Hi guys!

Thank you all so much for the lovely reviews! I love reading them and hearing what you think about the story so far, so thank you all so much!

Answers to reviews –

- Sometimes when there are so many characters, it's hard to make them all interact but I've tried to do that at the moment. There's another interaction in this chapter that hasn't happened so much, and one that I hope you'll enjoy.

- I'm glad that Jix is kind of obvious. Sometimes I wonder if it's not obvious enough, but if you all think that it is, then that's good enough for me!

- I think Marina definitely had so much potential as a character and Eight's death ruined that! That's why I had Setrakus lie about Joseph's death in this story; Marina got a good bit of development but then Joseph was still alive.

- I'm glad you recognised the Games of Thrones line! Sometimes I can't help but throw in references from other stories/shows!

Please read on and enjoy!

Chapter 36 – Change of Plan

Maren

"Ok, please tell me you had a good reason for this," I hope my glare is intimidating but I have a feeling I just look really stupid as I take my place in the Command room dressed in my pyjamas.

"There is," Henri reassures me.

At least I'm not the only one who's clearly exhausted in our midnight war council. Nearby John stifles a yawn, whilst Nine is basically slumped over on the table, half-asleep. Marina and Joseph are here too, whispering to each other. Something about the way Marina looks so freaked out and the way Joseph is clearly trying to reassure her makes dread form in my stomach. Something's happening. Something bad.

"Good, we're all here," Kat enters the room, shutting the door behind her carefully. I notice that there don't seem to be any communicators in here, nor are there any camp officials or Laws' advisors. I narrow my eyes, wondering if this is supposed to be hidden from Laws. If it is, then this is my kind of meeting.

"I know you're all excited to head to the Capital now that West Virginia has been destroyed," Henri begins. "But there's been a new development, something that we didn't expect," I share a look of dismay with John, hating the sound of that.

"Marina, maybe you would like to-" Henri's interrupted when Nine starts to snore, his head on the table. With a sigh, I reach over and slap the back of his head, waking him up. He yelps, sitting upright and rubbing his head.

"Hey!" he protests. "She hit me!"

"This is a meeting," Kat sounds exasperated. "Nine, please pay attention," Nine shoots me a glare but I just grin back, enjoying the moment too much. John stifles a smile but Marina and Joseph don't seem amused at all; Marina keeps biting her nails, looking around anxiously.

"As I was saying," Henri says pointedly. "Marina, do you want to speak?" Henri sits down. I look at Marina in confusion, especially when she nods and stands up. She nervously plays with the sleeves of her pyjama top, looking around at us all.

"Um, well, this is going to sound really weird," she begins nervously. "And I swear, I'm not going mad at all," she chews on her lip and I almost can feel her trepidation. "Ella came to me in a dream," she blurts out.

"Yeah, that does sound weird," Nine snorts in the corner. "Please tell me, you did not wake us up just so we could talk about dreams?" he complains.

"Nine," I'm surprised by John's tone. He looks at Marina earnestly, and I get a weird feeling, almost like jealousy. "This is serious," Marina smiles gratefully at John and then takes a deep breath, facing us all.

"She was…it was weird," Marina says. "It was like she was a ghost or a spirit form or something. It was bizarre. She couldn't stay long, she said it was too hard for her. But she told me the most important things," she explains.

"Which were?" I demand. Joseph sighs in exasperation, shooting me and Nine looks.

"If you let her speak then we'll know," he replies lightly. Henri looks like he's going to snap at us any minute but Marina talks before our mentor can go off on one.

"She said we had to go to Elder's Isle," Marina says.

"Elder's Isle?" I raise an eyebrow. "What the hell is that?"

"It used to be the stronghold of the Elders," Kat explains briefly. "Centuries ago, before Lorien was properly developed. Their original headquarters were there before they relocated to the Capital. But the Isle has always been powerful, always clung to its heritage. The Isle disappeared when the mogs came to Lorien," she frowns. "Nobody knows how or where it went. It just vanished," she shrugs helplessly.

"An island can't just vanish!" Nine snorts. "That's the stupidest thing I've heard!"

"This one did," Kat replies calmly. "It's as if the stronghold of the Elders disappeared when the Elders did,"

"Maybe if the Elders are back, the island is back," Marina says. "Maybe its power comes and goes with us," It's a valid point, but I still don't really get what the point of this conversation is.

