Disclaimer: I do not own I am Number Four. This is the property of Pittacus Lore (James Frey and Jobie Hughes)
1oooW0rds: Hey guys, believe it or not but I've actually started a chaptered fic. I'm not exactly sure what I've dived into but this is hopefully going to be awesome and exciting. I have to thank Suki17 for approaching me with this story and allowing me to be her co-author. This is mostly her ideas with me just adding a bit of my writing. I'll also like to thank zexyness for reading it before we plunge into the scary world of chaptered fanfic. Enjoy and review.
Suki17: Hey, I'm Suki17 and this fic is basically written after the movie, but we're just continuing it in our own way. Ther will be new characters, different adventures and of course, many layers of epicness, thanks to 1oooW0rds. We're both going to co-authors of this story, and if you have any questions, comments or concerns just PM one of us. Hope you guys like it and tell us what you think!
Chapter 1:
This was agonizing. Well, at least it felt that way to John. His muscles were screaming at him to let go of the steering wheel and turn the job of steering to Sam. They've been driving for hours on end, not daring to look at the past landscape behind them. John felt like he was in a whole other world, not paying any real attention to anything around him. He just couldn't bring himself to face reality. He kept thinking of what happen a few weeks ago, his first major battle. It was terrifying yet at the same time exhilarating. He was proud of his victory but his mind constantly replayed it without Six or Sam there to help him. The thought was unbearable.
John jumped when a loud snore erupted out of Sam's mouth. He smiled as he noticed Sam's mouth was wide open, resting with his head against the seat with Bernie Kosar sprawled on his lap. His sensitive ears picked up on the rumbling sound from his stomach. Placing his hand over it, John sighed, trying to figure out when was the last time they ate. Six hadn't allowed them to eat either on this 'road trip' of hers. But when John heard two other sets of stomach growling, he snapped.
"Alright, that's enough." John muttered, rolling his window down. He poked his arm out and waved, motioning Six to pull over. She caught his message at the edge of her mirror and sighed, turning the handle bars of her motorcycle to stop at the side. She came to a slow halt and took her keys out of its socket to kill her motor. Pulling the helmet off her head and brushing her blond locks out of her face, waiting for the blue truck to stop in front of her.
As the car slowed down, Sam was suddenly pushed forward from the sudden stop. His seatbelt thankfully saved him and he jolted up, glancing around and hugging Bernie to his chest. "Whoa, what's up? Why are we pulling over?" He asked, looking around for seven feet alien to jump out at them.
"Let's just say I'm doing us both a favor." John answered as he pushed on the brakes and slowly pulled up to the girl in leather.
"What is it now John?" She asked while glaring into his soft blue eyes. "We really should keep going; we have quite awhile until we get to our location."
"Well it can wait, because we really need to stop and refuel. Let's find a place to stay. With a bed? Maybe even some, crazy idea, real food?" John said giving her a knowing look.
"Dinner? Is that all you can think of?" Six snorted, flicking a stray strand of hair out of her face. "Correct me if I'm wrong. We just survived a huge Mog attack, burned down a high school, barely escaped the danger of being turned into dust and all you're thinking about is dinner? Ugh, how weak are you? I mean I know you had it easy all your life but didn't Henri ever teach you some backbone?"
John winced at the mention of Henri's name. He felt bad enough that Henri sacrifice his life for him. He took advantage of Henri, of all things he gave up to give their planet a chance to rebuild. But no one, not even one of his own kind, could insult the way Henri raised him. He was the closest thing John had to a real father and always will be. "Look Ja – "
"Six."
"Six… you need to remember that Sam isn't Loric. He needs a few things that we can maybe live without and we need rest too – "
"He's fine." Six replied curtly, glaring past John to the brown hair boy. "He volunteered to come along. We're not on a field trip. He knew what he was getting into and didn't care to think about what changes will have to be made." John groaned and rubbed his forehead, not believing the nonsense coming out of Six's mouth.
"Yeah sure, we'll just do that Mogadorain's job by starving him to death!" Six sighed and crossed her arms under her chest, not enjoying the tone of John's voice. Deciding to take another angle he turned to Sam. "Come on Sam, tell the scary Loric girl you're starving."
