Here's my new story! I love this series and the characters! I do not own any of the content or characters. Please enjoy and leave me a fav/follow/review to let me know what you think!

John Hancock Center; Chicago, Illinois

Nine felt good when he woke up that morning. He had a feeling it was going to be a great day. The sun was shining, almost all the Garde was united, and they were safe in his penthouse in Chicago. He felt powerful, strong, and alert. Nothing could bring him down.

He swaggered into the kitchen, a smile on his face. Sitting at the table was Seven, or Marina. She was bent over a good book. Her dark hair was pulled back into a pony tail and she seemed relaxed. As the oldest of the Garde, she had a cool composure about her. Though, Nine knew from their trainings sessions that she was dangerous and deadly.

"Good morning," he said cheerily.

"Morning," she smirked back, "you seem to be in a good mood."

"It feels like it's going to be a good day," he replied confidently, "where are the others?"

"Sam and Sarah went to replenish supplies, Malcolm is still fiddling with the computers, Ella's asleep, and Eight and Six are in the Lecture Hall."

"And John?" Nine asked.

"Here," Four grumbled as he slowly walked into the kitchen. He looked as if he just woke up despite it being nearly afternoon.

"Good morning, sunshine," Nine smirked amusingly. John's hair was tousled in every direction, he moved like his limbs were rusted, and his shirt was inside out, "well, don't you look gorgeous."

"Quiet," he mumbled back.

Marina smiled and got back to her reading.

Four yawned as he opened the pantry. He stretched, trying to unravel his stiff muscles.

"What's gotten into you, Four?" Nine huffed, "you're acting as if breathing hurts."

"Intense training session with Six in the Lecture Hall last night," he sighed, "we were at it for hours, lost track of time."

"And you didn't invite me?" Nine feigned offense, "tsk, tsk, tsk…"

"Don't be so melodramatic," Four rolled his eyes playfully.

"Says the drama queen himself."

"Boys, boys," Marina raised an amused brow.

"Well," Nine clapped Four on the shoulder. John groaned quietly from the force of his strong hand, "why don't you show me your fancy new moves from your training session last night, John?"

"Oh, I don't know if that's-"

"Great!" Nine announced gleefully, "come on, it'll be fun!"

"Hooray...," Four said, rather unenthusiastically.

Marina closed her book and stood up, "I'll be in my room. You boys enjoy your training session. Try not to kill each other please."

"Noted," Nine nodded as Seven returned to her quarters.

"Look, Nine, I'm feeling a little off today," Four started, "why don't we just wait-"

"Oh come on, Four," Nine rolled his eyes, "just a ten minute practice and we're done. Or, are you too afraid I'm gonna kick your ass again."

John's brows furrowed, "I am not."

"Then prove it," Nine crossed his arms, "ten minutes on the rooftop."

"Why not the Lecture Hall?"

"Because Eight and Six are training there."

"Okay, fine," John conceded, "ten minutes and we're done."

"Great," Nine felt a smile spread across his lips, "let's go have some fun."

0o0o0o0o0o

"Milk, check. Eggs, check. Toothpaste, check…," Sam read off their grocery list. Sarah was pushing their cart as they wandered through the aisles. They made the grocery runs to lessen the risk of the one of the Garde being recognized in the outside world. Chicago was congested, lots of people. Anyone could recognize the them if they knew who to look for.

"Anything else?" Sarah asked.

"No, I think that's all," Sam scanned the paper one more time, "Oh! Did you get Nine's pudding cups?"

Sarah held up a pack of the dessert snack, "Got them."

"Okay, then we're good to go."

The duo made their way to the checkout line. The market was very close to the John Hancock Center, just a short walk from shelter. These fresh supplies would last them a few more weeks before the next grocery run.

"How're you doing?" Sam smiled at her.

She had to think about that question for a moment. It'd been a while since somebody asked her that and she barely had time to reflect on it herself.

"Hanging in there," she nodded in return, "and you?"

He leaned in closer to whisper, "Hanging out in a penthouse suite with five alien teenagers and my long lost father? I'm doing awesome."

She smiled and playfully punched his shoulder.

They grabbed their groceries and headed for the door. Though they looked like two regular teenagers, Sarah and Sam were extremely cautious. They scanned the perimeter of the market before entering, they had Malcolm hack into the cameras and search for any mysterious figures, their eyes constantly shifted from person to person to see if any eyes lingered on them for too long, they listened for strange sounds, they checked to see that the packages were unopened and not tampered with, and more. They were even wearing disguises. The two had seen things, things they could never unsee. They could never walk down the street the same again. Everyone and everything could be considered as a threat.