"So what, why do we have to go to a magic island that may or may not have disappeared completely?" I demand.

"Ella said Setrakus had to go there to get something, the entity of Lorien or something," Marina frowns in confusion. "He's going right now and he's taking Ella with him. She said we were the only ones that could stop him," she explains.

"Let him have whatever he wants," Nine snorts. "We have a battle to fight in the Capital," I'm kind of tempted to agree with him, even though Setrakus wanting this entity thing does sound serious.

"No!" Marina shakes her head urgently. "Ella said if he succeeds then we've lost the war. He's won. She said we had to abandon the Capital and go to Elder's Isle at once!" The seriousness starts to hit home me when I see how fierce Marina is. Nearby Henri sighs deeply, looking almost as if he knew this was coming and he was dreading it.

"She's right," he says slowly. "Setrakus has been planning this for some time. He was always fixated on the island and its opening to the core of Lorien…we should have known he'd go back if he was desperate," Henri shakes his head almost in anger and Kat reaches over, taking his hand.

"Ok, but how do we get there?" John asks.

"Ella said Lorien would show us," Marina says in a softer tone.

"You know, I really hate the whole prophecy shit of 'Lorien will show the way'," Nine grumbles. "'Follow your heart'," he snorts derisively.

"Enough," Henri stands up. He turns to Marina, looking almost desperate. "Did Ella say anything else?" Marina shakes her head, face filled with concentration.

"No, I don't think so…" she pauses. "Wait, she did say something about Pittacus," she remembers. "Only he and the Elders could stop Setrakus apparently," she looks around, almost as if hoping one of us knows what the hell Ella was talking about.

"Oh great, a dead guy is going to defeat Setrakus," Nine rolls his eyes. "This night is just getting better,"

"Pittacus isn't dead," Joseph says patiently. "Remember? He sacrificed himself to Calakmul so that someone else could take up the role," he looks hopeful but I don't share his optimism. "One of us could be Pittacus!"

"Or Hannah," I say bluntly. "Or Hannu or Maggie or Sophia!" Nine winces at the last name, but he doesn't say anything else. John loses his hopeful look and I mentally kick myself.

"The Elders are interchangeable," Marina points out. "Cody lost his right to be an Elder and Sophia was gifted the role because she had proven herself," she reminds us. "Even if one of them had been Pittacus, maybe Lorien has gifted it to one of us?" she says.

I look around at the others with new eyes. Marina has a point. It wouldn't be Nine, he's far too temperamental and out of control to be Pittacus, and if Lorien thinks he'd make a controlled leader, then maybe Lorien isn't worth fighting for. But it could be one of the others. Especially John. I could definitely see John being Pittacus. He's the only one I would lead without worrying about their ability as a ruler. He's strong, confident and actually uses his brain.

"If Ella is right, then Pittacus might reveal himself on the battlefield," Henri says. "This might be the perfect time for his arrival," The others look as confused and unsure as I feel, but they don't say anything.

"Wait a minute, we haven't even decided what we're doing," I say. "I know Ella says we have to go the Island, but what if it's a trick?" I demand, looking around at everyone. Henri almost looks shocked, as if us going to the island was a given.

"I say we go to the Capital!" Nine sits up, filled with energy. "I am not going to some weird island place that's disappeared so we can go and stop Setrakus finishing off some old business! We're almost done! We've almost won! This is just a ploy to stop the attack!" he protests. Marina shakes her head at once, placing her hands flat on the table.

"No!" she argues. "Ella said it was urgent! We have to trust her, have to believe that she knows what she's talking about!" she reasons.

"Are you even sure it was Ella?" Nine demands. "Not some stupid trick by Setrakus? You were his prisoner before, he's probably got all sorts of tabs on you. This could just be another trick to screw up your mind," he snaps. Marina squares her jaw, looking pretty terrifying for a moment and I swear the air cools down. Just a bit, but enough for us to notice.

"I wasn't his only prisoner," she says coolly. "I'm not an idiot, Nine, I know what dreams are sent by him and which ones are Ella's," She replies. "It was Ella and if we don't do what she says, then there will be no attack on the Capital. We have to go,"

"Enough," John says calmly, placing a hand on Nine's arm. "I believe Marina. It won't be a trick," The two share a smile and I get that weird feeling again. I seriously need to get a grip.

