In the End
Chapter Three

Chapter Three: If you can't beat em..

Jack and Sayid left the caves, hiking a few feet in front of Alex, who had originally started out with them but had fallen behind. Jack felt a little uneasy with Alex behind him, mostly worried for her well-being, but he also knew that being psychic and in front of them, she'd most likely be able to warn them of any danger ahead. However, Jack didn't like the idea of putting that kind of pressure on her, and let himself trust that it was a short hike and nothing would go wrong, though he still caught himself glancing back to make sure she was still behind them.

I overheard you and Alex talking, Sayid said, breaking Jack from his thoughts.

He just now realized that without the normal population of the caves with them, Sayid would've been able to hear the two even if they had been whispering.

You have a daughter? Sayid asked, sounding both interesting and impressed.

Jack said with a sheepish grin, we're not very close. Her mother and I split a few years ago after she got pregnant.m sorry, Sayid said sincerely.

It's in the past, Jack said, shrugging it off.

They walked on a few more paces before Jack decided that he hated the conversation always being on him.

So are you married? Jack asked, before realizing what a stupid question that was.

Sayid was now obviously very close to Shannon, and he didn't seem to Jack like the kind to cheat. Of course, neither did Kate..

Sayid said seriously despite Jack's stupidity, I've spent all my life searching for a woman- or at least the greater part of it.

Did you find her? Jack asked stupidly.

Sayid grew quiet before replying.

She was on the flight ahead of us, he responded quietly.

Jack stated simply, not sure what to think.

Don't worry, Sayid said, reading his mind, Shannon and I have talked it over.

Jack nodded, but couldn't help but to feel jealous at Shannon and Sayid's successful relationship. Once again Sayid seemed to be able to read Jack's thoughts, and stopped him from going any further down the path.

I heard about the breakup, Sayid confessed.

Jack looked down, embarrassed at having to be confronted about this.

You didn't deserve that, Sayid said, making Jack feel like a kid who was having this conversation with a father.

And then just the fact that that wasn't possible anymore was enough to cause a single tear to dwell in Jack's eye, and he fought his best to hold it back.

If you need anything, Sayid began, just ask.

Jack nodded quickly, maybe a little too quickly.

And if you want me to take over this whole.. Sayid searched for the word, operation, just ask.It's fine, Jack said, though his mind was really shouting for Sayid to take over.

He didn't want to be responsible for any more deaths. He didn't want to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders- he really, truthfully didn't, but he was going to: because these people needed him.

I need to do this, Jack went on and then added, they need me too.

Sayid studied Jack as if sensing that he wasn't being completely truthful.

Are we planning on making it back anytime soon? Alex asked from behind them, sounding impatient.

We were just finishing up, Jack said, and threw a look of appreciation towards Sayid before turning back down the path.

At the Beach

Kate sat alone on the shore, staring out into the horizon as she had been doing all morning. She hadn't gone to the main part of the camp in fear of having to face someone. Gossip and rumor would've started the moment she left the caves and Kate didn't want to be there to experience them first hand. All day long no one had bothered her, and she was happy at that, though of course just at that thought Shannon came running up to her, crying and looking a mess.

What happened? Kate asked, standing up and brushing the sand off of her pants.

I don't know! Shannon gasped between sobs. I was talking to Sun and I mentioned Jin and then Michael and she..she..just started crying! I didn't know what to do!And you just left her there! Kate exclaimed, disgusted.

m not exactly the comforting type, Shannon snapped and then pleaded desperately: please..I'm sorry, I screwed up..I was just trying to help!Okay, okay, Kate sighed, desperate to get Shannon to calm down, take me to her.

Down the Beach

Sun was sitting by herself, purposefully distance from everyone. She could hear voices around her, maybe even voices that were speaking to her, but Sun couldn't process what was being said or happening. Tears swelled her eyes, blocking her once clear view of the ocean. Michael was dead. Walt was missing. Maybe a dozen others- dead. And then there was Jin. Dead without a reason. Without explanation.

How're you holding up? Kate's voice asked gently, approaching.

She didn't reply. She couldn't. Kate sat down to the right of her, and Sun knew the shadow over her meant that Shannon had come back with her.

Sun forced out. I need to be alone.No you don't, Kate said softly, you need someone to talk to.I don't want to talk to anyone here, Sun said, sobbing softly.

Beside her Kate looked up and whispered something to Shannon, who then left, leaving only the two.

You can talk to me, Kate said in a comforting voice.

Sun cried a little while longer before finally being able to choke out another sentence.

Why did they have to die? She whispered softly.

Kate frowned in confusion.

She repeated.

Sun looked at her, just now realizing that Kate hadn't been around to witness the attack.

Sun explained, Michael's dead.

Kate's mouth dropped agape.

She said, shocked.

Shaking her head, Sun signaled that she was unable to tell the story, and continued crying. Kate rubbed her back soothingly to calm her down, which caused Sun's sobs to mysteriously turn to only smaller ones, and soon she was down to only quiet tears again.

I heard about the breakup, Sun said, wishing to take the conversation off herself, m sorry.