The duo emerged from the store into the throng of people crowding the Chicago streets. Sam stood at the entrance, looking for anything suspicious. Sarah pretended to be looking at her phone, but she was using the thermal scanner that Malcolm installed. Anybody with an awkward heat signature could be a potential alien.

"Anything?" Sam murmured.

"Nothing yet," she kept her eyes on the screen.

"Another ten seconds and we book it for the penthouse."

"Understood."

They stood in silence, still observing their surroundings. Sam's eyes flitted from the taxi cabs, to the sidewalks, to the windows-

"Wait," he said, stiffening.

Sarah's eyes snapped up from the screen. She looked at him in alarm.

"We've got company," he said, voice slightly shaking.

Her breath hitched beside him, "Where?"

"Service building, to the left. Open window."

"Mogs?"

"No, they look like they work for the FBI."

"Agents Walker and Purdy?" Sarah asked.

"Could be," he breathed heavily, "quick, we've got to lose them in the crowd so they don't follow us back to the penthouse."

"You go right, I'll go left," Sarah whispered quickly, "round the corner, meet back at the lobby elevators."

"Got it."

They split apart. Sam went in one direction and Sarah in the other. Sarah pushed and shoved her way past the moving crowd. Her senses were on high alert, she was trying not to look behind her to see if anyone was following. That would only raise suspicion. She weaved through the throng and ducked a little, trying to make herself more difficult to spot in the crowd. Sarah rounded the corner of the building, trying to loop back around to the John Hancock Center. She hoped Sam was alright and that the people he spotted weren't FBI.

At least they were better than Mogs. FBI they could battle off, but Mogadorians were considerably more dangerous. She walked quickly past the edge of the building and followed the wall closely. The John Hancock Center loomed ahead. She pulled the cap off her hair and stuck it onto the head of a random person walking by. The person went deeper into the crowd, her hat going with him. Hopefully, that would deter the FBI agents watching.

Sarah kept a low profile as she reached the entrance of the John Hancock Center. She retreated inside, pulling her hood over her head to avoid being seen. She kept her head down as she stood by the elevator doors, eyeing the entrance for any suspicious characters. Sam wasn't there yet, and her heart fluttered with worry.

It didn't rest until she saw him trudge through the door. He looked behind him as he entered, making sure nobody tailed him. He saw Sarah at the elevators and his shoulders sagged with relief.

"Phew," he panted as he reached her side, "that was close."

"Are you sure you saw FBI agents?"

"Pretty sure," he nodded confidently, "someone was definitely there. They were staring straight at us."

She felt chills run down her spine at the thought. The thought of being watched.

"We need to head back up and warn the others."

"Right," Sam nodded, stepping into the elevator car as the doors opened.

Sarah walked in after him and they both looked at each other uneasily as they elevator started to climb.

An employee sitting behind the lobby desk eyed the elevator as the two young human allies of the Garde retreated to their room. The man pressed against his earpiece, alerting the waiting FBI unit.

"Lobby to Strike Force, Lobby to Strike Force," he said, "we've got them."

0o0o0o0o0o

Nine and Four emerged from the indoors and into the daylight. The great thing about owning a penthouse suite meant easy roof access. John was about to ask why they didn't just practice in the Lecture Hall, but he remembered Eight and Six were practicing there and he had to admit that the outdoor air was very refreshing.

"Alright, Nine," Four conceded, "just a quick-"

John felt his body fly through the air, his friend's telekinesis to blame. Nine was laughing as Four landed on his side a few feet away. John growled as he got to his feet.

"What was that for?!"

"Man up, John," Nine smirked, "we've got to get you in shape."

"Get me in shape?" he gawked, "I can fight!"

Nine raised a brow. Probably in this moment, Four looked less than intimidating with his messy hair, house clothes, and looking defeated lying in the gravel.

"Fine," John gritted his teeth as steadied himself, "let's fight."

His hands illuminated with fire, thanks to his Lumen legacy. He felt a familiar rush run through him, like it felt right when he used his powers. As if something clicked within him, like he was meant to embody his true Loric abilities.

"Now we're talking," Nine smiled with anticipation. Four was a worthy opponent. Though he seemed cool and collected in person, he was a different character on the battlefield. Cold, calculating, cunning, and dangerous. John's abilities were considerably powerful, he believed he was Pittacus Lore. Nine didn't want to admit it, but that could very well be so, "come on, John! Show me what you got!"

Four made the first move. He charged Nine head on, eyes dark and focused. Nine dug his heels into the gravel, prepared to meet the charge. Four grabbed him from the torso, ramming him and trying to throw him off his feet.

Nine's Fortem legacy of super strength came into good use. He wasn't deterred by Four's charge and, instead, turned it against him. He lifted Four off the ground and flipped him to the floor.

