Chapter 25: Safely out of Paradise

Basically, this was the conversation I missed:

"I wouldn't leave like that if I were you. They are here."

Since no one was able to speak, the anonymous girl elaborated: "The Mogadorians are here already. This came on breaking news thirty minutes ago, not to mention, another video popped up: a house on fire. It was very small but I thought I saw movement outside the second floor windows. I had to give it a burl even though I've got Buckley's chance."

"Huh- wha - Why? And where'd did you come from?"

"Around. Pennsylvania actually. I've been trying to track you," she pointed to Four, "since I saw a flashing light around your ankle while struggling in a lake. Plus, I saw a suspicious transaction yesterday by a small bakery and stalked the buyer afterwards. He's your Cepan ain't he? I knew it wasn't just a coincidence when I saw your faces in the TV today. By the way, all of you three will be presumed dead if they don't find your bodies." She walked closer, her hand lifted for a shake.

"Don't come any closer! How do you know about the Mogs?"

"John, who is she?"

"Who are you?" tried Four once again.

She pulled back her hand and sighed, giving up a proper introduction. "I am Number Six. I'm here to help." She took another step.

"Stop! Don't come any closer. Don't you know what this will do? The charm!"

"John stop," I said. "It's time."

Four after hearing this snaps his head to my direction. The same goes for Sarah. The new Garde however, apparently either hasn't or has chosen to ignore me instead.

Though I believe she is telling the truth, this supposedly Number Six holds her stance and speaks again, "It's time to gather everyone together don't ya think? We've already lost three and you're next for fuck's sake! And please don't tell me you're planning to fight all those asses by yourself cause you can't. We're stronger together unless you suddenly gained a legacy that vanishes an enemy within a snap of a finger. Now, I'd love to stay and chat more but we've got our lives hanging on a thread at the moment."

Wow, what a handful! Oh and um, a mouth… Two's clue about my future partner hits me and I blush. Now's not the time but I can't help but wonder: is it her? I shake my head - it isn't wise rushing into conclusion. Six may be it but well, how can a girl like that fall for a guy like me? She's literally up there and I'm way down here.

We're not really compatible. Yes. Definitely not at all.

Now what would Henri do in this situation… snort and laugh? It would definitely surprise us all but well, he did know it was coming.

So I say, "Your Cepan," which gets her attention. "Where is she?"

She raises a brow, then silently questions Four. Whatever Four gave, she frowned at it. I silently answer her inquiry. Yes I, along with Sarah, are now part of this.

"Dead."

Oh.

Silence.

"Since when?" asks Four.

Six, not showing any emotions at all, answers flatly, "Since 2007."

Once again, it becomes quiet.

I approach Four and Sarah and whisper, "Hey John, aren't you gonna say something, do something?"

The Garde snorts, "Like what, reach out my hand for her to shake?"

I look at him as if that's what he's supposed to do and say, "Yes and say 'It's shit good to see you again' or something. Anything!" (Excerpt From: Jobie Hughes. "I Am Number Four." iBooks.) Both Sarah and Four exchange a look of surprise and I wince, "I know, I know, there's a first time for everything."

Sarah frowns, "So long as you know there are people here who'll always care for you no matter what Sam."

I nod to her but grimace - please not that memory lane again! Not right now.

Six coughs, breaking our quiet discussion which hasn't even been going anywhere, "I've been looking for the others since I found -"

"What, the video?" exclaims Four out of the blue. "Go away! You're putting everyone in danger! This is not supposed to happen!" This never-before-seen attitude of his is scaring all of us. Six especially, I'm sure.

"Hope," rebutted Six, rendering him, all of us, speechless.

And I am stumped. Literally. For once in my life, I actually don't know what is, making it seem that not everything is certain for me.

I try another route, "John, it has already happened. There's no use pushing her away. Maybe this is what Henri meant with it being time."