Sam's eyes grew huge and the words just tumbled out. "Uh-uh, I guess I might be a little hungry but I'm sure I can – "
"There you go, he's hungry!" John cut off. "I am too and we're all exhausted. You can't hide it, Six." She didn't say anything but in reality she was bone tired. John's eyes soften and he reached out, placing his hand gently on her shoulder. She flinched out of the unexpected contact but didn't step away. "I understand you lost your Protector when you were really young and you've basically spent your whole life searching for the others. Now, if you really want to continue this little journey, you better get your pretty little butt on the metal death trap you call a motorcycle and pull into the nearest motel." John said sternly, staring into her eyes. "That or you can go find Number 5 through 9 all by yourself."
After a few moments of silence and John's steady breathing, Six let out a reluctant sigh. "There's an old motel a few miles ahead. We can stay there and grab dinner at the local dinner."
John smiled at his small victory. "Good, ladies first." He said motioning her to her bike. Six followed his gaze and growled.
"Don't expect this too often." She warned, glancing around John to glare into Sam's nervous brown eyes. He waved; give her a tense smile which she ignored. "I wouldn't want to spoil you two babies." She scoffed, spinning around and stomping back to bike, the gravel crunching under her leather boots.
Sam's smile faded and he glared at John. "What?" John asked, turning the key to ignite the engine and pulled out of the side, following the cheery red bike. "We won."
"Yeah, this time but not she'll be just as tough on us. Thanks for dragging me down with you man. Next time, tell her it's Bernie Kosar who's hungry." Sam responded, causing Bernie's ears to perk up. John chuckled and rolled his eyes.
As the trio entered the local diner, Sam paused and took a long whiff of the saturated air of grease, salt and all things deep fried. "Oh god, guys, I think I died and went to heaven." He declared. John smirked as he held the door open for Six. She ignored him and roughly shoved Sam from his spot in front of the door. Sam stumbled but was unfazed; already dreaming of all the food he was going to eat.
"I told you we were dying out there." He whispered into her ear as they waited for a waitress to seat them. Six didn't reply. She just hugged her arms around herself, glancing around at the semi-empty diner. It was late enough that only truckers and insomniacs were present. "Come on, just admit it." John slung his arm over her shoulder, leaning in close so his mouth almost touched her ear. "You were wrong and I was right. Stop being a sore loser. I'm waiting."
Six turned her steely blue eyes towards him and tried to keep a straight face. Though, John could've sworn he saw a corner of her mouth twitch just so. "No way, you blond mop." She replied back before elbowing his side and stepping away from his arm. John gingerly touched his side and smiled.
"Blond mop? Says you, blondie." He retaliated, tugging her own curls. "Anyways, what's wrong with my hair?" He smoothed it down, running his fingers through the tangled mess.
"Everything." Six said frankly as she smiled to herself. The three of them had just driven a few miles before signing into a motel that wasn't much cleaner than the restaurant. The walls of their rooms were slowly turning yellow from all the smoke from the cigarettes. Six literally dragged the guys across the street to the dinner, unable to withstand the smog. "But at least it smells better than that dump across the street."
"Now, now Jane, where are your manners?" Six lifted an eyebrow as she noticed John's playful tone. "The man who gave us the key was very nice." She rolled her eyes and folded her arms under her breast in annoyance.
"You mean the guy whose eyes were glued to my chest instead of your id card?" Six mentioned, remembering the slimy feel the guy was emitting. She hid her shiver and continued. "What a well-run establishment. Remind me to give them five stars. And stop calling me Jane, it's Si-" Before she could finish her sentence, John covered her mouth as a bored waitress appeared beside Sam.
She stood there snapping her bubble gum giving them an uninterested look. She was maybe 19 or 20, a year or so older than Six. "Follow me please." She ordered in a monotone voice as she turned, not caring if they actually followed her. They were given a corner booth within hearing distance of the television in the corner. Six slid in first, resting her arm on the counter and staring at the darkness of the road. Sam scooted in next to her, only to have Six bump him hard with her hip, nearly sending him off the seat. She gave him a look as she rested her jean clad legs on the seat. John chuckled, taking his seat across from the girl, knowing better than to challenge her. The bored waitress stood there, tapping her pencil impatiently against her notepad.
