Disclaimer:

I don't own any of the characters. But I wish I did. No copyright infringement intended. All belongs to Pittacus Lore.

Summary:

They ambushed Number One in Malaysia. They Murdered Number Two in London. They outnumbered Number Three in Kenya. A betrayal and treachery took Number Eight's Life. Number Ten is kidnapped. But the battle is not yet over. There's still 4 of us. And we will fight until our last breath. We will triumph.

AN:

I'm soooooo sorry for not updating for so long! I've been busy with school! And all the teachers are crap for giving us tons of assignments!

Seriously, they're giving us projects while on freakin' BREAK! Don't they understand what BREAK means? Do they want me to demonstrate it on their necks?

Anyway, just go to the last part...I continued where I left on. Sorry if my writing is very weird! :D


Evanescence – Fields of Innocence

I still remember the world
From the eyes of a child
Slowly those feelings
Were clouded by what I know now

Where has my heart gone?
An uneven trade for the real world
Oh, I, I want to go back to
Believing in everything and knowing nothing at all

I still remember the sun
Always warm up my back
Somehow it seems colder now

THE TRIUMPH FOR TEN

Chapter 2: The Return of the Fallen

Marina/Seven POV

I am pulled out from my deep reverie, as the first rays of sunlight touched my face. It's been hours since I volunteer to take the night watch from Six. At first, Six tried to argue by saying that I will need some rest because of the amount of energy my newly developed Legacies has taken away from me. But I quickly countered that I she too, need some rest, and I will be an effective watcher because of one of my Legacy, the ability to see in total darkness.

I'm still holding Eight's Loralite Stone, clinging to it as hard as I can, guarding it with my life. Who could blame me? It's my only connection left to him. The Mogs had already taken his Life (Actually It's Five who killed him, but in my eyes, He's worst than a Mog.), taken away his body. It will be a cold day in hell If I let them take away his Loralite Stone.

My heart tightened at the thought of Eight's body being experimented and toyed with. That's the last straw. From now on, I will no longer be known as "Nurse-Marina-Who-Don't-Know-How-To-Fight". I'm no longer the scared and helpless teenager they saw on Santa Teresa. After everything that happened at The Everglades, I know what I'm capable of, and THEY know it. I'm a warrior with only one objective: Revenge.

Marina. As of the Sea. Hector once said to me that my name is very fitting to my personality. A calm, beautiful, and magnificent Sea, that always brings pleasure to the eyes of everyone. But I also know that the Sea also has an ugly side. The kind of sea, that hits every ship with rough waves. The kind of sea, that can sink a ship with one mighty roar. The kind of sea, that can mercilessly kill a person. They will all see.

I wonder what happened at Chicago. Five says that he already called out an ambush team there. So chances are, knowing how the Mogadorians operate, the Hancock Center is already in ruins. I know that John and Ella are still alive, since the only scar that was embed on my right ankle was his. But I have no wayof knowing if our human allies, Sam, Sarah, and Malcolm are still alive. The idea of them dying fills my heart with pain and guilt.

I don't even know how we will all reunite again. But the real question isn't "how".

It's an "if". I don't know if we will sea each other again.

The war has done more than to kill us. Much more. It has already destroyed and demoralize us. I'm still surprised that all of us are still sane. I'm pretty sure that the responsibility of restoring his/her own planet is enough to drive a normal human's sanity out. But we're different.

I'm frustrated and agitated. Everything seems to be going as planned. But this happened. The Garde and Cepan's 10 years of careful planning and training is slowly becoming a waste. Our hopes and odds of surviving this war is diminishing, and It's all because of Five's betrayal. I swear I will personally take him to hell, no matter what it takes.

I feel the temperature around me dropped. Several patches of grass are already frozen cold. Adelina once said to me, when she was still loyal to Lorien, that it will take an awfully long time to master the new legacies that will come. That some of it may trigger only with my emotion.