"Come on, Four!" Nine taunted, "You call this a fight?"

John growled, frustration and determination in his eyes. Good, Nine wanted that. As he mentioned before, Four was a great opponent. A fight against him was always sure to be a good one.

Now, Nine made the first move. He used his Antigravity legacy to launch from the gravel of the rooftop to one of the nearby walls. He propelled from the surface and attacked Four from the side. John was ready, using his Lumen to produce a blast of light. It blinded Nine momentarily and he crashed to the ground. Four didn't quit. He used his Telekinesis to keep Nine pinned to the floor, then created a circle of fire around him using his Lumen.

Nine clapped, impressed, "Nicely done, John, but not good enough."

He used his strength to push himself up from the ground. His jump was almost six feet high as he cleared the ring of fire and landed on safe ground again.

Four smiled, actually enjoying himself. This was a good release, a chance to keep his mind occupied from thoughts of Mogadorians and Setrakus Ra. Nine used his telekinesis and aimed a rusted bar towards Four's legs. It collided with the back of his knees and knocked him off his feet. He landed in the gravel hard and Nine took this opportunity to strike.

He manipulated a nearby metal wire to wrap around John's body. His arms were pinned to his side, his Lumen ability unable to operate as effectively. He struggled for a few seconds before letting out an exhausted sigh.

"Oh come on, John, don't tell me you're tired already."

"I woke up 20 minutes ago, Nine," Four responded tersely, "cut me some slack."

Nine rolled his eyes and willed for the contorting wire to release Four. It fell to the floor, unmoving.

"Look, John, we've really got to get you fighting fit if we're going to- oof!"

Nine wasn't expecting a blow from Four who used his telekinesis to keep Nine's hands behind his back. He dragged him across the floor and towards the edge of the rooftop. Nine tried to dig his heels into the gravel, but John was stronger. Nine went teetering towards the edge of the building, his eyes saw the dizzying sight of the Chicago street below.

He tried to break free of John's telekinetic grip, but he was too strong, too focused. Again, John was a very powerful member of the Garde, perhaps the most powerful. If he was the embodiment of Pittacus Lore, then he was invaluable.

Nine felt beads of sweat drip down his forehead as he tried everything in his power to release his hands. He was slowly being inched closer and closer towards the rooftop's edge. He looked at Four who was smiling triumphantly.

"Give up now, Nine?"

Nine looked below him at the miniscule people below, walking around like ants. He didn't want to admit defeat to John, but he was dangerously close to the edge.

"I'm waiting," John pressed, not looking as if he was going to concede.

"Fine, fine!" Nine grumbled, "you win," he huffed, "now, let me go."

Four's shoulders relaxed and he chuckled to himself as he pulled Nine away from the edge back to the safety of the rooftop. Nine tried to shake off his embarassment, but knew that it was a friendly fight.

"I have to admit that was actually...kind of fun," John clapped him on the shoulder, "we should do it again soon. It helps me clear my head."

"See, I told you, you should listen to me more often," Nine said as they headed for the stairwell that would lead them back down to their apartment.

"Maybe," Four smiled, "Sam and Sarah should be getting back from the supply run, we should head down before-"

Four stiffened. Nine furrowed his brows in confusion as John looked behind him. He reached over and pulled something out of his shoulder.

It was a tranquilizing dart.

Nine's eyes widened and he grabbed Four by the arm, pulling him to the gravel behind an air conditioning duct. It provided little shelter, but it was enough.

They were being attacked.

John felt the gravity of the situation dawn upon him as well as he fired up his Lumen legacy. Though, from the corner of his eye, Nine could see that John was blinking heavily and the glow in his hands would flicker and dim every few seconds.

He was losing him.

"John," he said in an urgent whisper. His friend was having trouble concentrating, "John!" he shook his shoulder and this time Four looked his way, "you need to get downstairs and warn the others!"

"But-but what about you?" Four argued.

"I'll hold them off! You've got to hurry, while you still can!"

Four thought about it for a few seconds then nodded, agreeing that it was the best course of action. His limbs were already starting to feel heavy, but he had to make it to the stairwell and warn the others before it was too late.

"I'll cover you!" Nine shouted as he used his telekinesis to lift several sundry objects from the rooftop. Meanwhile, his eyes were scanning the horizon for the attackers. Four was trying to steady himself into a crouch, ready to sprint towards the open stairwell. They were close, they could make it.

Nine saw them, on the rooftop of the next building. He saw five armed men in gear hiding behind the ledge.

"Come on out!" Nine shouted angrily, challenging them, "You think you can take us? Show me what you got!"

