Ella.

I ripped my much wider eyes away from Marianne. What was happening? My heart was racing; I had to get to Ella. I stepped out of the dining room just in time to see a Mog go up in dust. I turned my head slowly to see Ella on the ground in the corner, the gun up with her finger on the trigger. My stunned gaze met her bulging eyes. I shook my head and blinked a few times.

"Good! Now keep doing that!" I said to her when I regained my wits. I stepped forward and picked up the gun the Mog Ella took out had been holding. "Stay calm and remember what I told you." I said and cocked the gun. She nodded and I helped her to her feet.

"Let's roll." She said with a little too much enthusiasm. I nodded.

"Moe! Let's go!" I screamed and Moe came bolting out of Ella's room, morphing along the way. She pounced on a Mog and dragged him outside. I shot at a Mog that was trying to drag Dr. Martinez outside. I missed and blew a small hole in the wall.

Whoops…

The Mog noticed and put his back to me dragging Dr. Martinez in front of him. He pointed his gun and took a shot at Ella and I. I pushed Ella behind the couch and ducked behind it as well. It exploded against the fridge leaving a huge, dark burn mark across its surface.

"Get away from my mother!" Ella shrieked and stood up. I heard several shots fire from her gun before I could even stand up. When I was on my feet, I saw no Mogs in the living room. Taking their places, I saw several piles of ashes.

Wow…

Ella was better at this than I was… We exchanged glances. I gave her a small smile before we both scrambled to Dr. Martinez's sides.

"Mom! Mom, look at me!" Ella said grabbing her mother's hands. Dr. Martinez sat there petrified in the middle of the floor.

"Ella, take her to her room. Meet me outside once she's calm." I told Ella. She nodded and we helped Dr. Martinez to her feet. "Oh and Ella," I began. She turned to face me. "Take the bigger gun, just in case." I finished and handed her the Mog's gun and she nodded again. She handed me my gun and then led her stunned mother into her bedroom. I cocked my gun and went outside. Mogs were advancing on Moe. I shot at one to get their attention off of my much larger dog. That got their attention… I ended up hitting one. He exploded into dust. The Mogs then turned their guns on me. I dodged a few shots and dodge rolled behind a tree. I heard a Mog sneaking up to the tree. I waited until he was about to grab me before I clutched his arm and flipped him onto the ground. I plunged my knife into his chest. He looked me in the eyes right before turning into a cloud of dust under my hands. For once, I felt remorse for what I had just done to a Mogadorian; I looked into his eyes…

I sighed and climbed back to my feet and I re-sheathed my knife, I should stick to shooting. I took a deep breath and stepped out from the tree's cover. Mogs instantly rushed me and I parkour'd it up. I disarmed a forth Mog and delivered another fatal blow to his chest before something hard rammed into my side knocking me to the ground. I reached for my gun, which had slide away from me. I grabbed the handle before a foot slammed into my wrist. I released the gun and the same foot kicked the gun far away from me. I looked to see a gun pointed in my face, and holding said gun was none other than Marianne.

"Do it." I provoked.

"Move and I will." Marianne snapped.

"Jenna?" I heard Max's voice say from across the yard. The flock and Ari had just arrived. I heard a gun cock in the doorway of Ella's house. I shot a glance back to see Ella pointing the gun at Marianne. "Ella?" Max gasped. She must have seen the large gun in her hands.

"Ella, let Marianne have this one." I winked at Ella. "Max, guys, stay where you are." I glanced at the flock. Then I turned my gaze on Marianne. "Are you going to shoot me?" I asked rising slowly to my feet.

"I said don't move!" Marianne snapped. The barrel of the gun followed we as I rose.

"C'mon, shoot! I'll even make it easier for you." I growled and stepped closer to Marianne making her shooting range nearly pointblank on my face. Her hands were trembling.

"Why would I do that? I would just die in your place!" She screamed.

