Disclaimer: I do not own the Lorien Legacies

Hi guys!

I updated as soon as possible because I promised that I would in the last chapter as a special thanks for getting to 200 reviews :D

First of all, a huge thanks to everyone who reviewed! I really appreciate every review and love your feedback for my story. Please, please, please keep the coming and I'll do my best to make the chapters as good as possible for you all.

Secondly, I'm really glad you liked the separation. I was a bit worried that you would all hate my story because of it but I'm so happy that you like it. So as promised, I have put some 5x9 and some 4x6 in this chapter. 7x8 is sort of a given because I love them :D

Also, it's getting into exam period for me and these ones are sooo important for me. I'll try and update every three days after this, but if i'm out by a day or so it's because i'm so busy. I know you guys will be patient because you're all so awesome :D but i'll reward you at the end of May with loads of updates to make up.

So on with the story...

Six

We've been in England for two days now and i'm beginning to love it. Obviously, America is still my home, but I can definitely see myself living here. We're currently staying at a small hotel in London; however I know we'll soon have to leave to go back to America. Somehow I find myself sad about that.

The first thing that crept up on me about England was the tea. They love tea! I've had about two to three a day but that is like the minimum here. It's hilarious and cute at the same time.

The second thing is that they have a great sense of humour. British comedy, such as the series the Inbetweeners, is my new addiction. It's awesomely funny and has kept me highly amused. There's no limit to how much they swear on the shows.

The third thing is they love to complain here. Especially about the weather, which is an obsession for them. It's every conversation starter here; it's like a ritual.

I lie on the small camp bed in the hotel room and flick through channels on the TV. John and Sarah are sitting at the desk, researching on the small computer about flights to the US. I want to get back there but something tells me that we need to stay here, that we came here for a reason. What reason, I don't know. I hope I figure it out soon.

I stretch and stand up. John looks up and smiles but Sarah continues staring at the screen. She's become quiet and withdrawn since Pennsylvania and I do feel sorry for her. Recently, I've tried to build bridges with her again and I realise I don't hate her anymore. A positive development in my opinion.

"Where are you going?" John asks, as I grab my jacket. I smile and sling my bag over my shoulder.

"Sightseeing. Might as well see the sights whilst we're here" I say. He grins and stands up, pulling on his own coat.

"Can I join you?" he says. I nod, secretly thrilled and then turn to Sarah. Her face is closed off but I see pain in her eyes. I feel bad again but I want to be with John by myself.

"Are you coming?" John asks her. She shakes her head and turns back to the computer.

"No, you guys go and enjoy yourselves. I'll do some more research" she says. I nod again and celebrate inside. A couple of hours for John and I to be alone!

"Ok, see you later" I call, as we head out the door. I see her shoulders stiffen and her head droop as we shut the door.

Despite myself, I still feel terrible.

Xxx

"So what do we do now?" John asks, taking a sip from his coffee. He's wearing a 'I love London' shirt and a cap with a London cab on it. He looks like such a tourist. I can't help but laugh at some of the looks he's been receiving but he doesn't seem to care. He has about five London-themed key rings attached to his backpack; all he needs now is a camera around his neck.

"We've seen Buckingham palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, ridden on the London Eye and looked at Oxford Street, and you still want to do more?" I ask.

He grins and shrugs. "Why not? We've got nothing to get back to" he says. He then suddenly seems to realise what he's said and he blushes, looking away. I internally whoop for joy at the open acknowledgement that he and Sarah are not getting on at all and he doesn't want to see her. However, I don't say anything out loud; I don't want to make him feel even more awkward.

We're walking through a small park in London and I stop and sit on a bench. I'm also carrying a cup of coffee and I take a sip, the liquid slowly warming me. John joins me and sighs, looking out at the trees.

"What's going on with you two?" I ask, looking at him sympathetically. No matter my feelings for him, I'll still always be there for him for comfort.

"Sarah's so withdrawn and distant; I don't think she'll ever be the Sarah I feel in love with again" he says. He looks close to tears and I realise this has been bothering him loads. I don't say anything and wait for him to continue.

"She never laughs as much, she's not as confident, she's lost faith in herself... I don't know if I love this new version of her" he says. A tear spills out of the corner of his eye and I take his hand, my own heart breaking. I hate to see him sad, even if it's about Sarah.

"Do you love her?" I ask. I don't know what to think really about this new development.