"I'm with John and Marina," Henri speaks up. "Setrakus has long had an interest in Elder's Isle. He's long tried to acquire something from there,"

"Lorien," I remember the lesson they gave us long ago, months ago when they were telling us about Setrakus' past and how he was banned from the Elders. "He wanted the entity so he could get…I can't remember what it was. He wanted to suck Lorien out of the ground and bend it to his will," I remember.

"Exactly," Kat seems pleased that I remember. "If Ella says he wants to go there, he wants one thing only: Ximic," Marina sits up straight, as if the word has rung a bell.

"Ella did say something about that," Marina looks excited. "I'd never heard of it before…I couldn't remember what it was called," she almost looks embarrassed, but Kat smiles at her reassuringly.

"Ximic is…Ximic is the most powerful legacy there is," she pauses. "With it, you can copy whatever legacy you want. You can access any legacy ever gifted to us by Lorien,"

There's a small silence. I think of the power of such a legacy, the ability to take any legacy and make it yours. If Setrakus had it, he could disable all of our legacies and then kill us with our own, as a sick twist of fate. He could use whatever legacies he wanted to evade us, to destroy us, to crush our fight and us. I shiver, the thought of Setrakus holding such power filling me with dread. He can't have that power. If he does, we've lost the war. Now I understand Ella's urgency. Now I know why Henri looked so shocked at the possibility of us not going.

"We go to the island,' I say. "We have to stop him," Even Nine nods. None of us realised how much was hanging in the balance until now.

"We can't let him have Ximic," John agrees. "But how do we stop him?"

"Ella said she would help," Marina replies. "I think she might have a plan,"

"Why didn't she tell us?" I demand.

"Because we won't like it," Nine says grimly. "And if we find out, we'll try to stop her," she adds. Marina looks upset, and Joseph reaches across, taking her hand in his. He hasn't said much this meeting, but he looks as determined as the rest of us.

"What about the Capital?" John turns to Henri. "What about the attack?"

"We continue as planned," Henri says. "Setrakus' absence is both a blessing and a curse. You five will have a tough fight on your hands but his absence means the Capital is weakened. We will try to take full advantage of his absence," he explains.

"Whilst you are on the island, we can try to disable as many pods as we can, so that you can head straight into the city without being hindered by the traps," Kat continues. "Then you can make your way to the centre with the second wave of attacks and kill Setrakus, if you don't do so already on the island,"

"We'll kill him there," I say in determination. "It'll end on that island," The others nod along with me, but Kat just smiles sadly. I hate the look of doubt in her eyes. It's like she knows it's not going to happen.

I will make sure he dies there. He has to die there.

"Hopefully we'll be back in time for the second wave," John grins. "Then we can enter the Capital and end the war,"

"You leave in a few hours," Henri announces seriously. "Stop Setrakus and whatever he plans on doing. Try to kill him before he escapes," he looks at us all, the dread in his eyes making me feel nervous. "You cannot fail,"

"We won't," I vow.

Xxx

"Hey sweetheart,"

I jump, dropping my sword onto the table with a loud clattering sound. I turn abruptly to see Nine crossing his arms, grinning at my shock. I shoot him a look, and he grins more, enjoying this way too much.

"Asshole," I reply, turning back to the table. He laughs outright, as I pick up my sword, strapping it onto my back in its special travel sling. I'm dressed in our battle gear, my rucksack by my feet and filled with provisions. It's got everything I need for the battle on the island but not enough for the attack on the Capital when we come back. Not that I'm planning on us having a battle to fight there; everything is going to end on the island if it goes my way.

"Sorry," Nine finally says.

"No you're not,' I retort.

"Nope, I'm not," he comes to lean against the table, turned towards me. But he's looking out at the campsite. It's early, very early, and the sun has only just risen. The camp is completely deserted and the silence can be unnerving; I'm so used to noise and bustling and soldiers everywhere that to have it so empty feels weird.

"They're going to freak out when they wake up and we're gone," Nine grins.

"As long as they know we're not abandoning them," I point out.

"Henri will tell them we're not," Nine says reassuringly. "Man, I'd love to see the looks on their faces," he whistles. I roll my eyes, making sure my shirt is tucked into my combat trousers before buckling my belt on.

