Sorry about the kind of longish wait for this chapter...I've just been really busy lately. But I promise to publish at least one chapter a week from now on:)

Thanks again for all the reviews and favorites and follows and all those things!

Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything except for the plot of the fic...sucks to suck

4

"That's outrageous." John says, shaking his head furiously. We've moved on to our next shabby motel, but before we could split, I had asked him for quick word. Adamus stands at the back of the room as cool and collected as always, no emotion showing on his face. I'll have to pick up some tips from him somewhere along the way. "There is no possible way that could work. For all we know, they don't even have Eight's body. It could be a trap, or a trick, and it's just plain stupid! No offense Adam, but I'm not sure if I can trust you with something of so much importance. Not that I think you're a turncoat, it's just, Eight's loss is pretty recent…"

"I understand." Adam nods. He leans back on the wall and crosses his arms, a smirk playing on the edge of his lips. His dark eyes fix John with a glare. "I still think that you should hear Marina out. Yes it's a crazy idea, but it isn't stupid."

John shakes his head again, throwing his hands into the air.

"Fine, I give up! Explain your stupid plan." He says, glaring at both of us. I swallow, and look back at Adam for support, but his eyes have gone cold. It's ok though, I came prepared to pitch my idea alone. As amazing as Adam has been, the poor boy has some serious issues to work through before he can gain any semblance of normality back into his life.

"Close your eyes for a moment John." I say, getting up from my perch on the bed.

"What?" John sputters, turning to face me. "Why would I-"

"Just close your eyes."

John grimaces, but complies with my orders and closes his eyes with a cross look on his face.

"I want you to imagine that you are on a island somewhere, let's say, um, in the most remote location in the Florida Keys." I begin, circling John slowly.

"Uh, Marina, what are you-"

"Shut up. I'm not done." I snap. John closes his mouth. "Good. So we've agreed that you are now in the Florida Keys, on a remote island. Surrounding you are your two best friends, brothers even, and a third you thought you could love. But turns out that the tables aren't turned in your favor, and something has gone awfully wrong. The third person, someone of your own kin, has stuck a knife in your back, and now you have to stand there and watch, helpless, as he sticks a knife into the person you love the most's heart.

"How. Do. You. Feel?" I'm practically in John's face by now, but he does not blink. Instead, he looks sad.

"I lost Eight too you know." He says quietly, a sad look in his eyes. "We all did."

I step back. If John doesn't understand, then all is lost.

"You know," He says, getting up. "I watched my own Cepan die. I was with him, till the last moment. I've lost people too-we all have. Not just Eight, not just Henri. I don't have some super numbing legacy- I'm not immune to the pain."

I take a deep breath in. John may not have a numbing legacy, but I do.

"I don't want to let you go. Every fiber in my body is telling me not to let any of you out of my sight." He continues, and my heart drops. "But- I won't come after you if you decide to leave and embark on this crazy half-assed mission."

As soon as the words leave John's mouth, I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted from my chest.

"Thank you thank you thank you!" I squeal, jumping over to John and giving him a large hug. All traces of the cold calculating girl I was only moments before are gone- I actually have a chance now.

I can do this.

"Um, no problem I guess." John shrugs, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "But don't go doing anything to stupid."

"C'mon." I reply, rolling my eyes at him, a playful smile on my lips. "Since when do I do that?"

"Understood." John smiles back. "Let's hear this ingenious plan of yours now."

"All right." I reply, crossing my arms. "But you may want to sit down first."

"Wow. You got really mean back there. Not that your mean or anything- It was pretty impressive how you got to John like that." Adam breathes after we leave the room, a ridiculous smile on his face. I almost smile back, but suddenly I am struck by a wave of grief.

What have I become?

"I know." I say turning away. "I know."

I'm sitting in the middle of a grassy field, Eight's head in my lap. He hums a mindless tune, twirling a leaf in between his tan fingers. The sun beats down on us, and far away, a soft breeze blows.

"Days like these- they are perfect." Eight says, looking up at me. His eyes are filled with warmth, with love. A tingling feeling passes throughout my whole body, bringing a shy smile onto my face.

"Yeah." I say. "If only we had more of them."

"What are you talking about?" Eight answers, getting up. "The war is over. Every day is perfect now."

"Oh."

I am bit confused now and draw in my legs, hugging them like a scared child. When did this happen? Now that I think about it, I can't remember a thing before this moment in time. I suddenly close my eyes, fear taking over my body.

"Marina are you ok?" I hear Eight ask. I don't answer, the reason being a mix of not wanting to, and not being able to. For a moment I find myself doubting the boy who I know is sitting by me- what if this is all an illusion?

What if Setrakus Rá is just playing with my mind? Is this how he intends to win the war- by having our friends and family turn their backs on us?

But isn't it already over?

How is Eight even here?

"Marina, open your eyes!" Eight pleads.

I can't. I can't open my eyes. Everything is so dark- there is no more tender sunlight. No more loving smiles. No more warmth. I begin to cry.

"Marina, please, just open your eyes. If you do, everything will be ok."

I can't. I can't, I can't, I can't.

"Marina, open your eyes! It's just a dream!" Someone else begs, shaking me.

My eyes fly open, and I sit up gasping. Sweat and tears trickle down my face and I feel sick bile working up my throat. If this hadn't been happening all week, I may have been concerned.

"Marina…" Six says softly, taking my hand in hers. I must've woken her up with my screams. I feel guilty- It's not fair to either of us. "Are you ok?"

I don't know what to say. If I say yes, we will both no that I am lying.

If I say no, we will both know that I am breaking.

I opt to look away.

"I can't do this." I whisper quietly.

"I know." Six replies.

"No, you don't understand." I continue, turning to stare Six in the eyes. "I can't do this anymore. I can't sit here and sob every single fucking night, knowing how useless I am. I have to do something. I have to go out there, I have to act back."

"We all do." Six says. "We all want revenge. But we just can't risk it right now. Yes, it's hard to admit, but we are weak. We have sustained a serious loss. We can't risk loosing like this again."

"You talk about Eight as if he's lost object." I snarl, my hands growing cold.

"No, I don't." Six replies, equally as hard. "You have to get a grip. You aren't the only grief-stricken person here. Control yourself. What would Eight want you to do?"

I look away again, ashamed of what I have said. I didn't mean it, it was just an outburst. In moments like these, I really hate myself.

"Eight would want me to stay safe." I say after a while. "But I know that if our positions were switched, and he learned that there was a way, even if it was a long shot, to get me back, he'd do anything to save me."

Six is quiet. I know that I have gotten to her, but I am not sure of the outcome.

"Are you sure of that?" She asks, laying down on her back.

"Positive." I answer, and I believe it too. I know, with my whole heart, the Eight would risk everything and anything to save me, and now I have to do it too.

"Well then," Six sighs. "What are you waiting for?"

So...I'm sorry the chapter was kind of short, but from now own the chapters should be slowly getting longer. I just don't want to pile too much into one part of the story.

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xx

Wren

(If anyone was wondering, the conversation in the last chapter took place between Adam and One. Congrats to everyone who guessed right!)