"Yes and no. I love the old her but this new one needs help and I can't leave her in her moment of need" he sighs and looks into my eyes. "But I can't help but love you more"

My heart misses a beat and then suddenly picks up in speed. I feel my emotions lift and a smile forms on my lips. I'm over the moon at his admission. He smiles at my expression and then leans forward to kiss me.

It's not the wild, passionate kiss like before; this one is slow and sweet. One hand touches my face, gently tilting my chin but he keeps a safe distance from me other than that. We don't want to get too distracted. I kiss back, enjoying this moment of pure bliss. There's really nothing like kissing the guy you love.

He pulls back and leans his head on my shoulder. I know he's conflicted but he feels stronger love for me; that i'm sure about. I lean my head against his and we remain silent for some time. Eventually he pulls back, a determined look on his face.

"I'll have to end it with her but when we're in America. Not now, not in a foreign country. She's been through enough as it is" he says. I nod; disappointed even though I know it's the kindest thing.

"And this can't happen again until she's out of the picture" I say. He sighs but nods.

"I'm sorry Six. I've been messing you around" he says. I shrug and lean forward, resting against his shoulder. His arm wraps around me. We can enjoy this moment together, brief though it is.

"It's fine. It's hard to come to terms with loving two people" I say, squeezing his hand. He laughs and nods.

"You have no idea" he confirms. We lapse into silence and then we get up to begin to walk back to the hotel. Sarah will start to get suspicious otherwise. I'm just admiring how good John looks, when he gasps and comes to a halt. I look at him alarmed.

"Six! Number Two was killed in England!" he says to me. I look at him confused and gesture for him to continue. What is he getting at?

"Adam said there was a base here; one they used to track her" he says. Understanding begins to dawn on me and I smile.

"You want to go there" I confirm. He nods and smiles wildly.

"We can get information about the mogs from here and destroy more enemies in the process" he says. I grin and high-five him.

"Nice thinking John! Now we just have to find a mog and get it to reveal this base!" I say. John laughs at the necessary optimism in my statement and we continue walking back. We have a purpose now, a mission to fulfil. There was a reason we were sent to England; to find information about Number Two and her death.

We're almost back at the hotel and we let go of each other's hand. Despite pitying Sarah and feeling excitement for our new mission, I can't wait until John and I can finally be together.

Xxx

Nine

I wake up, lying under a thick blanket in a soft bed. I groan and roll over, trying to sleep again but I know it's impossible. Once I wake up, I can never fall back asleep again. It's infuriating.

I think of when we arrived here, three days ago. Five had collapsed in my arms after her injury had been too much and I had desperately called for help at a nearby house. Fortunately, living alone there was a 50-year old Russian woman named Olena. I had showed her Five and immediately she had taken control. She had put Ella in a spare room and then stitched Five up. I had hovered around anxiously, wanting to know if Five was ok. According to Olena she'll be fine; she's just over-exerted and needs a lot of rest.

How do I know this? Olena's English is pretty good.

I stretch and lie on my back, looking up at the ceiling. Ever since I saw Five crying after what Adam said, I've always felt a bit sorry for her and realised there's a lot more to her than she lets on. She's a good person; her dragging Ella and I through Russia with a serious knife wound so we can be safe is evidence of that. I realise with surprise, I actually have fond feelings for her like I have for Marina and Six.

Weird, I never saw that coming. I think they've come on since the battle where she showed some guts.

I sit up and pull on some clean clothes Olena laid out for me. She's been the perfect host; cooking for us, buying and washing our clothes, taking care of Five. I think Olena's lonely and our arrival has filled her with a purpose. I don't want to leave this place at all, but I know as soon as Five is ready, we'll go. I walk slowly downstairs, appreciating the smell of cooking pancakes; once Olena realised we're American, she hasn't stopped cooking them for breakfast. So stereotypical.

Not that i'm complaining of course, it's awesome.

I enter the kitchen and see Ella sitting there with a half-eaten plate already. She's talking to Olena about Russia and I smile to see her enthusiasm. She woke up pretty soon after we arrived here; the teleporting just took a lot out of her which is strange because before she was fine with it. Fortunately, she's ok now and i'm glad that I don't have to worry about her too.

"Good morning" I say. Ella grins at me and Olena smiles kindly.

"Good morning. There is a plate for you and your friend. She's in the sitting room" she says, pointing to two plates of pancakes on the side. Confused, I pick them up and after a quick thank you, I leave the room. It sounds like Five is finally awake.