Because of Nine's and Six's superb reflexes and instincts, the sudden drop in the temperature was enough to pull them out from their sleep. They woke up with jolt.

They're immediately on their feet, arms and hands raised, and ready to fight. "Where are they," Six asked, her eyes scanning every direction. "How many are they?"

"It's about time," Nine adds. "I will kill them all."

"Sorry, guys," I said as apologetic as possible. "My emotion triggered my new Legacy."

Six looks relieved while Nine was disappointed. "Oh," She starts. "Emotions do trigger Legacies. I know how you feel, Marina. Every time I'm angry, a thunderstorm forms above my head."

"What were you thinking about?" Nine asked.

"Why do you care?" I snapped at him. I know it's not cool, but Eight's death has put everyone on the edge. "It's really not your business.."

Nine didn't flinched, so I guess he was expecting it. "I care because I'm your fellow Garde!" Nine said with a raised voice. "His death pains me us much as it pains you, you know!"

"His death pains you..?" I said sarcastically, rage and anger building up inside me. "Your trashtalks and cocky attitude towards Five would beg to differ! If only you'd shut up, Eight would still be alive!" I know. Cruel. But sooner or later, I need to let all the pain in my chest do it's talking for it to subside.

Nine and I had the fiercest staring contest ever. His powerful brown eyes against mine. Not a single word was uttered, but it wouldn't take a genius to know what words needed to be said.

Great. We're already on the verge of fighting and it's only been 15 minutes since they woke up. Good Job, Marina, I told myself.

You could literally feel the rage and anger in the air. Nine storms out, spotted a tree at least 40ft tall, and took it all down with a single frustrated punch. I raised the ante by dropping the temperature to a negative. It feels like we're in Antarctica right now.

"Holy Lorien," Six said, shaking her head in disappointment. "Marina, you need to chill out. All of us are victims here. The only one to blame for Eight's death is Number Five, no one else but him."

"I know," I said. "But Nine really need to know when to shut his mouth."

Six gave me a long and considering look. "You changed, Marina." She said. It wasn't a question. It was a fact. "I'm not sure if it's for the better, buy you really changed." And with that, he was off to get Nine.

I hate how true her words were. Eight's death changed me. Not for the better, but for the worst.

I swear to every divine entities I know that I will kill them. The sun is already setting and they're not yet back! Where is Six and Nine? I have done everything I needed to do; Fixed our camp, gathered enough fire woods for the cold night later, prepared a decent meal that consists of fish, roots, and berries, and they're still not here!

What if the Mogs caught them? No. That's not possible. It's been eerily quite all afternoon. If the Mogs showed up, so does Six's thunderstorms and Nine's brute force. And considering the strength of those two, they would not go down without giving a long and loud fight.

So where are they? Could it be that they decided to leave me alone? To fend off for myself because of the way that I was acting? No. Not in a million years. Yes, we had a fight, but they would never do that. They're not like Number Five.

I hear movement. The snapping of twigs. It could be them, but I can't let my guard down. Ever so slowly, with the grace of a ballerina dancer, I tiptoed myself to the entrance of our camp. If ever it was the Mogs, I am ready to fight. If it's Six and Nine, I'm ready to give them a piece of my mind.

Relief flushes over me as I hear their laughter. At least it wasn't the Mogadorians and at least they were okay. But I'm still going to give them a cepan-like lecture. I crossed my arms and fixed a glare towards their direction.

"—I can't believe you did that! The way you teased the bear, it's so—" She stopped as soon as she saw my glare.

An awkward silence quickly followed. "Uhm..Hi, Marina.." Nine began to explain. His brain is clearly looking for an excuse and he wasn't doing well with it.

"We were just letting you blow off some steam." Six said, coming to Nine's rescue.

"You've been gone for almost 10 hours." I nagged. "You can't just go disappearing for that long! It's irresponsible and stupid! I was worried for you guys! I even thought that the Mogs had captured you!"