"I'd love to see the look on Laws face," I reply. "I bet she doesn't even know about the new plan," Nine laughs in amusement, pulling a dagger from his belt. He flicks it up into the air, catching it expertly by the handle.

"Henri won't tell her until we're gone," he says. "He doesn't want anything to stop us from going,"

"Neither do I," I reply. Nine just continues to throw the knife up and down in the air, catching it perfectly every time. It reminds me of Sophia and her knives, and I wonder if he knows that.

"What do you want, Nine?" I ask. "If you want to annoy someone, please go somewhere else," I say. He laughs, the grin still on his face but it looks more forced.

"I came to talk to you actually," he replies.

"Why?" I demand, taken aback.

"Because you're honest," he replies. "And you don't care if you offend me," I frown, straightening up from retying my laces. It's not often that Nine will ever admit to wanting reassurance or advice or anything like that. He likes to think he's tough and doesn't get upset easily.

"What is it?" I ask. I grip my hair and pull it back into a tight ponytail, tying it up with a band.

"It's Ella," he runs a hand through his hair. "I'm worried about her. And no one seems to want to tell me the truth," he complains.

"No one knows the truth," I reply. Nine sighs, looking agitated.

"It just…it sounds like she's been through hell in there and she's still stuck with…with him," Nine narrows his eyes, his smile disappearing completely. "I don't know how she's still sane after being with him for so long!" he snaps.

"Marina said she sounded fine," I reason. "We have no reason to worry. She's not being punished. She's not been hurt," I shrug. "Sounds like she's playing the game and winning," Nine smiles but there's no humour behind it. It's like all mention of Ella has dampened the mood.

"She won't be fine, though, will she?" he shakes his head. "Sure, she might be unhurt but she'll never be Ella again," he looks so sad for a moment that sympathy wells up in me. "She won't be the little girl I first met,"

"That's not necessarily a bad thing," I reply. "That little girl would be crushed in this world,"

"She was crushed," he replies sadly. "And replaced with someone else. Someone I don't know," he looks so lost and it makes me feel so sorry for him.

"She's not that different," I say softly. "We've all changed but we're still the same people. Ella is still the little girl you first met, only this time she can take care of herself. This time, she can fight alongside you," Nine looks unconvinced.

"Take John," I cross my arms. "He was kind of pathetic when we first met him, right?" I demand and Nine cracks a grin. "Now look at him. He's still the same guy we met: nice, funny, sweet. Only tougher. Only not pathetic anymore," I grin. "That's not necessarily a bad change," I point out.

"I guess you're right," he replies slowly.

"I am right," I grin but he doesn't smile back. "Nine, I mean it," I say earnestly. "She's going to be ok. She's been in there for that long and she's still fighting. She's still got hope and she's still determined. If she's willing to fight him after everything she's been through, then surely that means something?" I say.

"It means she's still on our side," he says slowly.

"She still has hope," I agree. "We need to as well," He nods, straightening up and looking more determined, as he slots his dagger back into his belt. I know it must be hard for him; Ella was like a little sister to him and now…well now I don't know what she's like to him. She's not a little girl anymore, now she's our age, and it's going to take a while to adjust. We're used to protecting her and now it seems she's protecting us.

"Pass me my jacket," I distract him. He grabs it and chucks it over to me, and I catch it.

"They weren't made for this," Nine says. "John, Joseph, Marina, Ella…they weren't made for war," he says. "Sure they can fight in it, sure they're strong, but they weren't made for this life," he looks sad.

"I know," I sigh, agreeing with him. "But we wouldn't be here without them. They might not have been ready for it to start with but they are now," I remind him. He shrugs, still looking thoughtful.

"We were. You and I…we didn't change that much. This is the kind of world you and I were made for," he says.

"You think that?" I ask, slipping my jacket on.

"I know it," he replies. "You…you haven't changed that much since our first Games. Not really. Not like the others,"

"If you're going to offend me, I'd stop talking," I grin at him, zipping up my jacket.

"Not at all," Nine says. "But you were always so strong and brave and badass," he grins. "You're still the same. But…nicer. Less cold,"

"I was not cold," I reply, crossing my arms.