"Even If you could take me down, I doubt you could. I mean, I don't think I'd ever be able to hurt you; even after all you've done to me." I whispered. Her eyes widened. "Marianne, you're not evil." I said and lowered the gun to her side so I was looking her in the face instead of starring down the barrel of her gun. "You're not a Mogadorian, you're Loric, like me." I whispered. Tears were welling in Marianne's eyes. 'I love you, Marianne.' I sent the thought to Marianne's mind. Marianne opened her mouth to say something but snapped it shut before sound came out.

"Enough!" The Mog leader snapped. "Let's retreat for now. We'll regroup then make Nine pay!" He screamed. He was holding his arm that I had cut open with my knife. The Mogs standing around all nodded and began backing away slowly to their cars. Marianne kept her eyes locked on me. "Marianne!" The leader shrieked at her. She blinked a few times and the broke our eye contact and crept away. Everyone waited until they were gone to move. As soon as the last car was out of sight, everyone crowded around me. I breathed out sharply.

"Let's get her inside." Max told everyone and they all guided me inside. They led my trembling body to the couch and made me sit down. Ella sat next to me and Iggy sat on my other side. Marianne just leaving me there played on loop in my head. Maybe she was really gone… Too far gone to be brought back… Marianne… My mother on Earth was really gone…

I sniffled once and then the tears starting pouring from my eyes. Sobs began violently ripping through my chest. I buried my face in my hands and shoved my hands into my lap. I hated this, the constant running, the fighting. I longed for nothing more then to just be human and not know that this was happening. I'd give anything. I felt a hand running up and down my back. I opened my eyes and peeked up to see Ari's remorseful eyes looking me in the face. My heart began racing and I started bawling my eyes out into my hands again.

"What should we do?" I heard Fang whisper to Max. "Should we stay here tonight?" He added.

"Yeah. My mom will demand explanations and we could all use a good nights sleep for once. Iggy, go cook something. Ella, and I will check on mom. Fang, Nudge, Gaz and Angel, try to clean up this house. Ari stay with Jenna to make sure she's okay." Max ordered. Everyone must've agreed because I felt Iggy lean down and kiss my head and then he and Ella got up. I felt everyone leave the living room leaving me alone with Ari.

"Hey." He whispered. I felt him sit on the couch next to me.

"Hey." I said in a very muffled, cracked, broken voice.

"Cheer up, the fights over. We're all safe." He said in a calming voice and continued stroking my back. I sniffled. "What?" He mumbled.

"That lady holding the gun to my face was technically my mom." I said as a sob stabbed its way through my body.

"Technically?" He asked.

"She's my Cêpan, a warrior from my planet assigned to keep me alive; or at least was. She's had me since I was eight days old though. She's more of my mother than my real mother that died on Lorien." I explained as I sat up. I hated being so vulnerable like I was right now.

"Wow… That's harsh…" He whispered and handed me the box of Kleenex that had been knocked on the ground during the massive fight. I pulled one out and dabbed my eyes. I sniffled again and tore out another one. "Relax." Ari said and pulled me into a hug, a big, wolfy hug. He pulled me hard against his rock hard chest; he was way more muscular than Iggy was… "Jenna, breathe." He said when he realized I wasn't breathing. I sucked in a deep breath and held it inside of me. "Good, now breath out." He said into my hair. I let the air out through my mouth. "Good." He whispered after I started breathing regularly. He held me against his chest. This oddly felt right… My eyes slowly dried and Ari released me when I stopped sobbing.

"You good now?" He whispered looking me straight in the eyes. I nodded gravely and stood up and then plopped back down. I didn't know if I wanted to sit or stand. I heard footsteps approaching though. Ari and I looked up to see Max-supporting Ella in the entryway. She was trembling. "What's up with her?" Ari asked.

"I-I k-killed some of t-them…" Ella whimpered. What had happened just hit her like a speeding train.