I enter the sitting room and see Five propped up against a head rest of a sofa, drinking a mug of pure black coffee. She needs better taste in drinks. She looks up at my entrance and smiles.

"Sleeping ugly awakes" I say. She rolls her eyes at my adjustment to the phrase and reaches out for the plate I hand her. I grin to see her back to normal and flop down on the sofa by her feet.

"Nice. I almost died by saving you and you call me ugly" she says. I grin and shrug, taking a bite. I try not to moan from the pleasure of eating delicious food. It's a good thing I train and fight so much otherwise I would be morbidly obese by now.

"Hey, I saved you too" I say. She raises an eyebrow and eats some food. Judging by her look of surprise and her almost immediate next mouthful, she likes the taste. I bet she's also starving; she's been out for three days.

"Good, isn't it?" I ask. She nods, pleased, and we finish eating in silence. Somehow it's not uncomfortable, in fact it feels natural. I never thought I would actually get on really well with her.

A couple of minutes later, she sets her plate down on the floor using telekinesis and stretches her arms out. "Where are we?" she asks.

"This is Olena's house. After you collapsed, I knocked on the first door I could find and this was it. Fortunately, she was willing to help" I explain.

She nods and leans back against the cushions. Her face is drawn and she is weaker than she'd like to be. However, I know we're safe for now and can stay here until she is fully healed. She doesn't need to worry; I'll look after her and Ella. I won't let anything happen to either of them.

"How is your wound?" I ask her. She sighs and shifts, grimacing slightly.

"Sore, but that's to be expected" she says. I nod and watch her drain the rest of her coffee. I find myself admiring her slim figure and pretty looks and I glance away, confused. Why am I thinking like this? We've only just begun to tolerate each other, why am I now admiring her? Granted, she's interesting but still.

I suppress the internal conflict and lean back in the sofa. She smiles at me and I find myself smiling back.

"Thank you for saving me. Twice in one day" she says. I laugh and nod smugly.

"Yep and don't you forget it" I say. She grins and rolls her eyes.

"Just as long as you don't forget that I can read your deepest and darkest secrets without breaking a sweat" she says lightly. I flush at that threat, hoping she hasn't read my thoughts about her. I think she already has though, because she suddenly blushes and drops her eyes as if she realised what she just said.

"Then i'm screwed" I say, trying to lighten the mood. She looks back up and grins, relieved at this change. We both are. I don't want to have to think about these mixed-up feelings for her.

"Oh hey Sophia! You're up!" Ella says, walking into the room. Olena follows and Five makes a move to stand up. I push her back gently and she stops, leaning gratefully into the pillows. I don't want her to slow down her healing process. Olena smiles and holds her hand out.

"You must be Sophia. Stanley and Ella have told me so much" she says. Five doesn't even blink at her 'new' name and smiles back.

"Thank you for saving me" she says and shakes Olena's hand. I smile and see Ella come over to me, whilst Five and Olena talk.

"I'm glad she's awake" she says to me. I nod and smile, relieved too. Ella narrows her eyes slightly and then looks confused.

"What's wrong?" I ask her. She shakes her head and looks at me, amused.

"You like her" she says. I look at her and then laugh, shocked.

"Of course. But as a friend" I say, emphasising the last word. Ella rolls her eyes and shakes her head. She walks away and i'm left wondering if I sounded as unconvincing as I thought I did.

Xxx

We've been here a week and Five is completely healed. Olena seemed surprised by that but I think it's just a Loric thing so i'm not too bothered about her fast recovery. In fact, it is pretty useful. I know we have to leave soon, especially since we need to go back to America but I can't bring myself to talk about it with the others. I know they feel the same as they haven't said anything to me.

This past week has been pretty awesome to be honest; one of the best times of my life. After my first weird feelings for Five, we've now developed a steady friendship, although sometimes I do find myself thinking differently about her. Ella and Five have also bonded more, but I know no one will take Marina's place for Ella. In fact, that has been the only issue, Ella's deep longing for Marina to be here. However, by the lack of scars on our ankles, the others seem to be surviving, which i'm so relieved about.

I mean, I can't do all the work. I'll need someone to fight the mog army while I deal with Setrakus.

I'm in the sitting room watching Russian TV with Five. We're laughing at the weirdness of what these people watch. Despite being relaxed, a lifetime of being on the run has made us cautious. Our bags and chests are all packed, ready to be taken at a moment's leave and we're both wearing good survival clothes for Russia: thick sweaters, jeans, and boots. Our coats are nearby, ready for whenever we need them. I realise with a pang we'll be leaving within the next day or so.

