until the task got too exhausting and he stopped.

"What happened?" He asked gruffly, "How long was I out?"

"Three days," Sayid answered calmly, "The fever almost killed you. You were delirious coming in and out of consciousness."

Sawyer breathed. "Kate?"

"We don't know what happened to her, but we...," Sayid paused grimly. "we found her shirt, torn and bloody by the rocks. Sawyer, there is no way, she could've made it."

Sawyer opened his eyes, memory of the recent horrors burning in them. He remembers. Kate was very much alive. He let them take her.

"Everyone made it?"

Sayid was puzzled over Sawyer's dull reaction. He thought the news would upset the con man and that's why he avoided telling him before. He knew Sawyer only cared about himself but he was pretty much sure the con man had feelings for Kate. Everytime he saw them together, he could see real, un-faked emotions run through Sawyer's face. Apparently, he was wrong. Sawyer only cared about himself and no one else.

"Some were injured but everyone's alive."

Sawyer paused for a moment. "Jack?"

Sayid smiled slightly and turned to the side, revealing the figure of Jack stretched on the ground not far from Sawyer, sleeping soundly. "He hardly slept during the past week. We had to force him to get some rest. You know, he's still recovering from being shot himself."

Sawyer shuddered slightly and looked up to meet Sayid intense eyes but he saw no condemnation in them, and for that he was relieved.

He looked around and furrowed his brow. "Where are we?"

"A shelter we build."

A moment of awkward silence followed. "Why are you here?"

"Why do you think? We came after you and Kate."

Sawyer shook his head. "You do realize I'm the reason behind all this."

"We gathered as much."

"It's best if I keep away then, don't you agree?"

Sayid glared at him. "You still don't remember, do you?"

"I still don't remember what?"

"How you got shot?"

"..."

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TBC.

P.S I really am very sorry for the long delay. I had this sitting in my computer for awhile. I wanted to rewrite it, but didn't get the chance so I decided to post it anyway. Lot's of Skate moments coming up. I just felt the boys needed some male bonding time

I know some of you are probably wondering what on earth is going on, since I keep creating mysteries instead of solving them. I promise, everything will be revealed in time. You'll know what happened to Sawyer in the very beginning and who's behind the whole thing. And all the bits and pieces will come into place, if you're still interested that is. :)