Four takes and releases a deep breath, probably having realized that there's no time for further paranoia, "Alright. Ok. So it's time then. You sure?" I nod and he sighs again. He reaches a hand towards Six, "You are right to call me Four." I've never seen him so frightened like this, "But I'm known as John Smith."

Six pulls and shakes his hand, "Nice to meet you John. Sorry, I tried to get here before they did. I'm Jane, Jane Doe." She smirks.

All I can say is, well that was quick.

I blink a couple of times because I still can't believe… this. Another Garde has joined us, officially evening out the playing field. All the remaining Gardes can be killed by the Mogs out of number now because this charm that has been protecting the true Gardes has been broken. We need to find the others fast. I think of Two again and her death. How did they kill her? Was she - I shudder as I rid myself of the thought. My fist knuckles. It doesn't matter how she died. Only that she's dead because of them. I hope it was fast that it was almost painless so that she didn't have to endure any more suffering. I can't say the same for them, however, once I avenge her death.

Meanwhile, Sarah casts her eyes down at the exchange. Surely she's not jealous? She's literally the stars in Four's eyes!

Releasing Six's hands, Four finally steps aside, revealing his girlfriend, "And this is my bonded, Sarah Hart."

Six's mouth forms an "o" while her eyebrows rise, "A human?" She looks at Sarah briefly and then back at Four who frowns at her tone. "Your bonded?" She pauses to think then shrugs. Was she not informed by her Cepan about Loric mating for life? "Well, if your Cepan was fine with it. Not very smart though bringing her along." She diverts her attention to me and I raise my brows, "And him?"

Looking affronted but suppressing it, Four turns to me, "Can't agree with you on that and this, this is my best friend." He motions for me and I finally - finally - come in, getting a closer look of this beauty. Don't freak out Sam. First, fix that smile. Alright, she's just a girl - probably the prettiest you have ever seen - but come on, you've just been through a heartache right now which you have temporarily set aside! Calm down. I release a breath and reach my right hand out, "Hi, I'm Sam Goode."

The same with Sarah, Six doesn't meet it. Just looked at me briefly then to Four, "Another human?" I put down my hand not knowing if I should feel insulted or float in cloud nine because that brief second of meeting eye to eye was just - wow! She has the clearest hazel eyes and the most divine olive-toned skin. My face flush and I hope everyone perceive it as an out of embarrassment thing. My medicine to everything, I think of Two to regain myself. My beautiful red-haired childhood friend and first crush. And just like that, I am slapped out of my reverie when I remember, "John your chest!"

As if I've grown a second head, they all stare at me after hearing the panic in my tone. "Sam I can't. Henri -" Oh, right. The chest can only be opened with the Garde and his Cepan present.

I tear up, "Are they, are they in there?" My three most precious possesions…

As understanding dawns on him, Four answers, "Henri and I made sure to add them Sam, don't worry. Thing is, you won't able to see them until we reunite with Henri or -" He doesn't need to finish because I know. The only way for Four to be able to open his chest alone would be if Henri is no more.

I nod, "No it's ok. That's," I lick my dry lips, "good enough for me."

Nana's picture and recipe book and Two's Wuthering Heights. So long as I know they're safe.

Four pats me again on the back, "Don't worry Sam, you'll be with them again in no time."

I smile at him, "Thanks bro."

I look up to find Sarah smiling at the exchange. Six meanwhile is tight lipped.

"Well John, you're best friend's a nutter!" Ouch. Well she doesn't know me so I'll ignore that one as it doesn't pertain to me even though it was aimed at me.

It's funny though because odd as it is, I actually don't feel any sort of anger towards her. Seriously! She's impulsive orally yes, but well, something must have triggered that right? It must be her defense mechanism. After all, I used to be - my childhood self I mean - dark and tough. So I understand…well, beginning to.

Four, being the best friend that he is comes to my defense, "Hey you don't even -"

"It's okay John. I get it." I meet Six eye to eye, "Those items are the only reminders I have of the two people I love most."