"I don't want to leave" I say to Five in a low voice. Olena is in the other room with Ella but I still don't want to run the risk of being overheard. Five nods and sighs sadly.

"I know. When I was on the run I never formed attachments like this. I never wanted this to happen" she says. I nod, not surprised. She seems like the type of person who is hard to make friends.

"We'll need to warn Ella" I say. Out of all of us, Ella has formed the deepest bond with Olena.

Five shakes her head. "She already knows. She's packed her bag too" she says. I nod and sigh, looking away. It's so hard.

There's a small silence between us and i'm about to ask her where we'll go when I hear gunfire and a scream. Five and I are on our feet immediately and we rush to the kitchen. The sound of glass smashing and furniture being destroyed fills the house. We make it to the kitchen and see mogs firing at the house from outside. How did they know where we are?

Ella is huddled on the floor, over Olena. I know at once she's dead because of the bullet wound right in the middle of her forehead. At least she died quickly.

I feel anger bubbling up inside of me at her death. She did so much for us and was killed in return. My hatred for the mogs increases, if that were possible. I feel the familiar rage that comes over me when I go into battle and I don't hold it back. I change at once from chilled out Nine, to the Nine destroys mogs in seconds.

I'm ready to kill.

I grab Ella and drag her out the room, Five following me. Once we're semi-safe, I turn to the two girls. Ella is crying slightly, but Five is determined and eager. A useful ally.

"Grab our stuff" I say to them, my voice hard and low. Five scowls at this order but turns invisible and grabs Ella's hand nonetheless. She knows there will be plenty of mogs to fight even after i'm done.

I turn to the kitchen again, extending my pipe staff.

I wish the mogs luck.

They'll need it.

Xxx

Marina

We've been walking along the Nile for two days, admiring the view and appreciating the shade the trees offer. A very slight breeze sometimes blows on us to cool us down, but most of the time we just have to make do. Water stops are more frequent and growing longer. We're exhausted, especially Eight, who is still recovering from teleporting us all.

Soon we will get to Luxor, according to a local we met along the way. We decided to stick to the Nile; it's a safe source of water and all forms of civilisation exist nearby. I can't wait to get a hotel and a bed; the nights here are very cold, they always are in deserts. I huddle up to the others, but it's not enough for warmth.

We're sitting under a couple of trees, eating some food we were given by the same kind local who told us where to go. It's not a lot, just rice and some meat but it's enough to keep us going. At least we have plenty of water. Eight and I are sitting next to each other but don't make any contact; our tempers are short at the moment and we just want our own space.

"So, we'll get to Luxor this evening and then we can relax. Well, temporarily" Adam says. Out of all of us, he's the only happy one. I smile at him tired and lean back against the tree trunk.

"Sounds good, I can't wait to get some proper food" Eight says. I close my eyes, even though that makes me want to sleep even more.

"I might go for a small swim. To cool off" Adam says. I nod but don't open my eyes. I hear Eight shift next to me and sigh. This is the first time we've been alone in days.

"Are you ok?" he asks, sounding a little annoyed at my behaviour. I don't know why; i'm just resting. But maybe he sees me as being weak. I open my eyes and look at him, glaring slightly. Yeah, we're both very short-tempered right now.

"Of course I am. Can't you see the pure happiness on my face?" I say sarcastically. He glares and looks away.

"I was being nice. No need to get snarky" he mutters.

"Sure you were. And I was simply being honest" I reply. I've really had it with him; we've been constantly annoyed with each other and we need to blow off some steam. It's just this situation that is making us this touchy; we wouldn't be acting like this normally. His jaw locks and he looks at me again.

"What's wrong with you? Why are you being like this?" he snaps. I look at him and stand up.

"Because i'm tired! Because i'm always healing you and Adam because of sunburn that hurts and it wears me out! Becuase i'm hungry and just want to sleep! Because i'm miss Ella and the others!" I shout at him. He stands up too and looks down at me, annoyed. Damn him for being taller than me and looking imposing.

"I miss them too but it doesn't mean i'm being overly sensitive about everything" he says, clenching his fists. I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow.

"So you throwing a hissy fit yesterday because I wanted an extra water break is not being overly sensitive?" I say. He scowls and looks away, pissed off. I shake my head and look away.