"That." Max replied. "Jenna, will you talk to her? My mom is hysterical." I nodded and scrambled over to them and took Ella's arm and led her to my spot on the couch next to Ari. "Thank you." Max gave us a small smile and turned and walked out.

"Ella, look at me." I said and knelt down in front of her. I waited until her bulging eyes met mine. "The Mogadorians you killed probably would've tormented hundreds or even thousands of innocent people including your mother and you. Think about it like this, you probably saved more lives than you ended." I said in a gentle, patient tone. She blinked a few times and shook her head. "Ella, you saved your life today. In any case, this was all self-defense." I added. Her eyes lightened up a little. "Relax." I beamed at her. "You're an amazing person and I know you feel bad now. The first time I took out a Mog was in Japan, five years ago. Marianne," I winced at her name. "And I were at a restaurant with my sister and her Cêpan and they were discussing things. I, being to young to understand, just sat there playing with the gun my sister carried. Mogs rushed the place. One targeted me and threw me onto the ground. I crawled into the corner, trying to get away. My attacker began mocking me and I let my anger get the best of me. I pointed the gun and shot the Mog and it hit him directly in the head. He exploded into a ball of dust. Everyone was so surprised that an eleven year-old girl was able to take one down. I was over whelmed by guilt and fear. Marianne and my sister spent hours trying to calm me down, but I wouldn't budge. Point is, I understand that only time can calm your feelings. Trust me, I know." I said quietly. Ella gave me a small smile.

"Yeah, you're right." She smiled bigger. "I'm going to go back to my mom now, she needs me." Her smile faded.

"Go." I smiled. "Family is important." She nodded and left.

"Wow. You're quite the pep talker." Ari snickered.

"It's just the truth." I yawned and sat down next to him. I suddenly felt very tired, like, I couldn't even support my own weight.

"Go to sleep. I'll wake you up when there's food." He said gently as I leaned heavily against him on accident.

"Okay." I murmured with my eyes already more then half shut. I passed out in the next second.

"Jenna, hey, wake up." I felt a large hand on my side shaking me gently.

"I don't want to go to school." I moaned into something soft.

"Okay, how about instead of school, we go eat?" The same voice replied in a calming tone.

"Huh?" I opened my eyes to see Ari's hand on my side. He had turned so he was lying on the couch with me lying on his chest. I looked at his face and yawned.

"Well, good morning." He snickered.

"How long have I been out?" I said sitting up.

"About an hour." He sat up too. "Iggy just called us all in for food." He smiled.

"Sweet! I am starving!" I exclaimed and got up.

"Slow down!" Ari snickered.

"Never!" I replied and was out of the room.

I made my way into the dining room and saw everyone arriving at the same time.

"Hey." Iggy smiled and leaned in and pecked my lips… right in front of everyone… Can you say awkward?

"Hey." I replied with a shy smile.

'Touch her again, I dare you.' Ari's mind growled and he just entered the room and saw that happen. His eyes were daggers.

'Iggy likes Jenna now? What does she have that I don't have?' I looked over to see Ella glaring at me. 'Oh… I forgot you could read minds…' She thought awkwardly when we made eye contact. I nodded once at her with an awkward, little baby smile plastered on my lips.

'When are you going to tell him?' Max thought to me.

'Soon.' I replied mentally.

'Tell him what?' Angel butted in.

'Nothing!' Max and I thought at the same time. Then we all sat down to eat. Dr. Martinez was eye balling me the entire time. She was going to ask me what I was… Eventually… No one talked… Everyone just silently ate. I refused to look at everyone. Ari glared at Iggy the entire time, Max and Fang held hands under the table, Nudge and Gazzy quietly fought over the last piece of chicken, Angel glared at me; she was trying to read my mind. I could hear her concentrating in her head. Ella also glared at me… She was pissed at Iggy and I and kept forgetting that I could read minds. Ahh… Good times… Everyone finished eating and just continued sitting at the table… And just when I though this couldn't get any more awkward…

"So…" Max spoke up. "Mom, can we all spend the night?" She asked.