"Fine, I'll just sit next to John." Sam said as he awkwardly walked pass the waitress and next to John. The waitress rolled her eyes and shook her head slightly before heading to the counter to grab a few mugs and coffee for the trio.
"Wow, your big brain actually works. Congratulations." She muttered as she glanced at her menu the waitress left them. Sam ignored her comment and the three silently flipped through the menus. Bernie was left alone at the motel, watching their things. "Well, I know what I want." Six declared, snapping the thin laminated papers shut and turning to watch the newscaster on the television.
"Already?" Sam asked, still skimming the high fat food.
"Yea, nothing."
"Six…" John whispered, making sure no one heard her name. "You're insane, you have to eat something." Six rubbed her temple, tired of this I-am-so-concern-for-your-well-being act from John. "Here, I'll order you something."
"No, I'm seriously fine. Whatever they put in their food will most likely kill me sooner than a Mog." She scoffed, fiddling with the laces of her boots, eyes still focused on the tiny screen on the counter.
"Hey, we had a pretty similar place back in Paradise." Sam defended. "Doc made the best chili fries in all of Ohio."
"Doc? Dear god, I pray for your arteries." Six replied sternly.
"Don't you need a soul if you're going to pray to god?" John bit back.
"It's better than not having a brain." She countered back, turning away from the television to give him a steely glare. John returned it with equal force. Six is the definition of Ice Queen. Her blue eyes were icy cold, holding little or no emotions. Her words nipped and bit like the coldest winter air attacking any skin that was exposed. She was unrelenting, not caring if she tore the boys down as long as they were alive.
"Damn Ms. Ice Queen." John replied. "You really don't have a soul. I bet you no one ever – umph." Six shoot out of her seat, hands clasped over John and Sam's mouth. John's sensitive ears clearly picked up the soft voice of the reporter as she read the script in front of her.
"The Paradise Terrorists are still on the loose." On the tiny screen, pictures of the burnt school and destruction flickered. "The destruction of the local high school is indescribable. Locals are confused by their reasons for the explosion and the kidnapping of Sam Goode, local boy and possible accomplice of Henri and John Smith." Pictures of sketches of John and Henri with a Sam's recent school photo appeared on the screen. "Please contact FBI if you have any information on these dangerous terrorists." The waitress stood there, gazing at the screen trying to place why the faces seem so familiar. She didn't notice how her crowded corner booth was suddenly emptied and the door of the diner magically opened by itself.
Bernie Kosar's ears twitched as he heard the beep of the automatic lock opened. He sat up, tail thumping against the comforters of the hard mattress, expecting the three teens to enter the room happy, full and getting along with each other. Instead, the door swung open, revealing nothing but air. Bernie barked as the door shut and Six released both John and Sam, instantly causing them both to appear. "Good job being inconspicuous." She muttered sarcastically as she walked into the room and pulled her leather jacket off.
"Oh shut up." John bit back, rubbing his forearm where Six held him. He could make out vague imprints of her nails on his tan skin. Sam sighed and muttered something about taking a shower before disappearing into the tiny bathroom in their mediocre motel room, leaving the two Loric teens alone. Bernie could feel the tension in the air as his ears flatten and he rested his head on the mattress, bracing himself for something to happen. "Can you stop nitpicking or am I just a special case?"
"Am I the one with my face all over the news?" She asked back, crossing her arms as she leaned against the desk in their room. John groaned and shook his head, knowing he couldn't refute her. He did have his face, or something that resembled him, all over national wide television. Six's lips curled into a smirk when he didn't say anything. "Yeah, I thought so." She said before sitting down and turning her portable laptop on, ready to look through the news for any clues for the others.
"At least I have a personality." John couldn't resist muttering, not caring if she heard him or not. Of course, Six's sharp Loric ears caught everything. Turning in her chair, John could see her quick blue eyes glaring daggers at him but his stupid mouth continued running. "Sure, I admit it. I messed up but that doesn't mean you need to hound me about every single thing. God, did your Cepan fuss about every little thing?" She stood up and closed her eyes, calming herself from exploding.
