Author's Note: Hi everyone, new chapter here. Thank you to all who reviewed my first chapter (Prologue) to I Am Number Five.
I'm Number Eleven, Jaz and the 2 Guests thanks for reviewing!
Chapter dedication: I'm Number Eleven, you've been here from the very start of my writing on Fanfiction! Thanks :D !
Five POV
I wake to the smell of fresh bacon and eggs. The cool winter breeze flows through the morning atmosphere and awakens my senses. I groggily move to the edge of my bed, slowly picking myself up and sitting on the edge. The cool air in my room hits me instantly, sending chills up my back and body; I'm tempted to go back to bed in the comfort and protection of my blanket, but I remember training starts early today. I look to my alarm clock, the red digits flicker slightly.
6:00 am.
I stand up stretching, my body aches in protest as I sleepily put one foot in front of the other. The morning sunlight has come out about an hour ago, it's warmth still hasn't reached me, but I continue to move through the cold hallways of our apartment. The floor boards greet me with a little less coldness as I stalk towards the kitchen area. It's a small apartment, 2 bedroom and a kitchen, with Albert's study merged in with the small kitchen bench. It's simple. And I like simple. I see Albert sitting down at his 'study', his beard is trimmed and the grey hairs have started to cover his whole beard, almost diluting the once dark brown hair he had. His dark amber eyes glance to me – that's the only thing we have in common besides our gender. Our eyes. Apparently I got my amber eyes from my mother.
"Good morning Five" Albert says is low voice starling me a bit. He takes a long sip from his coffee; he takes it black – for no reason I know whatsoever. I groan, still tired, training yesterday was torture; I'm not the strongest Garde, but I'm not weak, and I'm not the fastest, but I am slow. So after Albert found out that I had started to skip a few training sessions when he went for a check up at the local hospital, he got pretty mad.
Albert isn't strict, he's very calm and collected – but he's also very disciplined; and I guess he expects me to be as well.
"You better start eating, training will start at midday" he says, I nod and quickly get to my breakfast. The smell of the fresh bacon intensifies as I dive into my plate greedily. I'm usually not a morning person and I struggle to eat my breakfast, but after endless hours of training, food comes easily now. As I wolf down my meal, Albert looks up from his coffee; I'm not very good with reading expressions, but I know something's wrong.
"Albert… what's wrong?" I ask with a mouth full of toast and bacon, he frowns for a second and then speaks; his voice still a bit husky. He's had a slight cold for the past week, and talking isn't a very good thing for him right now.
"I have to revisit Dr. Spellmen today-"
"Why? What's wrong?" I cut him off, dropping my fork onto my plate and slowly walking towards him. He sighs and looks to me, placing his coffee down and opening one of the many drawers he's built into the desk. He sits back up with my Loric Chest in his hands, my heart jumps a bit and excitement floods through me – I've been waiting a long time for Albert to show me the hidden mysteries of my chest.
"I just have to see him for another check up" he says, his voice sounding more hoarse by the second. I nod. He motions for me to place my hand on the lock, I obey – he does the same. A sudden warmth radiates off the lock almost as if it were pulsing, a second later it opens with a muted click and the lock falls onto the wooden desk table. Albert quickly pulls the chest away from my greedy eyes and pulls out… a book? I feel my face drop it's grin and replace it with a frown. Albert silently chuckles and locks the chest back up, making me frown more. He puts the book onto the desk in front of him; it's a thick book, a leather type fabric encases the front and back covers, on the front, unique symbols plaster the title space – I assume it's in Loric. Albert taught me a little when I was about 10 or so, I was excited at first, but then it just became boring; when Two's scar appeared we moved instantly and I guess he just forgot about teaching me any more Loric. I look again at the cover, trying to piece together words and letters from the cryptic arrangement of these symbols and characters.