Kate grew quiet, though she still kept a supportive arm around Sun's shoulders.

I was going to leave Jin, Sun confessed, in Sydney.

Kate's eyes grew wide in surprise.

But why? She said, sounding almost heartbroken. You two seemed so..in love.

Sun couldn't help but to smile a little at the compliment.

He had this job, Sun explained, it..it was killing him, and he was doing it for me. The connection between us was never really that strong..except from in the beginning.

She smiled sadly, remembering when they first met and her days together with Jin before all the madness started.

I thought it was best for both of us, she finished softly.

Kate stared at her in admiration for a minute before speaking again.

What changed your mind? She asked curiously.

Sun smile widened a little.

she responded simply, and almost happily.

Kate smiled as well, though a little confused at how the conversation had gone, and envying Sun's way of change.

4 months ago

The marshall threw Kate down on the hood of the car with no sympathy, and slapped the handcuffs hard against her wrist.

Do we even need to go through the rights? The marshall said with a slick grin that Kate wanted to smash off his face.

Get off of me, Kate muttered, furious.

Why did she have to care about that stupid old man so much? And in the end he died. No good deed goes unpunished.

Get in the car, the marshall said, annoyed.

Lifting her by the arms, he shoved Kate into the passenger seat and slammed the door. He was over in his own seat quicker than lightening, as if afraid Kate would run away, which left Kate amused. The marshall slammed the driver's side door and put the keys in the ignition. He turned it three times but the car failed him, and Kate smiled again. Frustrated, the marshall punched the steering wheel until his wrist grew red and threw himself back against the seat. Kate just chuckled.

You're enjoying this, aren't you? He said, disgusted.

Kate shrugged. The marshall shook his head and took out his cell phone and, of course, could get no service. Kate silently thanked the dead man's soul for taking the long way to the train station. The marshall threw his phone out the window with a cry of anger, which she knew he'd soon regret.

So I guess it's just you and me, the marshall said.

It was hard to tell if he was pleased at this or if he was thinking this was hell.

Why'd you have to go after that guy? The marshall asked a few minutes later, sounding disappointed, which only pleased Kate. Do you believe in karma or something?

Kate didn't answer as she turned her gazed towards the window, and through the small crack at the top, absorbed the sweet smell of the fields around them, and enjoying the sunshine. As much as she hated to admit, this could very well be the last time she'd be able to enjoy such a moment. Beside her the marshall also looked deep in thought, as if he was having trouble processing the fact that he had finally found his most prized possession. But Kate wasn't going to let herself be caught, not that easily. She had to think of a plan and quick. The phone going out and the car starting up couldn't of happened just so her and the marshall could have a heart to heart.

Kind of crazy, huh? She finally offered. All this running and you finally caught me. Congratulations.

The marshall didn't reply. Kate knew that she was now taking on his game and things to say, which seemed to be making him jealous.

Just wondering, she went on, turning to the marshal, what were you planning to do with me when you caught me?

The marshall stared at her, sickened.

What the hell are you talking about?

Kate tried her best to turn on her side and leaned forward, surprising the marshall with a kiss. If you can't beat em, seduce em, she thought. Immediately Kate found herself wishing the marshall didn't go along with this for her sake. She hated the way he smelled, tasted- it was like kissing a pub's counter after St. Patrick's day. He was clearly a heavy drinker and smoked..well, she couldn't be sure what it was. And at first it did look like the marshall was going to go with it. He held the kiss for a few moments, deepening it with his own passion that Kate forced herself to return. At last he broke away, and Kate had to refrain from gasping for breath.

Well aren't you somethin'? The marshall said with the same grin from the arrest.

Staring at him, Kate prayed that he'd just let the moment go. What the hell was she thinking? That maybe she's force herself to fall into a fake love, move in together, then murder the marshall cold blood before the electricity was turned on? Then, out of nowhere a hand slapped across her face, slamming Kate against the cold leather of the truck. Kate gasped in the sudden pain, and winced as she brought a hand to her stinging cheek.

Get out of the car, the marshall said in a devilish tone.

Kate just glared.

I said get out! The marshall screamed, pulling a gun on her.

Kate quickly obeyed, struggling to open the door, and trying to ignore the pain from both her cheek and wrist.

Author's Notes: Okay, once again, too short, I know, but I'm having to take this fic slowly at first because I've only planned long term plots. I've decided that each character(or the characters that have flashbacks) will have two flashbacks each, or one long one, depending on what I come up with. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! You guys rock!

Chris- there should be more Shannon and Claire coming up. I know that Charlie should be having more of a role soon but, once again, I still have to decide on how I want to do all of that.

Coming up next, on In the End:

I think the next chapter will be Sawyer flashbacks, but don't count on that. Walt is dead, that'll be made known but you have to think about it for a minute. Whenever Kate's flashbacks come up again, the marshall will get a name, and in Alex's you'll find out just what happened with her friends and how they died(remember, they were found dead but they're not dead yet n the flashback). Um..let's see. Someone dead will come back..and don't be afraid of the character death thing. There's not going to be a death every chapter..I think.

Thanks again!

Until next time..

October Sky