Disclaimer: i don't own the Lorien Legacies :(
Hi guys!
Once again, a huge thank you for all your awesome reviews; they are very kind and encouraging. Please keep them coming :D
Secondly, this chapter is slightly happier than some of the others recently because i wanted a bit of lightness in my story. However, there will be a lot of action coming up, so don't worry :D
Anyway please read, enjoy and review! :D
Marina
This whole mind control thing is really getting on my nerves. I can block the voices out, finally, but it's still hard to have a conversation with someone when you accidently answer their thought, instead of their actual response. For example, the other day, we were in a service station and i was supposed to order coffee for myself and the others. The guy at the till liked the look of Sarah and had been thinking about giving her his number. Instead of telling him what coffee we wanted, i told him she was already dating someone else. To say embarrassing would be an understatement; the customers looked at me like i had a second head. The others wouldn't let me forget that for the rest of the day.
But there are definitely some advantages. Eight, being the biggest. I admit, i've looked into his mind more than once and i've definitely noticed that he likes me. A lot and in a positive way, unlike Steve and his friends. It's made it easier to talk to him, knowing how he feels and that i feel the same. Obviously, i don't read his mind too much, i respect his privacy, but a sneak peek now and then doesn't hurt.
We're still driving, though according to Nine, we'll arrive at his safe house today. The excitement coming from his mind is infectious and i find myself also grinning. That's another downside to mind control; if an emotion's strong enough, then i'll feel it too, as though i'm experiencing it myself.
However, not all the minds in the car are happy. John and Six's moods have both been depressed and i know why. I read their minds the day the kiss happened; i'd had no experience with blocking minds so i couldn't help it. I want to help them, i really do, but there's nothing i can do. They have to sort it themselves.
Nine grins excited as he recognises a sign. His pure happiness infects me and i find myself twitching in anticipation. I had a coffee earlier, so i don't think the caffeine is helping either. Ella giggles next to me when i start humming along to the song on the radio. Eight, who is sitting on my other side, grins playfully.
"Someone's happy, you can't seem to sit still" he says cheerfully. His emotions in his mind are teasing but tender at the same time. I beam at him.
"I can't help it! Nine's too happy and i had caffeine!" i moan. Eight laughs and places his hand over my knee that was bouncing up and down. I stop at once, trying to look serious. It doesn't work very well, as i can feel giggles wanting to burst out of me. Eight can see me smothering my laugh and grins.
"Are we there yet?" i ask Nine, who groans. I've asked this question so many times. I seriously need to calm down.
"Ten minutes" i look out, interested and take in Chicago for the first time. The sun is out today shining on the buildings, making it look majestic. Lake Michigan spreads out, and the sun glints off the water. It's beautiful and i can see why Nine loves it here. We pull up in front of a building and Nine turns around.
"We can dump the car here. Happens all the time here" he says, grinning at us. Six rolls her eyes and climbs out of the car. I jump out and stretch, relieved that the long days on the road are over, for now anyway. I never really realised just how big the US is.
We all follow Nine through the streets of Chicago, whilst carrying our chests. We don't get many odd looks for that and Nine grins at my expression of surprise.
"That's what i love about Chicago; people can be as weird as hell and still fit in" he says smiling proudly at his city. I, myself, have never stayed in a city before and find myself looking around with wide eyes. The amount of people bustling down the streets is huge. I am so stunned by everything, that i don't notice Nine stopping in front of a building.
"Here we are. My safe house is right at the top" he says, with a huge smirk. Six looks stunned but angry, as we take in the John Hancock Centre.
"Are you crazy?! We'll be trapped up there!" she says, eyes darting around. But a quick survey of minds shows me that there aren't any mogs around.
"I lived here for five years before we were bothered and that was my fault; we'll be fine" Nine replies and ignoring the others' protests, he walks right in. I follow, barely believing that Nine has a safe house in the John Hancock Centre! It's insane that one of the Garde lives like this.
Nine has a conversation with the receptionist, who seems to know him well, and then gestures back to all of us. I see the guys' eyes widen as he takes in all six of us, all looking like we've been trekking halfway across America. Which we have.
Nine leads the way to an elevator, once the conversation is over and we all pile in. I'm so excited to see his home, that i don't completely notice the elevator climbing to the very top of the building. The doors open and it's like entering paradise.
It's a massive room, with floor-to-ceiling windows, showing a stunning view of Chicago and Lake Michigan. There's a corridor leading down to more rooms, i suspect. This main room holds the kitchen, lounge and dining room all in one. The kitchen has high-tech machines for God-knows-what, the lounge has leather sofas surrounding an HD TV and there's an elegant glass table in the dining area.
Except for John and Nine, we all stare at the apartment with our mouths hanging open. It's ten times better than the orphanage in Spain, that's for sure. Nine breaks the silence.
"Okay, there are four rooms. I'm going by myself in my room, which is the first door on the right. The rest of you can share" Nine says, walking towards another room.