"We're really sorry, Marina," Nine tried again."It's just that we fell asleep along—" Nine shuts his mouth when Six's elbowed him in the ribs.

I was really fuming now. "YOU SLEPT TOGETHER? DID YOU DO IT?" Call me over-acting but we have better things to do rather than "doing it".

"NO!" Six quickly answered. Her face is flushing with embarrassment. "We were just so tired after the Bear Attack, and we have to outran a group of hornets..and...and...we...also..." She is desperately trying to explain her side. I had to bite the inside of my cheeks to refrain from laughing.

"Whatever, Six." I said, letting her off the hook. "Just don't do it ever again."

Nine flashed me a knowing smirk. "No promises, Marina." And that was enough for Six, because her next scream could've caused an avalanche. "SHUT THE FUCK UP, NINE!"

I can't take it anymore. I laughed so hard, I swear I felt my ribs moved. Nine also bursts out laughing. Laughter of pure enjoyment immediately filled the air.

Meanwhile, Six is confused why we are we laughing. "Why are you all laughing?" She demanded.

We stopped laughing and tried hard to be serious. But when Nine and I made eye contact, we started laughing again.

"When you, Sarah, and John went to Arkansas to get something," I'd rather not say his name because it will definitely ruin the mood. Thankfully, they managed to take the hint. "Eight and I did the exact thing you just did. We went gallivanting around the city, and when we got back Nine was just like me, worried as hell, waiting for us to return."

'Ser..ious...ly..?" Six said between laughter. She soon joined us in our laughing spree. "Just the thought of Nine being responsible makes me laugh!"

And just like that, we were all happy and laughing. And despite of everything that happened lately, I'm glad that we can still manage to smile. It's a proof that we're still sane.

"You guys want to eat?" I asked them. "I prepared a decent dinner for all of us." I gave Nine a look. A long and meaningful look that says..We would soon get past this. And the look that he gave me seems to agree.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Nine said excitedly. "Nothing like a satisfying meal after a day filled with fighting Bears and hornets."

"Ugh.." Six snorted. "You won't get away from those bees without my invisibility!"

"I don't think so."

I egged them on. "Race to the camp?"

Their faces lit up. And before you know it, we're sprinting full speed to our camp. And for the first time in my 17 years of existence, I didn't look back.


I never really get to appreciate the wonders Earth has. It's a beautiful planet, not as beautiful as Lorien, but still magnificent in its own ways.

After a satisfying vegetarian meal of fruits and berries, we had decided it's time to destroy our camp and start moving. It's a pain, really. But we know that in our world, nothing is permanent. Everything is temporary. Always on the go. Always on the run. That's it, the life of a Garde in a nutshell.

But there was a bright side in our decision to move out. I realized how amazing life is. Life on this forest, that is. Exploring the forest was the best decision we had made so far.

It's amazing. I saw life in this forest. Life in more shapes and types that you can imagine.

Huge snakes. Twenty feet long and as big around as the branches they hung from. And snakes so tiny that they could almost had been worms.

Monstrous insects, beetles the size of your fist, and centipedes as big as rats. And rats as big as poodles. At least, they looked like rats. And frogs in bright, warning, touch-me-and-die colors.

And ants everywhere, some marching along in columns, with each ant carrying a piece of leaf ten times its own size. Lizards that shot past, flashes of green. And what I assume were salamanders, like lizards but in brilliant, slimy colours. And overhead, birds, and monkeys, and more birds.

A million species of life filled the forest around us. Forms of life stranger than anything that had come from outer space. Incredible, insane, brilliant life, all fighting to stay alive, all working to grab one little piece of the forest.


It's a good thing that we're invisible. Otherwise, I'm very sure that we won't make it past this forest without getting attacked. Not that we're scared of these animal, our legacies would quickly take care of them, just in case that happens. We just don't want to attract extra attention.

For a long time, no said a word. We were too busy staring at the wonderful ecological life that is unfolding right before our very eyes. It was overwhelming.