Understanding flickers her eyes but she hides it as soon as it came up. Yup, another defense mechanism. If not showing negative emotions, then she shows nothing. She is totally like an open book right now. That or I'm just being very observant. This girl must have gotten through extreme pain and loss. A tough nut to crack and hurting on the inside. Just like a devil's food cake. Hmm, this could be my new challenge…I've never lost one ever before.

This does it: I now vow to be the first one to open her up.

Six flinches and I notice immediately, "You're hurt."

Four curses on the side, "What are we going to do?"

"Don't you have anything in your chest?" asks Six. "Never mind. You can't open it. There must be first aid kit in the truck though."

"Where's your chest?" shoots Four back.

No answer.

I scour my brain for anything that could help her situation. Maybe a healing stone? Is there such a thing? Suddenly an image of a black stone and it's function flashes: it will heal recent and non-accidental injuries at the expense of the victim feeling double the pain inflicted. Apparently such a thing actually exist but I won't use it if I can help it.

"I'll check the truck," volunteered Sarah. Six hesitates but gives her the key. We all hear some shuffling and then, "I've got it!"

We all walk towards it but I walk slowly by Six's side because she's limping and also so I could keep an eye on her.

"I can still walk you know," she remarks, clearly knowing my intention and not liking it one bit.

I turn a darker red from getting caught. Clearing my throat, I say, "Of course. Sorry." I speed up a little but still make sure I can see her from my peripheral vision. Her brows furrow and I widen my eyes at thought of actually finding it cute. I shake my head. She is very pretty when she isn't talking. Uhh, shaking my head again. She flinches and I pause. She flutters her hand, a notion for me to continue my walking but I only do so when she resumes hers.

The silence was making my head go to places I refuse to acknowledge so I decide to strike a conversation, "So what is it?" The Mogs will pay for hurting her. It's really odd how these thoughts just keeps popping out of nowhere. Moreover, why now?

"Excuse me?" I swear I feel her staring at me from behind. It takes a couple of seconds before she gets it, "Oh, the pain? I came across two scouts a little while ago. One threw a dagger at me as I was killing the other." I flinch at how easy that came out of her mouth. "I pulled it out right after I… rid …of him."

"Hmm." Too bad, I would have love to do it - what the heck? What am I thinking?

I must have expressed her my thoughts out loud because she chuckles darkly, "I bet you don't even know what you are saying. Anyway, what are you doing with our kind anyway?"

Oh you have no idea.

How can I tell her I'm practically one of them now? I am not able to respond for we reach the now unhitched truck which now has open access to its bed and to which she sits herself onto. Sarah, followed by Four behind her, comes over with two things on her hands, "Pick one: this or this?" On one hand is a human first aid kit while on the other is a stone with a note, which my eyes widen upon on. It's the healing stone! But how - Henri. The note says it all: For injuries. Use with caution ~ Henri. "I found it in my bag," states Sarah further.

"Sam, what's that?" asks Four. Six looks surprised, probably from the fact that her fellow Garde would be asking me, a human, out of all people err beings. How could I, after all, know anything about Loric items? Her mouth opens to answer but I beat her to it before she can utter a single word.

To cover my secret identity, I say, "Henri and I discussed about it once. Apparently, it's a healing stone. It will heal recent and non-accidental injuries at the expense of the victim feeling double the pain inflicted, hence Henri's 'Use with caution' warning."

"Huh, ookayy," exclaims Four. He is imitated by Sarah who silently shows it with her agape mouth.

Now what would Six choose first? I can tell she's pretty tough and strong and determined. She'll choose the stone for sure.

Proving my assumptions right, Six removes her leather jacket, revealing a faded brown tank top. And the gash? Well it runs down across her arm, surrounded by dry blood. She reaches for the stone and we all brace ourselves. She grunts and I internally commend her for following through.