Loric Legacies…
"Loric Legacies?" I mutter quietly, feeling a bit confused and puzzled in why this book would matter or help me win this war. I look to Albert,
"Lorien Legacies" he corrects me, I feel stupid after. Before I can ask why Albert continues,
"It's an encyclopaedia on Loric history, lifestyle and Legacies. It might also have some translations to help with your Loric speaking" he says, standing up steadily and walking to the kitchen counter. I see that he is already dressed for his appointment. He turns around as he stuffs his keys to the apartment into his pocket,
"Get started on reading it and we'll start training after lunch today. I'll be back by 10 or so" he says flatly – how early did he book his appointment? Albert doesn't really sleep so I guess anytime would suit him. He heads for the door,
"Bye Grandpa" I say, he smiles faintly as he turns and then he's out, the sound of the door shutting and locking, hanging in the air; I call him Grandpa because he's too old to be my father – obviously when the Elders chose him to be my Cepan, they didn't think we'd actually be going to Earth or something. I stand there a bit more, dumbfounded with the book in my hands, I readjust myself and head to my room and get dressed into some training clothes. I brush my teeth and do the essential morning routine Albert has hard wired to my head. After I feel fresh, I flop onto my bed and look at the book in front of me. I've never really been into reading; some books grab my attention – well, comics do. But an encyclopaedia? No way. I check the time again; it's 6:29 am, I've got a lot of time and I guessing Albert will expect me to at least get half way through while he's out. I sigh and lie back into the soft pillows. It's a thin mattress but it's still heaven to me, my room has warmed up slightly from the sunlight refracting into my space. The windows a bright lit, but there is still and certain chilliness present. I decide to read the book, Albert has already been disappointed with me, I don't want him to again. I flick the pages with Telekinesis, it's weak, but I want to surprise Albert when I can lift a car or something.
The book is actually quite interesting, the Legacies are the coolest part – I read about all of the different kinds and groups. Hours have past as I've been reading, the atmosphere is now warm and comfortable, I'm still on my bed, I decide to go to the kitchen to get a snack; the clock reads 9:48 am, and Albert still isn't back. I walk slowly into the kitchen, stretching out my legs and feet from the lack of movement, I place the book on the desk, marking the page I'm up to and I go to the pantry; I flick my maroon rubber ball over and under my hand as I open the cupboard – it's a habit, I guess. Before I can choose between a salt and vinegar chips packet or peanut butter sandwich a familiar sensation lights up.
In shock I rear back from the pantry and stumble to the door as my ankle lights up; the maroon ball slips out of my hand and bounces into the opposing wall. The burning sensation increases with every movement, I collapse in agony and pain and clutch my ankle, the scar still etching it's way into my skin. I scream out, biting the insides of my cheeks to suppress a loud cry of pain. My vision has started to blur, I can barely see in front of me, I taste a metallic liquid in my mouth. Blood. I've been biting down too hard to notice; but pain just overcomes my train of thought and mindset and soon my vision has black dots appearing on the corners and everything goes black as my head hits the wooden floors boards.
Another gone…
Marina/Seven POV
I open my eyes. I can tell it's night time and dark around me, but my Night Vision Legacy enhances my eyesight. It's cold, but that doesn't seem to affect me, I like it. It soothes my body in a weird way.
I slowly lean out of bed, pulling the blankets and covers off me, trying not to wake anyone. It's the same process I go through every night, sneaking out of bed and going to the computer room. It's the only way I can find out about the others. I sit carefully on the edge of my bed, it creaks slightly from my weight; the fragile wooden frames and thin mattresses are old and might break any second. I just hope not now. As I look up I glance to the bed next to me.
Ella.
That's her name. She came here last week, orphaned at age 7. Terrible. I can't imagine not having anyone to care for you at that age. Sure having your planet destroyed and being hunted keeps whatever hopes of a normal life down, but Adelina was always there for me. I only wish she could be here for me now. Faith. That's what she's lost. Lost faith in Lorien, in this fight for freedom. She pretends everyday that Lorien doesn't exist; that it's some fairy tale or made up imagination, even though I'm living, breathing proof of this! A flash of anger courses through me and then dies down, like Adelina's faith in Lorien. I look back to Ella, her small sleeping body rises and falls slowly, she's peaceful here. She's my only friend at the convent, I feel very protective of her, I want to keep her safe, watch her grow – but I know that's not possible, with this war and the Mogadorians, a life here on Earth for enjoyment and happiness cannot come. At least not now that is.
