Chapter Twelve: L is for Lorien

Whenever I complained to Henri about wanting to be normal he used to say "Be careful what you wish for – you just might get it."

I know that right now Henri is laughing at me and saying, "I told you so."

Let's back up a few days. Hell, maybe even a few hours – back to my wish of having a cool legacy like Six - back to my envy of her ability to become invisible. Yeah. Well. Being invisible is not as easy as it seems.

First of all, you can't even see yourself (you know, because you're invisible), can't see any part of your body. So when you're walking you can't exactly see where you're stepping – I mean you think you know – because walking isn't exactly advanced physics – but the truth is you really don't know. I almost tripped over my own feet about three times and even managed to step on my own foot once.

On top of that, I was also holding a sword (which I couldn't see) and while I thought I knew where it was in relation to my body – apparently I didn't because it kept bumping against my leg (which was also invisible) and I (even though I couldn't see for sure) was fairly certain it had cut through the fabric of my pants in at least one place.

I walked up Six's heels at least a dozen times as she led me down the aisle (because I couldn't see her either). I bumped into three different people coming and going up and down the aisle (as I briefly forgot that they couldn't see me) since I guess I didn't move far enough out of the way.

It was such a strange feeling, walking by people and seeing them look right through you. Like you weren't even there. Like you didn't even exist.

Onstage, the Mogs were still playing their weird music. A good chunk of the audience looked really bored, but there were a few sections where you could see the overhead glow of cell phones.

I wanted to ask Six what our plan was. I mean, from the direction we were headed – it seemed as though we were going to go down to the front, get on the stage and directly confront the Mogs – in front of a live studio audience.

I knew that couldn't be the plan. Especially after the incident with Sam – Six had been fanatical about not attracting attention.

But then again…

We were invisible.

Could we pull it off?

The thought was exhilarating. I don't know why. I wasn't the type to seek out confrontation. But I did hate the Mogardorians for everything they'd done to Paradise and to Henri. I suppose a part of me wanted revenge.

And that was the moment I began to understand Six.

Of course I didn't get a chance to ponder that inkling of insight. The music had ended, well sort of, there was still an odd feedback coming through the speakers. Scattered applause could be heard. Then one of the Mogs spoke slowly.

Four.

We know you are here.

A chill ran down my spine.

How did they know? Were they following us the whole time? Or was it that stupid incident at the mall? There were no answers. I knew there wouldn't be. I tensed up and began to raise the sword, ready to destroy my enemy.

But Six squeezed my hand .

Now this entire time she and I had been holding hands and not once did I even think twice about it. Touching Six felt natural. Comfortable. There was nothing romantic about it. It wasn't at all like when I held Sarah's hand and my heart would swell at her touch. My palms would sweat and my knees would weaken. No, it was nothing like that.

But when Six tightened her hand around mine all that changed. It was like we were connected somehow. And as much as I wanted to charge the Mogs right then, I knew she wanted me to hold back. And for some reason I did. I lowered the sword and waited.

The deep breathing of the Mog who'd just spoken rattled the speakers.

"You SUCK!" someone screamed loudly. Then another voice joined in.

And another.

And another. Until it seemed as though the entire audience was chanting "YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!" Then someone threw a drink at the stage. It landed just a few inches away from the Mog splattering it's contents all over the Mog's boots.

I didn't expect that. I don't think the Mogs did either. They jumped down from the stage and into the audience, moving swiftly through the crowd, seeking out the offender.

Six and I made our way to the stage. It was easy. Not only because we were invisible but because all the concert security had followed the Mogs, who were pushing people. People shoved back. I watched completely fascinated. Not only were the humans not afraid of the Mogs – they were fighting back.

Maybe Earth did have a chance after all.

I felt Six lean into me. "When I let go of your hand, face the audience and blind them with your lumen."

"Okay." It seemed like a good plan. "What are you going to do?" I asked but she'd already released my hand. Knowing that I was now visible, I took my free hand and pointed it directly in front of me. Focusing on my lumen I created a flash brighter than any spotlight. The trouble was holding it there. I think I was generating at least ten thousand watts of alien-based lighting but it was exhausting. I could feel my hand start to tremble, then it was my whole arm. I exhaled and closed my eyes – trying to force another minute or so of lumen.

My light started to dim and I realized how fatigued I was.

Then my light went out.

Shit.

As I looked out in the audience I saw all four Mogs turn to look at me.

Oh Fuck.