"Guess that answers how recent is recent," she states. Seeing the confusion in our faces, she says, "It only worked for the most part." She turns around and we all see a much more severe gash on her back, made evident by the diagonal tear of her tank top, unhealed.

Sarah gasps. Four swears. I just… stare. What in the stars is that? How is she even able to talk right now?

"I would have reached you guys sooner had it not been for this. Sorry."

Why is she even apologizing? I tighten my fist further, uncaring of how my nails are digging so deep into my skin right now.

"I can help if you'll allow me," I say. I can stitch her up, like I did with myself a couple times during those dark days. Ugh, I really don't wanna go back there again.

Sarah looks between the two of us. "We'll leave you two alone," and she pulls Four away with her.

I start my job without hearing her answer.

Four gives me two looks: 1) What the hell are you doing? 2) Are you out of your mind? "Don't tell me you're crushing on her Sam cause if you are, good luck!" He met with me as soon as I came out of the door of the trailer to which I carried Six into.

I blush, "Ok, I admit, she's hot! But come on dude, I just got dumped! I'm not going for that. I'm aiming more towards friendship."

"You didn't get dumped Sam. You so had it!" He shakes his head, "By the way, how is she?"

"In there," I point towards the trailer standing by itself. "Inside there, to you know, give her some privacy." In truth, she kinda fainted halfway as I was stitching her up but I don't' think she'd like me saying it like that so I didn't.

Nodding, we resume our prior conversation and he rolls his eyes, "Right. What were Sarah and I again before we started dating?"

"Four, I'm telling you. It's not her. I mean, I would know like you did with Sarah right?"

He gives me a look of dawning and then understanding, "What did you feel Sam?"

"Hmm, starstruck. Don't tell me you didn't feel it too!" He looks at me like I've grown a double head and I repeat, "Seriously John?"

He raises his hands, "My attention is reserved for one girl only Sam."

I laugh, "Ok. Alright. Gotcha."

Four looks serious though, "If you really want to know, let's rephrase it this way. What was it you feel when you first saw Emily Knapp?"

My heart gives out a lurch, and I fall from cloud nine, "I felt the need, the want, to get to know her. I wanted to be the one to make her smile, because her smile is everything. But then I realize that I'm just a nobody, and that there was no way I was good enough for her." This is what I felt for Emily when I was human, maybe so even now. I could have gotten this dream, but it was not meant for me.

"And what about Six?"

I grimace, "Six? I just want to help her. Can't you notice? She's alone." Just like I was.

Four grumbles while shaking his head, "You're impossible Sam Goode. Anyway, from what you're telling me, it seems what you feel for Emily and Six are totally different things. And hey, cheer up! Sarah knows what happened from Emily. It seems she hasn't given up on you though. Maybe you'll get together once this is all over."

Maybe. I want it - us - to happen but I shake my head: no. "Totally not helping in me trying to get over her John."

"Why?"

Because Two told me? Because I'll be only hurting Emily in the end when I finally find my own Sarah? "Just because John. She deserves better."

"You've gotta open your eyes and see your own worth Sam. Anyway, I'm off. I think Six just woke up," he winks then runs away. Coward. Right on cue, the door behind me opens.

I turn around and came face to face with Six wearing her shades (what's with this?), standing right in the middle of the opened doorway. "Hello, feeling better?"

"Hmm," she walks past by me as if I'm invisible, "We have to get going."

Like a magnet attracted to its counterpart, I start following her automatically. I realize we are walking towards Sarah who is holding Bernie and Four who has this knowing smile on his head. I divert my eyes from him. Nothing's wrong with me following her Four.

Honestly though? Screw it. I don't know what's happening to me anymore. Within seconds - seconds - since this girl came into my life, I've literally lost - or am loosing - control! I fight it off with a gruff. "Do you have any plans?" I ask her.

If there are Mogadorian scouts right this moment, then we can't really start a scene that would that would disclose to them our location. After all, Six has already killed two of them in secret, most likely more. And if they're keeping track of their numbers, then the others must be truly on their way. We are now in the borderline of triggering chaos in Paradise Ohio. Great.