"John," he looked up meeting her icy glare. "Katarina was like a mother to me." Her voice was scary steady like she was holding back any emotions. "Sure, she wasn't as carefree as Henri but at least I am able to stand on my own unlike a certain someone." John's blue eyes flashed, reflecting her dangerous gleam. But, Six was unmoving and continued attacking him with her sharp words. "At least she pushed me to my limits so I could understand them unlike you who were babied for your whole life. At least I'm not dreaming about some fantasy that you should know doesn't exist for us."
"Doesn't exist?" John repeated, cutting her off. "Just because you believe we can't live normal lives, doesn't mean I have too!" John shouted, feeling anger bubbling in the gut of his stomach. Six shook her head, knowing who corrupted him.
"Normal lives? Is it normal to be trapped in a base for half a year? Is it normal to go on without food or water for months? Is it normal to possess superhuman strength, to float things in mid-air and to have your hands light up? Face it John. We are far from normal. We may look like humans, but we're not. We're Lorics."
"Lorics?" John repeated, allowing her words to sink in. "That's true but that doesn't mean we all have to be emotionless like you." He shook his head and grabbed his jacket from the bed, slipping it on as he walked towards the door. Six grabbed his arm, stopping him from moving but he anticipated her movement and grabbed hers instead. Six flinched when his fingernails dug into her thin wrist and John eased up. Their eyes met and John slowly shook his head. "Six, leave me alone."
"Hell no. Your face is all over the news. Do you have a death wish, John? Or did just your brain stop function?"
"Six… I'm serious."
"So am I." She said, matching his tone grave tone. "I didn't save you to watch you go kill yourself because of some little human girl who's just going to forget you in a few months." John lost control after that. Six didn't expect a burst of telekinesis to push her against the wall. John's hands trapped both her wrists, holding them above her head. She struggled but his grip was firm, pinning her down. She did the only thing she could do, continued glaring into his eyes. "You know it's true."
Bernie barked, trying to tell John to let go of her but he ignored the frantic dog. His eyes were trained on the ferociously attractive girl he pinned to the wall. Her harsh glare wasn't diminishing as she stared up against him. Her breathing was labored, pushing her chest against his with every breath. The bathroom door burst open with Sam standing there, hair dripping wet. His chocolate brown eyes grew huge as he take in the scene in front of him.
"John! Stop it!" He shouted, rushing over and tried to pull his friend off of Six but he didn't budge. Their faces were inches apart. John could smell her minty breath and feel every part of her body against his.
"Take it back." John threatened, trying to ignore the pull her blue eyes had on him. Her sapphire orbs were a mixed of every shade of blue imaginable on Earth; the soothing shade of the open blue ocean, the frightening flash as bright as lightning and an hypnotic almost gentle tone of the vast inviting sky. It was like the pure essence of everything blue in nature was bottled in her eyes and John nearly forgot what shade of blue were Sarah's.
"Accept the truth." Six replied back, needing him to know that this love affair has to end, and end soon.
"Six, shut up." Sam ordered, not caring what they were speaking about. His concern eyes fell back on John's harsh expression. "Hey man, let her go. She has no idea what she's talking about. Calm down." John followed Sam's instruction and slowly let her go. He ruffled his hair in frustration, mad at himself for taking her bait. Closing his eyes, he tried to conjure up an image of Sarah and found it nearly impossible. All he could remember were Six's intense eyes, piercing into his.
Six rubbed her wrist and slide down so she could sit on the floor. Sam offered her a hand but she ignored him, still looking at John, waiting for his next move. John knew he had to be somewhere, somewhere that wasn't near Six and her damn hypnotic eyes. Heading towards the door, he gripped the knob tightly. "John, where are you going?" Sam asked, worried about his friend.
"Sam, don't wait up for me." He said instead of answer his question, hand already slipping in to his pocket, feeling the smooth face of his phone. He was already thinking about the girl that was only a few hours away.
"John." He stopped hearing Six's harsh voice and turned his head. He waited for some insult or command. "You darn touch me again and I won't hesitate to slit your throat." He smirked before turning back and heading out the door but not without saying.
"Thanks for the warning."