In the moments where Lucas stood facing his team – a group of boys who had accepted him right from the start – he realized that over the last few months something within him changed.

Before coming to Ellison High, he would have never even given the option of trusting someone a thought. However, now that very decision was keeping him from fleeing.

Nathan moved between Lucas and the team. He let out a nervous laugh. "He was just dropping by to say goodbye."

Lucas stepped around his roommate, facing the confused boys. In a second, he made a choice he had never thought would ever cross his mind.

"I need your help," the ECHO agent uttered the words for the first time in his life.

Glances were exchanged.

The speakers crackled and the message from before broke the silence.

"Attention all students," the voice began.

Jordan, the goalie, rubbed the back of his head.

Another teammate spoke up, "let's get to the dorm first and..."

"No," Lucas cut him off, eyes on the boy he knew he needed to win over – Danny. If he got the team captain, he knew the others would follow. "I can't go there." He didn't avert his gaze once. "I need to get off campus."

Danny's eyes flickered to Nathan and then back to Lucas.

"What exactly is–"

"I can't explain it now," Lucas said. "But...it's an emergency."

Danny's eyes narrowed.

The boys behind began to murmur, some shifting nervously as they shot glances in the directions of the speakers.

They're linking things, Lucas noted. Still, he kept his eyes on the team captain, refusing to break the gaze.

Peter was the one to step forward. He turned to the other boys. "Our teammate is asking for help." He motioned to Lucas. "Have we not always lived by one rule?"

The murmurs stopped.

Peter turned to Danny. "Team comes first," he said.

From behind, Jordan nodded in agreement.

"Besides." Peter walked to Lucas and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "I still owe him big for coming back for me the night we snuck into the gym."

There was a moment of silence.

"Boys," Danny boomed.

Behind, the team straightened.

"Who's up for a little fun?" the captain asked.

Grins stretched across faces and a few chuckled.

"Bring it." Jordan cracked his knuckles.

From behind Lucas, Nathan beamed.

Lucas felt something inside him stir. A part of him hadn't expected help – and a part of him still doubted. However, he was also tired. Tired of fighting this alone.

Danny turned to the ECHO agent. "You have a plan?"

Lucas' mind immediately sprang into action, running through all possibilities of escape using the cover of the team.

"Actually..." Nathan stepped forward, hand raised. "I might have an idea."

All eyes turned to him.

"It might get us in some serious trouble though..." Nathan warned. "Especially since we'll be disobeying the order." He nodded to the speakers.

"Huh." Jordan snorted. "What are they going to do? Suspend us from the next match?" He turned to another teammate. "Who are we up against again?"

"Summon High," was the reply.

A smile stretched across Jordan's face. "Never liked those guys. I feel like sitting that game out this year isn't half bad."

There were shouts of enthusiastic agreement all around.

"I guess that's decided then." Danny crossed his arms. "Whatever your idea," he began, "You'd better make it quick." The captain pointed at a speaker. "Because they'll come to round us up sooner than later."

"You got it." Nathan pointed to the locker room. "How about somewhere more spacious so that everyone can listen in?"

The boys moved back into the locker room without complaint. Excitement flickered through the air at the thought of a daring event, a rule breaking one at that.

Lucas hesitated. Isn't this too easy?

Nathan came up beside him. "Trust me on this one," he spoke. "You've done a lot up to this point." He turned to face his roommate, eyes both warm and serious. "Maybe it's time to let someone else take some of the burden?" With that he walked after the others.

Lucas watched him pass through the door. "Share the burden, huh?" He had no words to explain how good that idea currently sounded. Especially with the pain rattling away in his mind. He was running out of time.

The ECHO agent took a deep breath. He walked forward, joining his teammates in the room next door. Choosing to share the struggle, choosing to let his fate rest in hands other than his own.

The boys gathered in a huddle, with Nathan at the center.

"Alright, genius." Danny leaned closer. "The plan?"

"Well, boys..." Nathan's eyes roamed over the guys around him. "Correct me if I'm wrong. But isn't there a storage room down the hall with the lacrosse teams' gear?"

A few blank gazes were shot his way.