"You sure were," he grins. "You didn't talk to anyone. You rejected Sam, beat me up on the Tour and everyone was terrified of you!" he laughs. I smile slightly, everything seeming so long ago. "Now…now you talk to us, joke around with us…you're a pretty cool person now," he admits.

"Well, sometimes you can be tolerable," I reply, trying not to show how much his words mean to me. He rolls his eyes, looking amused but exasperated too.

"Maren, you are something," he shakes his head, his eyes landing on something behind me.

"Dude, I have no idea how you put up with her," I turn to see who he's talking to, trying to force the blush off my cheeks when I see John. He's dressed in the same battle gear as Nine and I, and he's strapped his rucksack onto his back along with his sword.

"We're off in five minutes," he says, ignoring Nine's words. Smart guy.

"Got it," Nine pushes off the table, stretching out his shoulders. "Better get my stuff," he claps me on the shoulder, surprising me. "Nice chat, Maren," he grins and I narrow my eyes, not entirely sure if he's joking or not. His grin widens and then he saunters off, whistling to himself.

"Should I be worried?" John smiles warmly. "That you two are getting on so well?"

"I'm not sure," I reply slowly and he laughs. I grin, grabbing my rucksack and lifting it onto the table, sighing at the weight.

"Got everything?" he asks. I shrug, making sure everything is zipped up.

"I think so," I pull the rucksack on, sighing as the straps dig into my shoulders. "So we go to the island, set up and prepare for whatever's coming?" I ask and John nods.

"It's a terrible plan," he says ruefully.

"So was the one for West Virginia," I pint out. "And we survived that," My words are light, almost cheerful, but John just looks sick. He plays with the straps on his rucksack, looking serious.

"Something tells me there's noting that'll prepare us for what's coming," John says, the smile disappearing completely. I hate to see him look so worried.

"No, probably not," I agree softly. "Sometimes we can't prepare for everything," I try to say as gently as possible. But John just looks even more serious.

"I'm terrified," he admits. "There's so much hanging in the balance. What if we fail? Or Ella?" he takes a deep breath. "I'm so scared, Maren. I've never been so scared,"

I don't know really what spurs me on to do it. I guess it's not that big of a deal, but it feels huge to me. I lean in and press my lips to his cheek very briefly, and then I wrap my arms around him in a hug. John stiffens at first and then, as if giving in to something, he hugs me back, his arms wrapping around me tightly. It feels nice to rest my head on his shoulder, having him so close to me. It feels so nice to be close to him.

"I'm scared too," I admit. "I'm scared that Pittacus was one of the Elders that was killed and he won't come back," I whisper. "I'm scared that Setrakus is going to beat us and kill us. I'm scared that if we fail this then he's going to go back to the Capital and wreck everything. I'm terrified of what could happen to Lilia," I shut my eyes and take a deep breath. "I'm scared that she might suffer for what I've done," I admit, my voice choking up slightly. He rubs my back and I take a deep breath.

"And I'm terrified of losing you," I admit my biggest fear. John's arms tighten around me and then he pulls away, his hands on my shoulders. He stares at me face on, our faces so close to one another. Nothing else seems to exist.

"I'm not going anywhere," he promises. "You've lost too many people and so have I. We won't lose anyone else," he swears and I can tell he means it. "No matter what happens, I'm not letting another one of us dying," I think seeing my fear settles him and it makes me grateful that he can be so strong sometimes.

"If you die, I'm gonna kill you," I force a shaky smile onto my face. John grins, the smile spreading across his face and chasing some of my fear away. He's still here with me. Nothing bad has happened.

"I'll hold you to it," he grins. He leans forwards and kisses my forehead briefly, so quick that I barely have time to register it. When he pulls back, my cheeks must be as red as his.

"We're going to do this together," He says solemnly. "And we're going to beat him together,"

Xxx

Adam

Under normal circumstances, I'd feel like an idiot to have an escort of three guards, Crayton and Dust. There's nothing like having heavily armed guards that makes you feel vulnerable and a little stupid. But right now all I feel is relief. The mogs might have called to talk about a truce but for all we know it's a trap to kill me. And even if it is genuine, I know how short-tempered mogs can be and I know my mere presence is enough to make even the calmest mog angry.