"Okay," Six said, finally breaking the silence. "This is wonderful."

"I agree," Nine declared. "Man, who knew that snakes could be that big! And look at those damn leopards!"

I can understand their excitement. Technically this is their first field trip to a forest. Nine and Six. Who's been locked in on a Mogadorian Prison for more than a year, and even did nothing but to train before that. And of course, here I am, who stayed on an Orphanage in Spain for 11 years. At least I had those annual Field Trips while staying on Santa Teresa.

"We can't let the Mogs destroy this planet." I said, while watching a Night Owl devour a mouse. Breaking through its skin using his sharp talons. "This isn't just about restoring Lorien. This is also about the survival of an another species."

"I know, Seven." Six agreed. "Though, I don't know how we're going to do it. It's the entire Mogadorian Race against 4 Lorics and a few human allies. The odds are very astronomical right now."

"A little more persistence," I countered. "A little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success."

"Our efforts in this war had been more than enough," She said. I can almost hear the tiredness in her voice. "A lot of lives had already sacrificed."

"We can still turn the tables," I said, suddenly remembering what Malcolm said in Chicago. "Remember what Malcoms said about Adam, the changed Mogadorian. Maybe if One could convince him..." I stopped, Unsure what to say next.

Nine let loose a mocking laugh. "I don't mean to rain on your parade, Marina, but that is utter bullshit. It's a trap. I don't know how that Adam guy convinced Malcolm, but he'll never convince me."

"He had legacies!" I shouted. "Malcolm said he had legacies! How are you going to explain that?"

"It's easy to generate a fake legacy!" He shouted back. "They could've even staged the fight!"

"If the Mogadorians can have Number Five working with them, Why can't we have Adam working with us?"

I can't believe this is even happening. I don't know what to do. Is this what Eight's death really doing to us? Is everything beginning to fall apart?

"You guys really need to stop this senseless arguments," Six said, stepping between us. "Not only because it's wasting our precious time, It is also beginning to tear us apart."

Six turned to me. "Marina, Nine is just being logical. We can't have any more strangers on our group. We took Five, and look where it got us?"

"I just don't know what to do," I sighed. The stress beginning to drain my energy. "I'm just clinging to every situation that could help us with all of this."

They both seemed to agree with me. That's how desperate we are as of this moment.


We stopped talking and continued travelling. Still being mesmerized by the beauty of Nature. Soon, we found a clearing that seems to be safe. Near to it is a stream water. Perfect. The big trees around it also provided extra protection.

"I'll take the night watch." Nine said. "You girls go sleep."

I'm so tired right now. My memories lingers towards my first date with Eight, back in Chicago. It feels like years have passed ever since that happened. I wonder, would it be possible for me to feel that contented and happy again.

"My saviour, what can I ever do to repay you?"

"You can promise me more days like these,"

"Consider it done."

I will never forget your promise, Eight. Never.

And with that I drifted off to sleep. Unfortunately, the odds will never be in our favour. Because as of that instant, I saw a huge man, lurking in the shadows. And with the Nine's voice screaming, "Everyone, Get the hell up! Hurry!"


Almost instantly, all three of us were already in battle position. Ready to showcase our legacies on display. Ready to show this man what we got.

Then out stepped the man from the darkness. He's a well built man. He can't be more than Sixty. His face is full of beard and moustaches. If this man's goal is to hide the distinct features in his face, May I say he'd successfully done it.

"I know what you all are," The man tells us. My face has lost its colors. "I have come here in peace."

That words alone was enough to make Nine running towards the man. Nine's fist is clenched. I already know of the impending pain that the man will get.

Frankly, I'm glad he did it. Right now, we can't take any more chances. Everything and Everyone that might put us all in danger needs to go. That's our saying: Kill or Be Killed. And I hate it.

But as Nine let loose an earth-shattering punch, something happened. The man's face, who should've been hit by Nine's punch, was not hit. Instead, the Punch goes right through it, sending Nine off-balance.