Six shakes her head, "John?"

Four pauses to think, then starts with, "You know, I remember a story Henri told me while taking a break from our training sessions."

He retells us the story.

Henri to Four, "You were three years old and I had just started working with your family. I came to your house for the first time the day before, and as I came up the hill for my second day the house wasn't there. There was a driveway, and a car, and the tree, but no house. I thought I was losing my mind. I continued past it. Then when I knew I had gone too far I turned back and there, some distance away, was the house that I swore wasn't there before. So I started walking back, but when I came close enough the house again vanished. I just stood there looking at the spot where I knew it must be, but seeing only the trees beyond it. So I walked on. Only on my third time by did your grandfather make the house reappear for good." Excerpt From: Jobie Hughes. "I Am Number Four." iBooks.

"My grandfather also has the Legacy of Invisibility."

That's wicked! I believe I know where this is going but I let him finish.

Four continues, "And you Six obviously is that one percent of the Garde who can turn invisible!" He grins. Looking wistful, he says, "Anyway, Henri told me further that my grandfather was such a joker and even swore that he has always gotten the best of him."

That got us all to smile despite the grim situation we are currently in. Even Six, which makes me correct my earlier statement: she's even way prettier when she smiles!

"Alright, I know what to do." Six points to Four and Sarah, "You both, keep watch." We all step outside: the sun, slowly setting. "Oh and take the dog." Immediately, the couple with my dog all go to the edge of the open clearing. "You," she points to me.

Yes? What can I do for you ma'am? Oh god.

"Keep close but distract and slow me down, I'll shoot you myself."

I raise my hand in surrender, "Got it."

We now both stand in front of the truck. Six crosses her arms as she bites her lips, "Now how should I do this?" I open my hand to suggest something but - "Hmm, let's see if this would work." In deep concentration, she touches the nose, which then disappears. She swears, "Not good enough."

If Six can turn anything invisible, then it means she may be our only hope of getting out of here alive. Now I know she's ready but the question is, can she do it in this short amount of time we have?

After the fifth time, she gets about up till half of the hood downwards invisible.

Yet her eyes continues to shoot daggers to the innocent truck. By the twentieth time, the nose up to the hood is successfully turned invisible. It is now around mid-evening and we've only got about an hour left, tops.

"You're doing a great job," I tell her. No use in rushing her; she's stressed enough.

Six huffs, "Not enough."

"Slow, down. It won't work that way." Maybe if she thinks she has plenty of time then it will work better.

"Not enough time," she replies, proving my point exactly. "And how'd ya know? I'm the one with legacy here."

"Touché," I say, still pretending. If only she knew.

The sun is slowly setting behind us. If I could get my way, I would have been currently sitting on the bed of the truck reading Wuthering Heights, hoping that I never experience something desperate like Heathcliff losing Catherine. Then - oh, I've actually experienced it already. And more than once.

I decide to go up the truck from the back and lean over the cab so that I can see Six's progress from the top. It's amazing how the hood disappears first, then the bumper; but it falls short when it reaches the cab. "You're doing great!" I say and receive a scowl along with the cab disappearing which catches us both in surprise. Next thing I know, it's as if this invisible force is after me; I speed up my retreating until - I fall off the truck, safely avoiding the hitch. Thank the stars for my Legacy of Flight because there was no way to soften that fall besides using just that. No one notices and I get up, pretending to be hurt. The truck is fully invisible now and we all stare at it in wonder. Six once again is in deep concentration, unmindful of her surroundings. Beads of sweat form along her cheeks and forehead. The incredible thing with this is that even the interior of the truck is invisible.

Mouth agape, I stare at it from the side.

"Sam," calls Six. It was the first time she mentioned my name. "Do me a favor and go right towards the end of the trailer!"

"What? Why?" That thing's not connected anyway.

"Now!"

