Homecoming
Chapter One

Summary: (my version) Jack, Sawyer, and Charlie race against time to help Kate, who has gone missing.

Sawyer ran faster than he ever had in his life. He never remembered running faster than now in his entire life. He guessed it was because he knew Kate was running out of breath, and her life hung on his hands.

It had only taken him forty-five minutes to get to the caves, which surprised him. He figured after rolling down hill, they must've of gotten closer to the caves, back where they'd started, though Sawyer never even remembered hiking uphill.

Inside the caves, Jack had just finished helping Michael, who looked like he had just gone to hell and back, bandage a knee. Walt was there as well, beside his dad. Along with them were the Korean couple and Charlie, who was fingering, but not playing, his guitar. Jack looked up at Sawyer, noticing the cuts on his forehead. Boone was there as well, sitting against some rocks.

What the hell are you doing here? Jack said, ignoring the fact tat there was a ten year old kid near him.

What, you think I dropped by to say hi? Sawyer sid, ignoring the pain that was developing in his head.

Then what is it? Jack said.

It was obvious Sawyer was the very last person he wanted to see right now.

It's your girl, Sawyer said, she fell. Jack said, then realized, who else could it be? Is she hurt?Sawyer said sarcastically, I came all the way back here to tell you that she was perfectly fine.

Jack stood up in a threatening way, as if ready to pick a fight.

What the hell happened? He demanded.

Fell down a hill, like a said, Sawyer said, losing patience, got a cut on her head and twisted her ankle. Better go and save her fast, that's what you're best at, isn't it?

Jack eyes grew wide at his feeling that this was all Sawyer's fault, but Michael caught his fist just before it left his side.

Hey if she's losing blood you've got to hurry, he reminded Jack.

Jack looked at him, remembering Michael's' recent attack.

Don't worry about me, Michael said, reading Jack's thoughts, I fine man, go.

Nodding, Jack grabbed a pack that was near him, and began stuffing it with medical supplies. Just as he began hurriedly filling up bottles of water, Boone walked by.

Oh, Boone wait up, Jack said, closing the cap on the bottle of water he was holding.

Yeah, what is it?

Jack pulled Boone aside, to where no one could overhear them.

Kate's in trouble, Jack began, she fell down this hill.Yeah, I heard, Boone said, taking a sip of some water he had, is she okay?We don't know, Jack said, but I need to go check it out.

He paused.

Sawyer's going to lead me there. Boone laughed. You're going to trust him?I have no choice, Jack said, not liking the situation either.

So what does this have to do with me? Boone asked, confused.

I need you to keep an eye on things here, said Jack. take charge for a while

Boone exclaimed. No, no, I can't-Yes, you can, Jack said, you have to.Why can't someone else? Boone said, freaking out over the concept. Michael? Locke? Sayid? Anyone?Michael's still having trouble walking, Jack explained, Locke's going out hunting, we need food. And.. not everyone trust Sayid.

He hated saying it, but it was true. You couldn't make everyone like everyone, no matter what good they did.

But you do, Boone pointed out.

Yeah, but I'm not everyone.

Boone hesitated.

Look, you can do this, Jack said, we'll be gone a day tops. I swear.Are you sure this is a good idea? Boone said. You know with-

He looked around nervously, and Jack knew he was talking about the meds. He hated having to ask Boone, who still had major scratches and possible minor injuries from the past few days, to look over things, but it was a last resort thing. Glancing around himself, Jack reached into his pockets, and pulled out a bottle of medication.

What's this? Boone asked, staring at the pill bottle.

Jack said in a low voice, thank god for thieves- even for the smaller kind. They weren't perscribed.

He handed the bottle to Boone.

They'll last you a few days, he said, now listen to me carefully. Take one a day- two at the most, only if things really start getting off. How have you been doing with that lately?Okay I guess, but-Hey Doc.! Came Sawyer's voice from in the caves. Hate to ruin the personal chat, but-

Jack couldn't hear the rest as Sawyer was cut off by someone. He turned back to Boone.

You ran a business, right? Jack said hurriedly.

Boone nodded.

Just think of this as running a business.

Without saying anything, Jack turned. But of course, Boone followed, still protesting.

This is a little different from running a business! Boone said, fighting to keep up with Jack.

You'll do fine! Jack called over his shoulder.

Jack was relieved when he had finally made it to the start of the trail, but it slowly went away as Sawyer caught up. He was about to say something, probably sarcastic, Jack figured, but was cut off by Charlie, who looked like he had been trying to catch up with Jack for a while.

I want to come, he said, almost out of breath.

The bruises and rope burns still stood out on Charlie's neck, and it was obvious he was still having a little trouble breathing, but it didn't look like he was going to let that hold him back.

What? Jack said, then shook his head. No Charlie, you need to stay.I'm fine! Charlie insisted. I want to come, I want to help.

Jack looked at him seriously.

You need to stay here, he repeated, anymore people could hold us back.

Charlie could tell by the way Jack acted that the last thing he wanted was to be left to go with Sawyer, and that was the truth. He knew that was basically code for we don't need you holding us back'.

Just, stay here, Jack said, really wanting to get moving.

If they waited any longer Kate could lose too much breath, to much blood, if she hadn't already. Charlie glared at Jack, then went back to his guitar, which he fingered silently. Not speaking to each other, Jack and Sawyer started off. Jack thought they'd finally be on their way, until Locke pulled him aside.

Locke- John- we've got to hurry, we might be to late-Maybe he needs to be out in the jungle, Locke said.

Jack just stared at him, not realizing who he was talking about. Seeing Jack's confussed look, Locke nodded to Charlie.

Being in the jungle might help him.. remember.. more of the events of the abduction, Locke said inaudible to anyone but Jack, might help him remember any directions they might've taken. Then we're one step closer to finding Claire.

Jack nodded, under standing. Locke left, and Jack turned back to the caves.

Jack called.

Charlie looked up.

Yeah, grab some water, Jack said, you can come.

Charlie grabbed the pack next to him, and a water bottle next to that, and in no time caught up.

Author's Note: Next chapter will be more Charlie-centric. Thanks for the reviews for Special!

October Sky