"We have a lacrosse team?" someone asked.

"Of course we do," another said as he slapped the other on the back.

"Didn't they win the LCA tournament last year?" someone else pitched in.

"Nah. The losers came second," came the correction.

"Time!" Peter reminded.

Silence fell over the lot.

Nathan nodded his thanks. "We need the helmets and shoulder pads."

Danny gestured to some of the team. "Grab em."

They turned for the door, led by Jordan.

"How many?" the latter shot back.

"Enough for everyone," Nathan shouted as they disappeared through the door.

Lucas' mind was working along, taking the situation in and analyzing. He had caught on to the plan...or part of it.

Helmets to disguise a face and shoulder pads to cover build...if the whole team wears them and we go out together, anyone will have a hard time distinguishing who is who. He looked up and met Nathan's eyes. So...we're going to go out in plain sight then.

"What's next?" Danny asked.

"We put on the gear," Nathan explained. "Then we head outside."

Glances were exchanged.

"So...raise confusion?" someone asked.

Nathan nodded. "We start off as a group. If anyone approaches...we split into groups of four...then twos."

Make them have to split up in order to pursue us. Cut down the numbers. Admiration flickered through Lucas at the plan. Not half bad.

"Where do we go?" a member voiced.

"Doesn't matter," Nathan replied. "As long as you put up a good chase. Nowhere is off limits. The aim is not to get caught." He exchanged a look with Danny.

"Alright." The captain nodded. "Tell you this boys – the first one to get caught gets a makeover from the team." A wicked grin spread across his face. "Hair buzzes, dyes, or cuts included."

There were chuckles around and high fives were exchanged in agreement.

Lucas watched in silence. Trust them to make a game out of it, he thought somewhat fondly, a smile tugging at the edge of his lips.

"We need a code word to know when to split up," someone suggested.

"How about split?" came the immediate suggestion.

"Too boring!" it was immediately shut down.

"It needs to be inspiring!" was the agreement.

"How about football rules?"

"Too long!"

"Lacrosse sucks?"

"Waste of breath."

"Something inspiring!" came the reminder.

There was a moment of silence.

Nathan broke it by thumping his fist into his palm. "Got it!"

All attention turned to him.

"Eschol!" he beamed.

"Huh?"

His eyes took on a dreamy look. "The name of my angel."

He was shoved aside by another boy. "How about 'I want a girlfriend?'"

Danny scowled. "Lay, now's not the time to share your desires."

"What?" The guy named Lay pouted. "It's what keeps me going."

There were murmurs of agreement.

"Idiots." Peter shook his head.

Danny slapped his forehead. "Fine." He looked resigned. "Who votes for the battle cry "I want a girlfriend?"

More than half of the room's hands went up.

Danny nodded. "Guess that's it then."

Jordan and the other boys returned before any more could be said to the topic. They already wore the gear and carried extra. Helmets and shoulder pads were tossed throughout the room.

"Hurry it up, boys!" Danny yelled.

Everyone scrambled into action while the newcomers were filled in on the plan.

Lucas pulled on his own shoulder pads and then caught a helmet Peter tossed at him. He gave a quick thanks before donning it. Seeing not everyone was done, he slid up beside Nathan.

"You come up with that plan by yourself?" the ECHO agent asked.

"Genius, right?" Nathan grinned before jerking his own helmet on.

"Not bad," Lucas replied. "If it works."

"Trial and error. The only way to find out anything," Peter joined in as he came up to the two. "Though something tells me error isn't the greatest in this situation."

"You got that right," Nathan replied.

"Ready?" Danny's voice called.

"Yes, sir!" three boys yelled in unison as they gave a salute.

"Alright. Let's head outside!"

There were shouts of enthusiasm as the football team moved in one mass.

"Where do we head?" Nathan asked as he walked beside Lucas.

"South," Lucas replied.

"Anything more specific?"

Lucas kept his eyes ahead. They entered the hallway and headed for the exit.

"To the stables."

The exit was thrown open and the team spilled outside. Letting out cheers and whoops, they moved as one.

They hadn't walked far where the thump of helicopter blades grew loud. Heads were tipped back and the boys watched the craft hover above.