"Where are you going?" Six asks sharply. Nine just grins happily; nothing can bother him at this moment.
"I'm setting up the cameras so we can keep an eye on our surroundings" he replies. I relax slightly in the knowledge that there are cameras around to look out for mogs.
The rest of us explore the rest of the bedrooms, which are filled with huge beds, more HD TVs, ensuite bathrooms, big wardrobes and more. We then stand outside in the corridor, choosing our roommates. There's a bit of an awkward silence.
"I'll go with Eight?" John says, looking at Eight hopefully who grins back. I guess guys want to stick together. They both relax and look at the rest of us, interested to see who's gonna room with whom.
Six's horror suddenly fills my mind. She doesn't want to share with Sarah, not after the events between John and her. I decide to offer to stay with Sarah instead of with Ella; it's the least i can do for Six.
"I'll go with Sarah" i say, walking towards the biggest room. I bagsied this one before the others could, so now Sarah and i share it. This room has a large queen-sized bed (a bit over-the-top, but i'm not complaining) and a couple of armchairs by the huge windows. There's a switch on the side for the blinds. I drop my rucksack on the floor and collapse onto the bed, exhausted. Within seconds, i'm asleep.
Xxx
After a long, hot shower and a change of clothes, i feel so much more refreshed and i'm even eager to cook dinner. Life looks so much better after a good sleep and i find myself humming as i slowly chop up some vegetables. Nine and John went out to buy food, but didn't get any clothes. That will be mine and Six's job tomorrow, something that i'm really looking forward to. It will be nice to do something fun with a friend for once.
"Need some help?" i was so distracted i didn't hear anyone come in. I whirl around, a knife in my hand but relax when i see it's Eight. I smile and lean against the counter, whilst he laughs at my shock.
"If you want. There's not much to do though" i reply. He shrugs.
"Got nothing better to do" he replies and pulls down an apron from a hook on the wall. He pulls it over his head, but can't seem to tie it at the back properly. Shaking my head at his attempts, i laugh and take over from him. I tie it at his back, trying to ignore my close proximity to him and how his muscles tense under my hands when he moves slightly. I pull away and turn back to the vegetables, a little flustered.
We work in comfortable silence for a while, until he suddenly swears and drops his knife. He's cut his hand and is bleeding everywhere.
"Ow" he mutters and is about to turn to run his finger under the tap when I grab his hand. I concentrate, allowing my legacy to flow through me. His hand heals up and he looks down at me, awed.
"Guess i'll never get used to that" he mutters, smiling at me gratefully. I smile gently back at him, until i realise how close we are. We both turn serious and can't look away from the other. I sense his mind and read his inner turmoil; he wants to kiss me but is nervous about whether i return his feelings. For once, i'm the confident one and i decide to initiate things.
I lean up and press my lips to his very gently and very hesitantly. He's surprised at first, but then becomes more relaxed and kisses me back. One of his hands presses against the small of my back, whilst another wraps itself in my hair, at the nape of my neck. He tips my face up further, giving us both better access. I wrap my arms around his neck and push closer to him.
The kiss is gentle and slow at first but filled with so much emotion. I don't know why i waited this long to kiss him but i'm so glad i've finally done it. Our kiss starts to pick up in intensity and all i can think of and feel is him. I'm completely consumed by him and our kiss and things are getting more serious, when we're interrupted.
"Hey, when's- oh! Sorry, um...!" John stumbles into the room, but almost immediately runs out again, apologetic. Eight and I both pull away; bright red and we avoid each other's eyes. His lips are slightly redder than usual from kissing me and i want to do it again, but i'm too shy. This time, though, it's Eight who takes the lead.
"So, where do we go from here?" he asks, grinning playfully. I know he's nervous but he's thrilled at our kiss as much as i am and it's in his nature to always be happy. I shrug and nervously meet his gaze again. His face softens and he takes my hand, looking serious.
"Wi-will you go out with me?" he asks, stumbling slightly from nerves. We're both so new to these emotions; we're not sure how to control our feelings. I stare at him stunned at this progression and then nod, grinning.
"Of course" i laugh, delighted that we have finally gotten somewhere. He lets go of a breath, relieved and I grin as he takes my hand and pulls me close again. I'm so happy that this time, i don't need any of Nine's emotion to make me feel this way. Eight has one arm around my waist, whilst his other hand is playing with my hair.
"So, as your official boyfriend, i can now do anything i want, right?" he asks. I roll my eyes, glad he's gone back to being playful.
"Depends on what you want to do" i answer, lightly. He grins at my response.
"Just this" he says and he leans down to kiss me.
Xxx
Adam
We all just stare at Malcolm stunned as he opens the door for us. Sam is the first to break the silence and throws himself at Malcolm, crying as he wraps his arms around his dad's neck. I grin, filled with happiness but stunned at the same time.