Okay! On it! I run to where she tells me to go but look back while doing so. And just like that, Six's legacy spreads, as if attracted towards me. The implication slips my mind as another thought rushes to the surface like a dolphin: we can actually escape unscathed! I can't believe it! I laugh as I run, amazed.

Four and Sarah calls our names and we both turn around towards them. The truck instantly becomes visible and the couple both take a second pause, staring at it in disbelief, before resuming their running towards us. "The Mog's are surrounding the school! We've got to get out of here now!" says Four.

Six curses.

"How do you know?" I ask.

"Your dog Sam." Sarah, "It turned itself into a bird, and then a parrot. I don't even know how a parrot can talk on its own." I stare at Bernie, who is currently a beagle staring right back. Is this true buddy? As if on cue, he barks back.

Sarah continues, "And then well, back into a beagle."

"Sam," says Four. I turn at my name being called, deeming everything too fast to process, "Your dog, his real name is Hadley."

"Hadley," I repeat.

Four nods, "He used to play with me when I was little." He smiles, "He's family."

"You're having visions without training."

His smile widens, "Been having them lately. It's not new."

I shake my head, "Henri would be proud if he knew."

"I know."

I take a breath. Wow, my dog is a chimaera! Turning to Six, I say, "How long can you hold this for?"

"For as long as I can. However, deducing from the fact that this was the first time I've done this, I'd say a couple minutes."

A couple minutes is enough time to get out of Paradise.

"Well I know I won't be able to drive an invisible truck, not to mention with a trailer attached to it I volunteer that Sam drives," pipes in Four.

Six stares at him trying to get the logic of it, "What?"

"Sam's got the best instincts," he says. It's supposed to explain all but Six, not knowing what I am capable of, is understandably unconvinced.

Sarah turns this around by saying, "Sam's pretty good with the wheels. He has more experience with it than any of us."

Six scrutinizes me, "Alright. Now that makes more sense. However, I say ditch the trailer." Oh well, it was awesome while it lasted. What a waste though. "I think I can hold it longer if the body's smaller." Four shrugs as if saying, Okay. Seriously, this guy: money is no problem with him.

I catch the keys that Six throws me while giving me a pointed look. I smirk back. Don't worry, I won't be slowing us down. She turns around with a huff. She gets onto the back of the truck, right near to edge to which she places both her hands on. Only half of it turns visible, she included. "Get in!" she exclaims. Even though we can't see her, she's still as intimidating.

Four, Sarah and Bernie will be with me in the front. As soon as I get into my seat, the invisible force once again spreads, engulfing the whole truck.

Four whistles, "It's sad how this won't be showing in your camera Sarah."

His girlfriend chuckles at the joke, "It can on video. But we wouldn't want that in the wrong hands would we?"

"Or the internet," I add in.

"Hey! Very funny guys - those videos of me previously, I had no control over them," defends Four. "Besides, Henri has fixed that problem already." He pouts but Sarah takes erases it with a kiss.

A thump from behind alerts us. Four slides the rear windows open and we hear Six, "Let's go. I can't hold it for too long but this will do."

I take a deep breath once more, "Ok. Where to?"

"Anywhere out of here," mumbles Six.

I look at the spot in the rear view mirror to where I sensed she would be, "Alright. Out of Paradise we go." Four slides the windows close and I start the engine, my eyes darting to what's in front of us. "But first, let's get out of these woods."

Once on the road, I decide to go southeast. If my prejudgment is right, the cops should be crowding the east right now. I guess Pennsylvania was the wrong choice after all or, is now the wrong choice - though I'm still trying to figure out what made my heart lurch at the thought when Henri mentioned it. I press further on the gas pedal once we pass the town's sign. Goodbye Paradise. We've just saved you from destruction. I'm glad. At least Nana's house would still be safe. I'll visit again, her grave especially, when all of this is over. That I promise.

~END~

A/N: Well that's it for now folks. Until next time!