A screech sounded and van raced over.

"Remove the helmets and return to the dorms, immediately!" A voice boomed over a megaphone from the copter above.

The van skidded to a halt not far off. Several masked figures leaped out.

The boys' mood died as they caught sight of guns.

"What the–?" someone asked.

From the co-driver's seat none other than their Geography teacher stepped out.

"Mr. Ramond!" a student exclaimed.

"Sorry boys. We're conducting a drill for lockdown," the teacher spoke as he approached the group. "We're going to have to ask you to take off your helmets and return to the dorm as asked."

Glances were exchanged.

From within the mass, Lucas eyed the masked figures.

Five. Six counting the driver. He tipped his head back ever so slightly to take in the helicopter. Too small for more than two. Surveillance only. He felt relief at the helmet which hid his identity.

There was another roar. Two jeeps shot around the corner, more masked figures piled into them.

Lucas shifted, eyes darting over. Shoot. If too many come this could get sticky. We need to outnumber them... He exchanged a glance with Nathan.

"Split!" the other boy yelled.

No one moved.

Nathan rolled his eyes. "I want a girlfriend!" he roared.

Without question, the boys leaped into action. They broke apart, running in all directions.

For a brief moment, the group by the van remained frozen, surprise delaying them. However, a second later, they began their pursuit. The jeeps pulled up and men spilled out to join the chase.

"Ahhh!" Nathan yelled as he sprinted beside Lucas.

The latter didn't say a word, trying to concentrate on the task at him. Every step sent jolts of pain through him, forcing him to grit his teeth.

Several of the team ran for buildings, seeming to realize that entering would make the chase even more difficult. Others went for the sports fields, and some even went into the direction of the dorm, adding to the confusion.

Within minutes, a few were brought down, helmets ripped from their heads and hands forced behind their back as their face was checked. With each teen that wasn't the target, the masked agents would communicate by radio to know that the one they sought was still running free.

Nathan narrowly avoided capture by dipping his shoulder. A masked man stumbled past. The boy let out a whoop, falling into step behind Lucas.

To their right, another team member was surrounded. With no escape, he lowered his head, charging at the closest agent. He successfully head-butted him, receiving cheers from two other team members that were being lead away.

Lucas and Nathan ran one, three masked figures in pursuit.

The helicopter stayed central as it tried to keep track of all the targets outside.

As he rounded the corner of a building, Lucas flattened himself against the wall. He grabbed Nathan, pulling the guy beside him.

Panting, they waited. Lucas counted the steps in his mind, calculating when he needed to step out and take the pursuers on. It would be risky, but couldn't be helped. They were getting too close and so needed to be taken care of.

The teen was about to leap out to attack when a yell made him freeze.

"Whoa!"

A golf cart, with a group of football members piled into it, shot past.

The agents who had been pursuing Nathan and Lucas, turned and went after the cart instead.

Lucas motioned to Nathan. The two resumed their path, sticking close to the building wall for cover.

Lucas would later attribute it to luck that somehow, the two got a good head start before being perused once more. They were far enough ahead to make it to the stables with at least a minute between them and the agents behind.

"What now?" Nathan panted as the stood in the musky area.

A few horses that were in their boxes, stuck their heads out in curiosity. However, most of the creatures were out in the fields.

"Stampede," Lucas said.

Nathan nodded. "I'll get the paddocks. You take the inside."

They split.

Lucas undid the stalls with horses, shooing the animals out. The first took some coaxing, but once he was out and running, the others quickly followed.

Lucas paused by the stall of the last one. He hesitated, eyeing the bay horse within. It stomped its feet, eyes wide as it stared after its companions disappearing out the door.

"Got a bunch!" Nathan called as he sprinted back inside. "It's chaos out there!"

He paused, watching Lucas undo the latch to the last stall.

The agent turned to Nathan. "How are your riding skills?"

Nathan shrugged. "Not too bad. Took a few lessons back in the day."

"Come on." Lucas grabbed the horse by its mane.

Nathan eyed the creature as he approached. "Bareback?" he didn't sound convinced.