"Sure." Dr. Martinez muttered. Her expression looked vacant…

"Alright. Everyone just go to bed." Max said after that. Her and Ella helped Dr. Martinez to her room. Everyone looked tense enough. Max and Ella returned two minutes later.

"Where're we all sleeping?" Iggy asked.

"Us in our rooms, Ari on the couch, and Jenna… bunk with Iggy or something." Max replied. Ella glared at Max then at me. "Ella, just go to bed." Max snapped when she noticed. Ella reluctantly walked off. "Night guys." Max yawned and walked off.

"Night." Everyone muttered and left. Before Iggy and I walked off, Ari grabbed my arm.

"Night, Jenna." He whispered and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Night, Ari." I replied with false confidence. I didn't know what to do… Iggy slide his arm around my waist after Ari released me; he looked annoyed…

"Night, Ari." Iggy growled.

"Night, Iggy." Ari hissed. Iggy led me to his room then. He opened the door and flicked on the light. It was plain and comfy. I approve…

"You care if we share my bed?" Iggy asked.

"Nah, I don't care." I smiled.

"Okay." He smiled and shut the door. I went to his bed and laid down. "You want to borrow some pajamas or something?" He asked.

"Sure." I yawned and sat up. He walked over to his dresser and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a comfy looking shirt.

"I think these will fit you." He said and handed them to me. Then he pulled out some clothes for himself. "I'm going to change in the corner. Don't look." He snickered.

"No promises." I chuckled. I took my sweet time changing my clothes; I didn't have to worry about Iggy peeping. After I was done, I crawled under the covers. Iggy flicked the light off and joined me a few seconds later. I didn't know if I should cuddle against him or not… I mean I still confused about Ari…

"Night, Jenna." Iggy smiled and kissed my head.

"Night." I muttered groggily and my eyes fluttered close.

Oh, no, not again. I was floating… It was daytime this time. I heard the revving of motorcycle. I turned around to see three familiar figures and a dog. Was this another vision?

"Where do we start?" The Aussie girl spoke up as she straddled her red crotch rocket.

"I doubt she's still in Arizona. But wherever she is, she's very good at staying under the radar." The blond guy replied.

"What do you expect? She is my sister after all." The girl snarled. Sister?

"Six, calm down. I know you want to find her, and we will. But it's going to take time." Blonde replied. Six? Sister? I'm Six's sister! They were talking about me, guys! Wait… They were talking about me…

"Lead the way." Her accented voice hissed. And everything faded away again.

I shot up in bed, my heart racing. My breathing was ragged and uneven. I looked at the clock: 6:00 a.m. I had only been sleeping for three hours. I dashed to the bathroom and splashed cold water in my face to calm myself down. When I realized it wasn't working, I sank down to the ground, my back against the counter. Six was looking for me? My sister was looking for me? Why? Why me? Why not Eight? Or Five? Or Seven? Why Nine? Why me? My hands were trembling, my whole body was. I was scared… There I said it. I, Number Nine, am scared. Scared of the Mogs. Scared of the school. Scared of not knowing what comes next or what to do. Ah! What do I do now? Whatever these visions were, they always left me in a panicked, sick, nervous frenzy. I-I think I'm goi- I turned quickly and emptied the contents of my stomach into the toilet. Great. Just perfect.

"Jenna? Are you okay?" I heard a shaky voice after a quiet tapping on the door. I couldn't tell who it was.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I said in a voice that was barely even a whisper. I whipped my mouth on my arm. Let me tell you, not my best idea… I heard the door creak open slowly. I glanced over to see Ari in the doorway. "Go away, you don't need to see this." I looked away from him. He rushed silently to my side, lifted me off the ground, and carried my to the couch. He laid me down then went back to the bathroom. He was back in two seconds and kneeled down next to my head and slowly began stroking my hair. "Why aren't you sleeping?" I said in my sick voice.