I stand up quietly, placing each foot in front of the other carefully as I make my way to the door. The ground is colder towards the hallway and door, but I feel comfortable here. I try not to breathe to loudly as I make my way past Gabby's bed. She's the same age as me, a few months older. She's also my main enemy here. I don't know what I ever did for her to hate me so much; but I am jealous of her, she's very pretty; mainly because of all the make-up she coats on. I don't know if I am beautiful or pretty – because I don't really get self-conscious about my looks, and there is an intergalactic war going on, so it's not the first thing on my list. But Gabby has to, for some reason, make my life hell here at the Church convent. Ironic huh?
I reach the door without any disturbances, and slowly pull down the handle, I instinctively hold my breath, scared that someone will see or someone will be waiting on the other side. A small click is heard and the door swings open slowly, I use Telekinesis to stop it from smashing into the door stopper. I slip out of the room stealthily and make my way to the computer rooms. It's raining outside, the light pitter patter of the water makes it easier to conceal my jogging. I reach the computer room just short of 8 minutes and open the door speedily, but before I can log on, I'm met face-to-face with an angry Adelina. My stomach drops,
"Marina, would you mind telling me what you are doing here at this time of night?" she inquires calmly, but I can sense her anger. She's disappointed. I frown and ignore her, walking to the computer to log on. She quickly grabs my hand, her iron grip makes me flinch and a jolt of fear is sent through me,
"Marina" she repeats firmly, not letting go, I sigh and straighten up, staring at her,
"I'm looking for information of the others" I say truthfully, looking desperately to the computer screen. She looks down, then back up with the usual face of resentment.
"Stop it Marina, these fairy tales-"
"Fairy tales?! What do you mean? You're suppose to be my Cepan! The one who takes care of me, teaches me – all you've ever done is resent Lorien… And I'm tired of it. I'm going to continue this journey myse-" my angry voice is caught in my throat as a familiar burning feeling tugs at my ankle. I cough and my eyes widen in fear, Adelina reflects my same look of pure horror; I collapse to the ground not able to hold myself up anymore, Adelina half catches me, shock and stunned expression plastered on her face. My ankle lights up fully, the scar for the Third burning and searing my soft flesh, I want to scream, but that'll just wake everyone else, Adelina shows her first sigh of love and care by rocking my sweat beaded head as I silently cry. I sob into her shoulder, as the last of Number Three's scar is etched into my ankle. I groan and cry more when it's finished, the scar for the Third branded upon my leg – we're one less. I'm sweating from the fear and pain, but most of all I'm scared.
"Another…" Adelina whispers in pure horror and shock, she pulls me closer, slightly rocking back and forth,
"Shh, it's OK, its OK" she repeats in my ear, I sob a bit more and turn to her, she has tears in her eyes and she kisses my forehead,
"I'm sorry… I-I'm so s-sorry…" she chants, still holding me close, I pull back and look to her, a part of me still pleading that she'll understand and move from the convent with me. She pauses and stares at the computer, the same shocked expression as before planted on her face, but this time, a hint of amazement fills her pupils. I follow her gaze and my mouth drops open when I see it. The computer... It's not what's on the computer, it's what's happened to it. A thin layer of ice and frost has covered the computer fully; icy mist flows around the room and swiftly moves through the air. I'm still holding to Adelina, on the ground, but now dumbfounded. My tears on the ground have disintegrated into light frost…
"You've developed a new Legacy" she breathes, smiling widely in awe – my heart pounds in my chest from overjoy. Not only from my new Legacy but Adelina. I think she's back to her normal self. Still a pang of sadness burdens me; somewhere in the world Number Three lost his or her life and there's nothing we can do about it but push forward and fight. I wipe the last tears away and touch the scar. Determination fills me and I stand with help from Adelina. She smiles and hugs me, the cold atmosphere I felt before is no longer there. She pulls back and kisses my head again,
"I think it's time we trained" she says, I grin widely, and nod, thinking tears might come to my eyes again. I hug her back tightly, I've missed this Adelina for so long. In the happiness and sudden shock, my stomach drops when I hear a familiar voice at the door,
"Marina? Why are you up this early?" I hear Ella's small, sweet voice, I look to her, she's stretching her arms and yawning slightly, I can't help but smile at her – Adelina's face morphs into one of worry, and then I realise. The frozen computer.