Five suddenly drops to her knees and crawls under the car. Malcolm looks at her puzzled as she searches under there for a couple of minutes, for what, none of us are sure.
"Five, what are you doing?" Malcolm asks, confused. We all are. I thought Five would be thrilled he's alive, especially now we have someone to help us with the documents. Instead, at the sound of his voice, she shoots up and holds a sword to his throat. Sam cries out and tries to lunge out in front of his dad, but Five holds him back with telekinesis. He struggles uselessly against it. I try and do the same, but end up in the same position.
"Checking for a locator. You shouldn't be alive! Who are you?!" she asks menacingly. I see blood trickle slowly down from Malcolm's neck where the blade has nicked him slightly. I struggle against her hold, but the pressure increases. I give up; instead deciding words will be more effective.
"Five, that is Malcolm! What are you doing?" i cry out. Sam is snarling as he tries to free himself, but like me, he's ineffective.
"It's fine, i understand why she's suspicious. Read my mind, Five. It's me, not a trick" Malcolm pleads with her. He's calm despite the situation, safe in the knowledge he's telling the truth.
Five looks at him and we all wait for a couple of tense moments and then suddenly i'm let go. I fall to the floor and then immediately bolt up. Sam does the same and lunges for Five. Before we can do anything, he punches her in the face. It doesn't hurt her but she still looks shocked as she falls to the ground. Malcolm grabs Sam and holds him back.
"Enough! Sam, she has every right to be suspicious! She's been hunted for years!" Malcolm shouts, looking like an angry parent for the first time. Sam sags and stops struggling. I walk over and help Five stand up. She rubs her cheek ruefully.
"I guess i deserved that" she mutters, putting her sword away. I smile at her and look around, to make sure nobody saw our drama. Thankfully, the street is silent and i breathe a sigh of relief.
"Well, let's hit the road" Sam suggests.
Xxx
"I was pretty badly injured in my back and shoulder but not dead. I was unconscious for most of it, but i'm told i was taken immediately to medics and they fixed me. To be honest, i only woke up a couple of days ago. The agents decided to bring me to Paradise, to be used as bait" Malcolm explains.
We've been on the road for a while and have finally decided where to go. Instead of travelling further east, we're going north, towards Michigan. I've heard Lake Michigan is pretty stunning and right now we need to relax and look at the documents. Five is in the front next to Malcolm, whilst Sam and i sit in the back. She is flicking through the documents already, a huge frown on her face.
"But after the explosion, they left me to see what had happened. I had pretended to be asleep, so they thought i was secure. I figured you guys had gotten here when i heard the noise so i thought i'd meet you halfway. I hotwired a car and have been driving round Paradise for the last couple of hours" he finishes. I look at him concerned as he rolls his shoulder.
"Are you completely healed?" i ask. He looks guilty and shakes his head.
"I will be in a couple of days. My priority was getting you guys" he replies. Suddenly, Sam swears loudly. I look at him shocked and the car swerves a bit as Malcolm's hands jerk in shock. Even Five looks up, curious.
"I never saw Mum!" he cries out, a distraught look on his face. I understand his pain; he wanted to see his mum for what could be the last time and tell her he was ok. Malcolm smiles.
"Don't worry. I dropped her a note explaining everything. I told her you loved her but this was for the best. She'll understand" he explains. Sam leans back relieved and breaths in deeply.
"How are those documents coming along?" i ask Five as she rifles through the stack. She frowns and leans back, running a hand through her hair.
"Terrible. Most of it's in Loric, which i can't read. I only learnt a bit and then we came here, to Earth. Learning Loric wasn't a priority. But oh well, i'll deal with it later, with the others. I'm sure between us we can figure something out" she mutters. Malcolm bites his lip.
"I was hoping you could read that. The Cepan gave it to me when they arrived on Earth; said i'd hide it better than they could" he says, absent-mindedly pulling over to a service station. Five's face lights up and she stretches her arms. I roll my eyes; despite everything she still always has time for a coffee.
"Maybe that was why John and Henri came to Paradise, to find you to take the documents" Sam mused. I nod along.
"It makes sense. You said that Henri came back because he needed something" Malcolm replied. Five grins and grabs some money as the car pulls to a stop. She hops out, eager to go and buy the coffee. I get out as well and stretch. I look up at the night sky and admire the stars. I can see Lorien and Mogadore clearly. Somehow, Lorien seems to shine brighter recently. Or maybe that's me imagining things.
"It's waking up" Malcolm says coming to stand next to me. I look at him quizzically. He grins at my expression and points to the sky.
"Lorien. It knows its' soldiers will return soon and it is waking up for them. It never died; just hibernated. But recently it's been shining brighter" he explains. I look up at awe at the distant planet and smile.
Maybe there's hope after all.
So... this chapter didn't contain a huge POV from Adam, but there'll be a lot more soon. I hope you guys enjoyd the MarinaXEight scene; i love writing about them :)
Please review! :)