All these thoughts rush through my mind as I push aside the tent flaps, entering the mogs hastily assembled meeting tent. It's the same as any other, just a little bigger, enough to fit six chairs in and a small table. I take in the hastily tied up sheets forming walls and ceiling, the poles planted haphazardly in the ground, some even tilting with the weight of the fabric. A candle burns on the table, as a few hurricane lanterns hang from some of the poles, lighting up the dark tent. Shadows lurk in the corners and the flickering candle flame creates intimidating shapes in the dim light.

But it's the mogs sat at the table that really scare me.

There are five of them, all sitting still and quietly, watching me enter. Their eyes narrow in suspicion as my guards pile in behind me, guns in hands, but none of the mogs say anything. I can practically see one of them fighting to stay in control. Ignoring their glares, I drag up the only other chair in the tent, trying my hardest not to look terrified. Crayton stands by my side, his hand resting on his gun at his belt, whilst Dust sits by my side, his teeth bared. In his wolf form, he looks as terrifying as the mogs in front of me. I'm so glad he's here.

I take the mogs in silently; three men and two female mogs. One of the men is about my age and he stares down at the table, his jaw set with anger. There's a deep scar on his cheek, probably the result of a sword or a knife. There's something almost haunted about his anger, as if it has been tainted by fear and grief; he seems like someone who could do with counselling or therapy. The mog next to him is much older and calmer; he doesn't appear angry, nor does he appear happy, just patient. I'm glad that someone like him is around; he seems like he might actually listen to anything I have to say instead of wanting to kill me. The last man is early thirties and clearly a highborn mogadorian; he has the fine, angled features and the posture of a high-ranking mog. He's dressed in a smart suit, a huge signet ring on his finger, and the way he sits and sneers at me tells me everything I need to know about him.

The women are slightly different. One is dressed in shabby clothes with a worn down look on her face, as if she's tired of everything. But I bet she's tough, tougher than the soldiers and the highborn man put together. The last woman is the most surprising. She's dressed in the smart black uniform of a high-ranking army official. Her hair has been cut into a short, sharp bob and she has a tattoo on her cheekbone, the mark of a General. I'm stunned that someone from the army would even be at this camp, let alone in this tent.

"Remember," the old man speaks. "We don't want any violence today," he shoots pointed looks at the soldier and the highborn, both of them shrugging in insolence. I don't trust them at all, but I can't afford to be picky at the moment. A short silence falls as the mogs turns to face me, waiting for me to make the first move.

"Thanks for having me here," I decide to speak. "I appreciate that you came to speak to me," One of the mogs hisses, the young man, and the highborn mog stiffens in anger.

"We were democratically elected by our people to find a solution," the female General speaks harshly, her words betraying her disgust. "We did not come here out of a desire to speak to you, but to help our people," she snaps.

"That's what I want too," I reply calmly. "You might not think it, but I actually want to help you,"

The young mog boy slams his fist down on the table, staring at me with such hatred that I shrink back. I can hear the guards behind me move slightly, but then the older mog reacts first, placing his hand on the young mog's arm. He turns to me, his eyes almost sad as he watches me.

"Enough!" he says. "If you refuse to behave Holt, we can have you removed. This meeting will go ahead, whether you like it or not!" he doesn't even have to look at the young mog, but he shrinks back anyway, almost nervous.

"Maybe introductions," the former General speaks. "Before we begin," The older man nods, letting go of his tight grip on the young mog's arm.

"I am Blake," he says softly. "I had two sons, both of whom were killed in this war. We want this war over as much as you do," It's kind of surprising to see the mogs desperate for the killing to end, but I don't know why. I, more than anyone, should know that my people aren't as bloodthirsty or as desperate for war and death as the Loric think.

"This is Holt," he gestures to the young mog. "He fought in many battles, including Navaria where the mogs were beaten. He came here afterwards to heal and recover," The mog glowers down at the table, but there's something kind of sad about him as well.

"I am Ryder," the highborn mog speaks, and the way he acts makes it obvious he feels superior to everyone here. "I was born to one of the greatest Mogadorian families alive, the Jakharas," he sneers at me. I don't bother to tell him that the Jakharas are nothing compared to the Sutekhs.

"I am Ingrid," the worn down woman speaks. "My daughters are in the Capital, preparing for war there," she blinks heavily, as if fighting against tears.