One of the shooters released a round and the dart went flying straight towards Nine. With an unimpressed scoff, Nine shattered it with his telekinesis. Five more rounds released and went sailing in the air towards Nine. He batted them off easily, taking advancing steps forward.

As Nine remained preoccupied, Four stumbled towards the stairwell. He tried to keep his head clear with his objective: he needed to warn his friends in the penthouse. He needed to-

"Ah!" he shouted when he felt a sharp prick in his thigh. He pulled out another tranquilizing dart. Not good. He dropped the dart and looked up at the last second as another dart pierced the air towards his arm. He waved it away with his telekinesis. Four needed to be fast, the effects of the second dart were already taking hold.

He quickened his unsteady pace towards the stairwell, just a few feet away. He lost his footing and tripped in the gravel. John didn't quit, he continued by crawling, unable to get on two feet again. Four heard a noise behind him, the whir of helicopter blades.

Four's eyes widened in alarm. More enemies were approaching, he had to warn Nine. He looked behind him and saw a black helicopter start descending to their location. He could see the people inside, big men in dark gear ready to fight. Four was in no shape to fight.

"Nine!" he shouted to his friend, "More are coming!"

"Just get to the stairwell, John!" his friend replied, "I'll handle them!"

John knew Nine wasn't going to withstand them all by himself. Four was already slow and sluggish, and too many were watching. If he went down the stairwell now, he could easily lead these people to his friends. Then they'd all be in danger. The lesser risk was that only Nine and Four would expose themselves while the rest remained hidden.

The helicopter hovered above them now. John crouched behind a smoke duct as he watched five armed men descend from the helicopter down thick, black ropes. They landed in the gravel with heavy boots. Each of them held tranquilizer guns in their hands.

They closed in on Nine.

Four waited till they were a few paces in front of him, that way he'd surprise them. Nine was focused on the heavy rounds of relentless darts being shot his way. He batted them off with one hand and sent objects from the roof flying over with the other. The shooters would scatter every few seconds when something was being launched towards them by Nine, but then they'd regroup and fire again.

John stepped out from behind the duct and illuminated his Lumen legacy. He urged for the last of his energy to course through him, the adrenaline already helping. He formed a fireball in his fingertips and launched it towards the five armed men. They jumped in all directions to avoid the flames. Nine looked behind him to see Four standing, fists on fire, five armed men struggling to get to their feet around him.

Nine opened his mouth to ask John why he didn't reach the stairwell to find shelter and to warn their friends, but Four shook his head sternly. Nine sighed, knowing he was right. It was too late now, they couldn't risk the identity, location, and safety of the others.

Four's eyes looked in alarm behind Nine, but he was too late. A sharp pinprick pierced the small of his back. Nine growled and pulled out the dart. Four launched a tunnel of fire in their direction and the shooters scattered, but the armed men around them got their feet. They pulled out taser guns, one man releasing the charge that landed square in Nine's chest.

"No!" Four shouted in dismay as his friend dropped to his knees, electric shocks coursing through him. He fell to the floor, still twitching.

Anger poured through John's veins as he created a ring of fire around Nine to protect him. This allowed for one of the shooters to gain another opportunity as another dart sunk itself into his forearm. He yelled and pulled it out, feeling his visiom swim. The outlines of shapes were starting to blur, but he managed to create the ring of fire around Nine.

The five armed men were on their feet again, taser guns ready. John willed for his body to be engulfed by fire to protect himself, but the tranquilizers and the use of his legacies were draining him. A taser came flying his way, but it melted due to his fiery skin. A few more darts were shot, but those proved ineffective as well.

Four smiled, pleased he had the upper hand, when something painful doused him from behind. It was a fire extinguisher. One of the armed men was spraying him with the chemicals, snuffing out his fiery protectant.

"No!" Four shouted, willing his telekinesis to throw the man aside, but his concentration was off. He ended up just moving a few rocks in the dirt beside him. The men closed in, forming a circle around John. His Lumen legacy died out, stopping the fire that covered his skin from burning. He was back to his normal, human flesh self, but he felt defeated as he rolled onto his back. His eyes became lost in the helicopter blades whirring above. Exhaustion coursed through his limbs and he felt powerful handcuffs clap against his wrists.

He turned his head to see Nine being pulled out from the fire ring, but the flames still licked his skin. John saw burning wounds appear on his arm and leg. He wanted to reach out and heal him, but he couldn't move.

With heavy breaths, Four closed his eyes and tried to concentrate. It was difficult given that his body and mind only yearned for sleep, but he fought off the sedating drug. The safety of the Garde and his friends were on the line. John willed for his thoughts to reach Ella, hoping her Mentis legacy would be of use.

"Ella, we've been taken. We need your help."

That was his last thought before the world went black.

Chapter 2 coming soon!