"Um, uh, I was just… talking to Adelina" I stutter, walking over to her. She innocently smiles and takes my hand, I squeeze it in reassurance – although I'm not that reassured. It's probably around 4 in the morning; I wonder how she managed to get up this early. I look to Adelina for some help, she motions to take Ella outside – I nod and proceed, but Ella breaks away and walks over to the computer.
"No-"
"What happened?" she asks cutting me off, her big hazel eyes looking at the frozen device. I shrug but it comes out as a grimace from the pain of the third scar. Adelina looks very worried, I know that we might have to leave the convent, which isn't such a bad idea when I think about it; but leaving Ella all alone in an orphanage – I just can't do that. Her parents already died and she's all alone, I don't want to be the person that leaves her too. I return to her question and before I can answer properly, Ella says the unbelievable.
"You developed a new Legacy, didn't you?"
Four POV
I sit at the edge of the chair, Henri paces in front of me, pain and worry expressed through his eyes and face.
Three just died.
I can still feel the burning sensation so well, the searing pain and horrifying feeling. It's almost game over for me. I screamed, tried to grab onto something, but the scar branding itself into my flesh weighed me down; my Lumen activated and lit up numerous times during the death of Three. I cried silently, not wanting to show my fear and weakness. But the truth is, I'm next.
Next in line to be slain. Next to fall for their planet, Lorien. Next to face the enemy. My Legacies are only just developing. I shake slightly and my hands fidget and flinch. My heart has been sent into overdrive and my knee has been bobbing up and down continuously. Sweat still cakes my forehead and dry tears stain my cheeks. Henri's eyes are bloodshot, his hands and jaw clenched; every muscle in his jaw is showing. This is putting a lot of stress on him – not even that, we could both die.
"Four" I hear my name called, I don't look up, Daniel Jones is dead now; he never even existed – but his life was fun, even if it was for only a few months.
"Four" I hear Henri call my name again, he walks towards me, and kneels down in front, looking to my face. His eyes full of worry, grey hairs have started to form on his head, they're faint, but I can see them clearly up close.
"Henri-"
"Four, keep it together Ok? We're leaving, going to meet with someone who can help" he says, my eyes lighten for a bit, but then they sink back down, reminded of the reality I'm in.
"W-where?" I stutter quietly, he looks to me, my heart still pounding, but my breaths calm and full of fear.
"Paradise, in Ohio. Small town" he says, immediately standing up and walking to the kitchen and grabbing my Loric Chest and the essential things. Ironic – paradise. I walk upstairs slowly, the wooden stairs creaking at my weight, this is a nice summer house, but it'll just be a memory in the distant secluded mind of mine. I speedily walk into my room and pack the essentials; Henri and I have gone through this process numerous times, with One, Two and now Three. I zip up my pack and slowly walk downstairs, my footsteps slightly echoing throughout the now empty house. Bernie Kosar, my Chimaera, trots out of the living room with a whimper.
"I know buddy, I'll miss it too" I say, bending down and scratching behind his ears. He wags his tail in response and follows Henri who's already out the door and loading the ute. I make my way out and stop at the door, turning around and looking at another life I'm leaving.
"Goodbye Daniel Jones" I mutter quietly, my voice is a bit husky from the lack of talk, I shut the door behind me and load my bag into the back of the ute. Bernie Kosar jumps in the back seat and sticks his head out the window, I smile faintly and open the door to the passenger seat. I give one last look to the house; the small fire pit Henri made, not only was for enjoying midnight camp outs but to destroy any leads and evidence that could lead the Mogs to us – I guess it became useful after all. The ute starts and I rub my third scar, dread falling on my shoulders.
Number One was killed in Malaysia.
Number Two was murdered in England.
Number Three was hunted down in Kenya.
I am Number Four,
And I am next.
Author's Note: Thanks for reading everyone - I hope you liked the POV's, they're going to be the main ones, though I'll probably include others.
Please review and/or PM on anything - pairings, Legacies. I also might need some Legacy ideas! I'll update as much as possible, but I want these chapters long :)
Thanks!
Paragon 8