"And I am Augusta," the last woman speaks. "I was a former general until my men were defeated at Innail. I came here to seek protection and anonymity from our Beloved Leader, who sought to punish me for my failure to hold the city," she scowls and I start to understand why she might be here. They fall silent, staring at me and I clear my throat.

"You've probably heard a lot about me, a lot of lies and not much truth," I begin.

"Then tell us the truth," Blake says softly. I shift, wondering if its some trick, but he does seem curious. Some of the others just look resigned, but that's better than angry.

"I was the son of the Great General," I begin. "I was a failure to him. My brother, Ivan, was the golden child and I was the mistake," I shrug. "I wasn't very strong, and I wasn't a good fighter. I made it into the Games because I was clever and I thought things through a lot," They don't say anything; they just watch me, as if waiting for a trap.

"I met Hannah in the Games," I continue, feeling weird talking about something so personal to a group of people who hate me so much. "She showed me her life and her memories and I was horrified," I don't go into detail because I don't want to have to with these people. "She converted me and I fell in love with her," The mogs don't react, probably trying not to show any emotion at what I'm saying.

"I didn't betray my people because I hated them," I explain. "I didn't do it to spite my father or my family. I did it because I loved Hannah and I saw what she and thousands of others went through. I did it, because I wanted the Loric to have the same privileges and rights as the Mogs. And I wanted equality between the two races," Ryder scowls, crossing his arms. But the others just listen, not interrupting.

"That's why I'm here," I continue. "Some of the Loric want you all to suffer what they did. But most of them know that we need to have peace between the two races. I'm here, because I can finally do something," I finish. The mogs just stare back at me and then Augusta sighs, sitting back on her chair.

"I didn't want to believe you," she sighs. "It would make it a lot easier to hate you if I thought you were a liar," she purses her lips grimly for a moment and then shakes her head. "Unfortunately for me, you're telling the truth,"

"You don't seriously believe him?!" Holt protests, his face turning red with anger. "He's lying to us all! No mog would turn against his race because of one girl and her memories!" he snaps. Blake smiles sadly, watching me the whole time. I try not to fidget and remain calm, but honestly I'm not sure what the hell to think of this meeting.

"Love is a powerful thing, Holt. It'll make you do stupid, crazy things," Blake says softly. "I believe Adam too. I believe he does want to help us," he decides. Holt and Ryder look horrified, but the other two women just nod, as if relieved Blake's on their side.

But I'm just getting more and more confused. It's as if I'm on trial.

"Why did you invite me?" I demand.

"We invited you here because you are the only one we trust to talk to," Blake surprises me with his words. "You betrayed us yet you are still a Mogadorian. We'd like to believe that you still have some compassion for your old people," he says.

"I have plenty," I reply, trying to keep my tone friendly. "That's why I'm here. I'm not doing this to upset you or make you hate me more," I explain. "Like I said, I want Loric-Mogadorian peace and collaboration,"

"During a war?" Holt demands angrily. "You want us to be friends when our brothers and sisters are out there, killing or being killed by Loric?" his voice raises in anger and I can see him shaking with the extent of his anger.

"We're killing them too!" I point out. "If we don't draw a line somewhere we're going to wipe out both races! We have to stop the fighting!" Holt and Ryder look close to attacking me, but the other three just listen, their faces unreadable.

"The war will be over soon," I continue more calmly. "One way or another, it's drawing to a close," I shrug. "You all know this. It's why you invited me here. If the mogs win, then the Loric and I are all dead. But if the Loric win, and that doesn't seem so impossible anymore, then your future hangs in the balance. You know this. That's why you invited me here," I reply. They don't say anything and I watch Ingrid shift, almost embarrassed at being caught out.

"You want to strike a bargain with me that you will uphold if the Loric win," I say. "It'll be beneficial to the Mogadorians as it'll ensure our people's survival. You can live peacefully, live prosperously and not be wiped out," I deduce. No one says anything.

"But if the mogs win, you plan on pretending such a bargain never even took place," I finish. Augusta squares her jaw, staring me straight on. A few of the others have the decency to look a little ashamed that I've figured it out.

"That's our plan," Augusta confirms. "What else did you expect?" she demands. I shake my head, smiling a little at how obvious the mogs can be sometimes.

"Nothing else. It's uncertain who is going to win and the Loric would do the same," I reply.