The ECHO agent didn't reply. He gave his roommate a boost. The next moment, he jumped up behind him.

"Hold tight," he warned before digging his heels in the side of the horse.

It needed no further encouragement and shot forward like a cannon ball.

As soon as they were out of the stables, Lucas saw the agents shooing horses in order to try approach.

With expertise, the teen directed the massive beast below him in the direction of the woods.

The creature ate up the ground, going at full gallop.

They were within the trees within moments.

The sound of the chopper became distant, taken over by the steady thump of hooves.

Then, the two teens heard bikes.

Lucas glanced around Nathan, taking in the markings. A moment later, he pulled the horse to an abrupt halt. He sprang from its back, landing on the leaves below.

"We go on foot?" Nathan asked as he got ready to dismount.

"No." Lucas pulled off the helmet.

Nathan paused, giving him a questioning look.

"This is where we part," Lucas spoke.

"Huh?" Nathan scowled. "Wait. Can't I come with?"

Lucas shot him a grin. "Sorry. I have one last favor."

The bikes grew louder.

"Man." Nathan turned to look in the direction.

"Can you keep going?" Lucas asked. "Draw them off for me?"

The horse snorted, shifting as the bikes grew closer.

"Only if you promise to make it out of here," Nathan replied.

"I'll try my best," was Lucas's response.

Nathan nodded.

"Well..." The ECHO agent reached out a hand.

His roommate paused before leaning over and taking it.

"Thanks," Lucas said earnestly. "It was fun."

Nathan shook his head. "Don't make this sound like goodbye, dude."

Lucas' lips twitched.

Nathan broke the handshake and leaned back.

"Well." Lucas was about to turn.

"Yo!" Nathan's voice made him pause.

He looked up.

"I expect to hear from you." Nathan informed him before shifting his position. "In some way...just let me know you made it."

"Ok." Lucas nodded.

Nathan saluted and then grinned. "Now, for my grand exit." With that, he turned and spurred the horse on. The boy let out a whoop before he and beast disappeared into the trees.

Lucas watched for a moment. There was a flicker of sadness within him. For he knew that with ECHO there was no such thing as see you later. Once a mission was done it was over. You never got to go back. That included leaving everything and everyone that was a part of the job.

The alarming loudness of the approaching bikes make Lucas jumped into motion. With the helmet in one hand, he ran deeper into the woods.

Upon finding a bank, he dived into the leaves, covering himself as best he could. He lay there until the motorbikes came and went.

After, he slowly got back to his feet, groaning at the movement. Staying still had given the adrenaline some time to die down. He stumbled, vision swimming.

"No yet," he murmured.

Leaning against a tree, he took a deep breath. Then, he opened his mouth. Reaching in, he went for his molar. He pinched it between his fingers and began to pull real hard. It took some work, but not long after it popped free.

Turning it, Lucas shook it. A small chip fell out and into his palm. He slipped it into his pocket and then proceeded to replace the tooth. A few years ago he had his molars replaced with fakes. They were perfect for storing things, even more so for going undetected, for if an x-ray was taken they would show up like any other tooth.

After replacing the tooth, Lucas stumbled forward despite the dizziness. The shoulder pads were shed and buried with the helmet under a pile of leaves. They were nothing but a burden that needed to be left behind.

With determination, the ECHO agent tripped through the woods, heading to the extraction point.

It was only years of training that kept him going. At some point, his mind went numb to everything. He somehow made it off school grounds, past fences, and just out of sight from the dirt roads in the area.

The sun was descending when he broke into the meadow where he had told Amber to meet him at.

The girl was already there, leaning against her bike. To any passerby, she looked as though she had just gone out for an evening ride and was enjoying the view.

"You look like death," the ECHO agent was informed. Amber straightened and walked over.

"Feel like it too." Lucas plopped to the ground. Part of him searched the area, looking for anyone else the other agent might have brought along. To his surprise, he found no one.

"You came alone?" he asked.

"Think I need anyone else with you in that condition?" Amber replied.

Lucas nodded.

"Alright. Give it." Amber held out her hand.

Lucas weakly lifted a hand. "Give me a moment to catch my breath, ok?"