"Too many things on my mind." He replied.

"Oh." I replied quietly. Then we were quiet for a little while. I listened to his breathing and tried to match it. I closed my eyes and focused on breathing. I relaxed after a few minutes and then opened my eyes to see Ari's concerned gaze still locked on me. "I think I'm okay now." I whispered and sat up on the couch. I rubbed my eyes. My throat and nose burned from puking and I was still really tired. "Wow… I probably smell like throw up..." I whispered.

"You smell fine." He replied and sat next to me.

"Sure I do." I muttered. Ari sighed.

"Want to go back to sleep," He clenched his teeth. "In Iggy's room?"

"Not really. I feel like doing something." I sighed. "Want to go for a early morning stroll?" I asked. My eyes turned hopeful.

"Sure." He smiled.

"Okay!" I beamed. "I'm going grab some gum first…" I said and got up. "Wait for me outside." I said and slipped back into Iggy's room where my backpack was and found the gum I had from like two months ago, totally worth it. I unwrapped it and shut it in my mouth and tiptoed out. I met Ari outside.

"Hey." He smiled when he saw me.

"Hello!" I beamed.

"Where we going?" Ari asked as we started walking.

"Anywhere. I just wanted to get out for while." I replied.

"That's fine with me." He replied.

"Good." I smiled. "So, what's on your mind? Why couldn't you sleep?"

"Honestly? Or sugarcoated?" He replied gravely.

"Honestly." My eyes narrowed.

"I can't think of what you see in Iggy. I'm constantly racking my brain trying to find out why everyday." He said gravely.

"Oh." My face fell.

"Yeah." He replied. We walked in silence the next few minutes. The sun was just creeping its way over the horizon. We stopped to rest for a few minutes before heading back. I decided to climb a tree. Why not? I leaped up and grabbed a branch and pulled myself up. "What are you doing?" Ari snickered.

"Nothing." I replied and crawled out on a limp until I was hanging over Ari.

"You're going to fall." He said looking up. I wrapped my legs around the branch and hung down so Ari's and my faces were parallel.

"Want to bet?" I smiled. I held my shirt down with my hands. Ari smiled at me. I turned my head for a second and then looked back and realized how close our faces actually were to each other. Our eyes locked. Ari's hands cupped my upside down face and guided our lips together. My eyes closed. I let one hand drop and put it on his cheek. I pushed him away for a brief second, just long enough for me to flip off of the branch. Then, his lips crushed against mine once more. He pushed me against a tree and ran his hands down my sides until he reached my waist. I tangled one of my hands in his hair and ran my other hand down his muscular chest. He had abs…

Me likey…

Thoughts rushed through my head as Ari and I continued kissing. Some were of Iggy and how this was betraying him, while others were about how this felt exactly right. Ari pulled me closer to his chest. Our mouths moved together, un-breaking, bonded. I felt warm air escaping from Ari's nose. Oh, yeah… Breathing… I forgot that existed…

"Jenna, breathe." Ari whispered breaking our contact for only a brief second. He must have noticed I wasn't breathing… I sucked in huge gasp of air through my nose for the first time in like two minutes. "Good girl." He smiled and tilted his head the other way and then I felt his grinning lips back on mine. My heart was racing faster then ever before… What if I didn't really love Iggy? What if I loved Ari? Ari… The man I had my face all over right now… Probably should've thought this through before… Maybe we should stop… No, I like this… Wait, do I? I don't freaking know! What should I do? I hate deciding things!

"Ah-hem." I heard a throat clear. My eyes flew open in shock. My jaw dropped when I saw Max leaning against a tree, her arms crossed at her chest. I shoved Ari away as I thought of what Max was going to say or do next.

Hey guys! Sorry this chapter took so long... I've been really busy with school and crap like that. Welp... Hope you liked it. :)