"I know you were sent to make us join the Loric side, but you won't Adamus Sutekh. This is our only offer of the collaboration you want so badly," Augusta warns me. "This is your only chance of potential peace between our nations,"

"Then I'll make the deal with you," I decide.

The mogs react at once, looking around at each other in stunned confusion. Some even look a little suspicious, as if I'm seriously going to lie to them at this point. Holt crosses his arms, looking doubtful, whilst Ryder sneers at me, not even hiding his disgust. But Ingrid and Blake look almost hopeful. Augusta says nothing; she just watches me carefully.

"You mean it?" Ingrid finally whispers. "You really would make a bargain with us, knowing that we might not even stick to it if your side loses?" she demands.

"No," I shake my head. "I intend to make a bargain with you that will protect both sides," I reply. "I want to ensure that if the Loric lose and the mogs win, there won't be complete Loric annihilation," I say. There's a brief silence as the mogs process that information and then the inevitable anger sets in.

"We are not helping the Loric!" Ryder snarls, slamming his fist onto the table. "Not after what they have done!" he snaps. I glare back at him, not even hiding my own anger. How can they be so selfish sometimes?

"I will not make a bargain that protects just the mogs!" I snap. "I want cooperation between both nations, no matter what, no matter who wins! I want both races to survive this! So yeah, I'm going to try and protect them!" I glower at him and he glares back, his lips pulled back in a snarl.

"I understand," There's another silence when Blake speaks. "We will attempt to stop our Beloved Leader ending the Loric race if your side should fail," I sigh in relief, seeing that he does mean it. He truly would help the Loric if he has to.

"I know it might not be possible to sway him," I say in a softer tone. "But a promise to try is all I want. And it'll mean the world to the Loric,"

"Just as it means a lot to us that your side would be willing to offer us a future instead of annihilation," Augusta says. She seems almost hesitant to agree to the terms but she's sensible too. She knows when to fight and when to make deals.

"We'll draw up a Treaty soon," Augusta continues. "If your side truly does win, then all our soldiers and Generals in the Capital won't survive. The leaders of the Mogadorians will come from this camp. I'll make sure the most important mogs here sign it, to uphold the Treaty, no matter what," she says. "If our side wins, the leaders here will have enough political weight to make themselves be heard by Setrakus and his government," she says.

"I'm done with this," Ryder shoves his chair back, striding out of the tent in fury. Blake watches him go, almost sadly, but he doesn't say anything. Holt, who's been glaring down at the table the whole time, hesitates and then slowly rises, shuffling out of the tent. Augusta just watches them go and then turns back to me, calm and composed.

"The terms will be simple," Augusta continues. "If the Loric win, you will guarantee that innocent mogs will not be unnecessarily slaughtered. You will ensure that we will have a chance at a successful, prosperous and happy future. You will promise that the mogs will not be treated as slaves, as we treated the Loric, and we will be shown mercy and forgiveness. In return, the mogs will obey the Loric rule and shall live in harmony with the Loric," she says. I nod in agreement; sure it's generous towards the mogs, but if this is the only way to get them to potentially collaborate, I'll take it.

"If the Mogadorians win, I shall endeavour to protect the innocent Loric lives," Augusta continues. "I shall remind the leaders of the courtesy and kindness done to us by the Loric when they should not have. I shall fight for them until the very end and shall try to provide them with a prosperous and merciful existence. I shall try to promote a harmonious and peaceful existence with the Loric, as well as a successful collaboration," I nod in agreement, knowing she can't guarantee anything. But at least I have a promise.

"We'll shake on it now and have the terms drawn up in a contract later," Blake says softly. "We can sign it then," I nod in agreement and Augusta stands up, walking over to me. Crayton shifts slightly, but I'm not worried. She won't hurt me.

"I don't like you, Adamus," Augusta says. "I don't think I ever will. But I respect you being here to protect the mogs. I respect that you want to fight for us still,"

"Always," I promise. She straights up and holds out her hand to me, a small smile on her face.

"Do you accept the deal?" she offers.

"I do," I reach out and take her hand in mine, shaking on the deal.

So hope you all enjoyed! Adam managed to get a deal with the mogs for a potential future alliance!

I was originally aiming for this story to have 50 chapters, but that is definitely not happening at this point. I would say maybe 70, maybe less, but I'll let you know when I have a better idea of the length.

Hope you all enjoyed! Please review!