Six and I was caught by surprise. The punch should've killed the man, let alone hit it. On pure instinct, I jerked my hands upward and summoned an Icicle right through the man's heart.

But like what happened with Nine's Punch, the ice merely goes right through him. Leaving him safe and sound. I'm now beyond baffled. It's like he's not even here! How can we fight someone who we can't even hurt.

The pressure is now in the air. We can't hurt this man. And he know it. Six was eyeing every escape route possible. Fight or Flight. We choose flight.

"My, my, my," The man said. Clearly amused that we can't lay a finger on him. "All of your cepans have taught you all well."

Oh, the irony. Nine and I looked at Six. She mouthed the word "Flight" at us and pointed towards an opening in the woods. Good idea, but how are we going to distract the man?

"Don't think about running, Number Six." The man told her. Six flinched. He knows what numbers we are? What else does this man doesn't know?

We now know that this man has the capability to destroy us. Right here, right now. My mind is now on a full-scale panic. I just realized that I don't want to die yet. I don't want to leave John/Number Four on his own. If worse comes to worst, he'll be the only Loric left on this planet.

But what must be done must be done. If this is our final battle, then I will make sure that I won't die as a weakling. I will die a warrior. And Six and Nine knows it too.

A huge cloud is forming above us, courtesy of Six. Nine is already getting up, storing all his energy to his hands. Of course, the temperature dropped. I love the cold. I can feel the power radiating through me.

"I see...Very stubborn indeed.." The man scratched his moustache, as if studying us. "I already told you all that I have come here in peace, yet you still want to fight.."

"Don't be such an idiot!" Nine hissed. "We know you can't be trusted! You know of our position! You know where to locate us!"

"If I can't be trusted," the man answered. "then why didn't I just made contact with the Mogadorians and initiated an ambush plan? Why would I come here, all alone?"

"I...just.." Nine stammered. He's speechless. But I can't blame him. The man had a very strong point.

"Maybe you want to gain our trust!" Six suddenly said. "You want to befriend us...then kill us. Just like what Five did!"

At the mention of Five, I swear the air darkens. "Do not even speak of his name!" The man bellowed. "He doesn't even deserve to live!"

We soften when we saw his rage. His anger with Number Five seems sincere. I am now officially torn. I don't know whether we should trust this guy or not...and it's frustrating me.

"Te...Tell us what and who you are." I managed to croak.

"There's no time for that." The man said. "I will tell you soon, but not now. It's taking a lot of my energy just to appear here."

I was baffled with what I heard. "What do you mean?"

The man let loose a sweet-sounding laugh. "Oh...you think I'm actually here?" He said between laughs. "I'm merely a vision. A hologram. That's why you can't hurt me."

"So what do you want to do with us?" Nine asked. We are now cautious. The idea of going somewhere with this man is outrageous.

"I'm taking you to meet your kind." WHAT? Did he just said what I think he said? Our kind? Does he mean Number Four?

"Four? Is he all right?" Six started firing questions after questions. "What about Sam? Sarah? Bernie Kosar?"

"Unfortunately, It's not Number Four." The man drew a long breath. "You will all meat the Fallen Gardes. Number One, Number Two, and Number Three, and Number Eight."

I swear I almost pass out right then.

"What do you mean? They're dead! It's not possible! This has trap written all over it!" Nine shouted.

"Haven't you all figured it out yet." The man's voice is slow now. Like he's trying to gently drop a nuke bomb on us.

"What the fuck does that mean?" Nine asked.

"With Pittacus Lore everything is possible." The man said, after a long moment of hesitation "I am Pittacus Lore."


AN:

DUN DUN DUN! Do you like the cliffhanger? Tell me you love it! Also, they'll get to meet Number 1, 2, 3, and 8! I'm so freakin' excited!

I hope that this is not illogical...but i think that's what will happen next book..I'm not sure, though...:SS