"Everything all right here?" Adam asks. He's dripping wet but looks happier than I do. I nod and push past Eight.

"Of course, let's go" I say, ignoring Eight's huff of annoyance.

Xxx

After a couple more hours, we reach Luxor. It's a beautiful but busy city, filled with people and history. I remember reading up about the Valley of the Kings and realise they are located close enough to Luxor. Maybe we could go for a day trip.

I shake my head at that thought as we cross a street and narrowly avoid getting hit by a motorbike. We don't have time to sightsee; we have to meet up with the others. We reach a small hotel, out of the way, and grab two rooms for the three of us. We were smart enough to put money in our chests, like Five advised, in case something happened and now i'm so glad we did that.

We get to our rooms and Adam grabs one key. "I'm going by myself; I want some me time" he says. Before I can argue or protest, he enters his room and locks the door. Some part of me realises he's giving us space to sort things out. Eight and I stand there awkwardly and then I sigh and open the door. We pile in and I almost groan in annoyance. Of course there's one bed.

"I'll sleep on the floor" Eight says quietly. Still a gentleman, even in an argument. I shrug, still slightly annoyed. I need sleep and food and then I can be happier.

"If that's what you want" I say. I flop down onto the bed and close my eyes, falling instantly asleep.

I wake up a few hours later, although it only feels like a few minutes. I smell food and sit up instantly, my stomach grumbling. Eight grins at me as he hands me a wrap filled with meat and sauce. Eagerly, I lean forward and bite into it, not even caring where it came from. I just need food so badly.

After a few minutes of frenzied eating, I feel normal again and I'm able reflect on my recent behaviour with a clearer mind. I've been an idiot and so has Eight. I need to apologise before things get out of hand between us; I couldn't stand it if things went sour.

I finish my food and lean forwards towards Eight, who has also finished. He's sitting on the only other piece of furniture in the room, an uncomfortable-looking chair. There's a small bathroom attached to this room but I don't particularly want to go there just yet. I'm not that desperate.

Eight looks up as I lean across and take his hand. I smile at him hesitantly and he grins back, relieved.

"I'm sorry for being an idiot" I say, looking down. I hear him laugh and i'm glad to know he's back to normal, like me.

"So was I. I blame it on lack of food and sleep" he says. "And yeah, i'm sorry too. Let's just forget about it" he adds. I nod and smile up at him, amazed at how quickly we sorted things out. This is what good food and rest does to you.

He stands up and stretches, his shirt lifting slightly showing a bit of his defined stomach. I find myself admiring him and I flush as I see him smirk, catching me out. He bends down and begins making a blanket bed on the floor. That will not be comfortable. I roll my eyes and stop him from continuing.

"Don't sleep on the floor; share with me. We may not get a chance to sleep on a bed for a while and there's plenty of room" I say. He nods, relieved, and lies down on the bed, weariness on his face. I lie down next to him and sigh, exhausted despite my earlier sleep.

"Where did you get the food?" I ask. He laughs, tired.

"I went out and bought some. Adam came over to watch you, in case of an attack. He's in his room eating right now" he explains. I feel a lump rise in my throat at how he went out to get me food despite being exhausted and angry with me. I must be far nicer to him in the future than I have these past few days.

"What do you think we'll do now?" he asks a couple of minutes later, taking my hand. I frown up at the ceiling.

"I would say going back to America, but i'm not too sure right now. I think I remember there being a ship somewhere in Egypt according to the tablet" I say.

Eight sits up, excited, and grins at me. "You're right! There is a ship here! And I remember Ella telling me where it was hidden!" he says, triumphantly. I look up at him and prop myself up on my elbows.

"Where? And how does Ella know?" I ask, confused. He grins.

"Crayton told her ages ago. And as for the ship, you already know where it's buried, you just don't want to believe it" he says, laughing at me. He's delighted by this turn of events.

I groan and flop back onto the bed, rubbing my face. Of course I know where Crayton would hide it. He loved places like that and the irony wouldn't be lost on him. A buried ship would be the last thing people would want to dig up there.

"The Valley of the Kings" I say.

I hope I got things mostly accurate for the countries (except for England obviously :D). I'm just going by stereotypes so if anything's wrong please tell me.

So a bit of 4x6 and it is now the beginning of the end for Sarah... i'm sure you're all devastated by that ;)

Hope you enjoyed and please, please, please review! :D