I didn't see Six anywhere. Was she still invisible? I hoped so - but where could she be? I didn't have time to look. The enemy was heading my way. I raised the sword – ready for battle.

Then I heard someone from the audience scream.

"He's got a light saber!"

A light-saber? Really?

The Mogs pulled back their coats revealing large daggers with glowing red blades.

The crowd went wild. They must have thought this was part of the show.

I stood my ground, planning my attack. I would hold the Mogs off with my telekinesis as I sliced them into pieces. The first Mog was climbing onto the stage when I thrust my sword forward. The blade pierced his torso. A dust cloud rained down onto the stage. His dagger fell on the stage with a thud.

The crowd screamed louder.

Adrenalin pulsed through my body.

I had killed a Mog.

By myself.

With no help from Six.

Maybe this was a going to be a good day after all.

The next Mog made it up onto the stage, taking up the dagger of his fallen comrade. The double blades whirled in a red blur as he advanced on me. I lifted the sword and swung it downward, slicing nothing but air as the Mog simple sidestepped the motion.

He let out a hearty laugh.

I held up my hand, folding my palm as I motioned for him to come closer.

Both daggers clattered onto the stage as he threw them down to grab me by my shirt. The soles of my sneakers left the ground as the Mog lifted me three feet into the air. I lashed out with the sword but he grabbed my wrist with his free hand. There was a sharp pressure against my wrist but I held onto the sword. Swinging my legs forward I kicked the Mog.

He laughed.

Using telekinesis I loosened his hold on my arm before he could break my wrist. He fought against me, hand trying desperately to keep its grip. But I was stronger.

A quick jab of the sword and he was a cloud of dust.

I stood onstage and raised the sword over my head in triumph.

The audience roared.

Something brushed against my back and I knew the Six was there next to me.

"Ready for the finale?"

"Oh hell yeah," I replied.

The last two Mogs were on the stage; one on my left and one on my right.

"I call the ugly one," I announced as I rushed forward, swinging the sword in attack. The Mog countered and there was a loud 'CLINK' as the metal of our blades slammed together. I struck several more times, the Mog blocking each one.

At one point there was a loud burst of excitement from the crowd. I gave a quick glance to see what had happened. I should have known Six had taken out Mog #3 with ease. I was intent on beating down the last Mog. So intent – that I completely forgot to use any of my legacies.

The Mog and I went round for round as we fenced across the stage. As we got closer to where his friends had been killed, we each picked up a dagger.

That was my mistake.

That damn dagger.

Until very recently I had never fought with weapons, though today I was totally kicking ass with the sword. I should have quit while I was ahead, seeing as I can't use my lumen when my hands are fisted over the hilts.

The dual red blades came at me and I tried to block but instead I lost my sword and the dagger. They flew out of my hands and several feet away.

Shit.

I knew I was in trouble.

I held my hand out trying to lift the Mog off the ground with my telekinesis – but that mother fucker was heavy. Holy shit. I have no idea how much Mogadorians weigh but it felt like I was trying to lift a building.

He was almost on top of me when I switched to my lumen. A very faint energy bolt shot out of my hand. Okay, saying it was an energy bolt was a bit of an exaggeration. It looked like a thick piece of silly string that vaporized almost immediately.

That's when I realized my energy reserve was almost empty.

Fuck.

The next thing I knew the Mog had me on my back. The points of both daggers were pressed against my chest.

"Number Four," the Mog smiled at me, exposing a mouthful of pointy teeth.

I closed my eyes.

This wasn't the end. It couldn't be.

Where was Six?

She would not let this happen.

She wouldn't let me die.

Sam, maybe – but not me…

Right?

There was a crackling sound above me. Both the Mog and I looked up as sparks rained down on the stage. I could smell something burning. With the Mog distracted I threw my arms up and through the blades, knocking the daggers away from my chest. At the same time I rolled sideways, turning to get on my feet – I saw the sword within easy reach. Gripping the handle I swung it blindly behind me.

I heard the Mog explode into dust.

I heard the crowd cheer loudly.

I heard the cable above me snap as an entire lighting fixture detached from the ceiling.

I ducked out of the way and covered my head as it shattered. A million shards of broken light bulbs went in every direction causing the most insane lighting effect I'd ever seen.

The audience exploded with pure mayhem.

Then a familiar hand grasped mine.

"Sorry, no time for an encore," Six yelled as she pulled me backstage. I tripped over the masses of music equipment stored in the wings.

As I tried to keep my balance I realized I couldn't see my feet.

Yep. We were invisible again.