The Revenge of Seven (Lorien Legacies)

Chapter 2

John

   "They sure have been gone a while," I say, turning to Adam.

   He fiddles with a loose piece of string and turns his thumb upward, a signal for a ride. We haven't had much luck as cars constantly whiz past us.

   Adam sighs and sits down on the curb. "I hate to sound idiotic, but they isn't a good sign. I mean, it was pretty bad on your part."

   "Excuse me?!" I sputter, glaring at him. "I was in a coma for the love of all things holy. Plus, there is absolutely no way to control Six or Nine. They're like wild children."

   Sarah paces behind me nervously, frantically waving for a car. "Damn those Mogs," she hisses, blowing a loose strand of hair out of her face.

   I laugh and join in her waving. "Not funny," she pouts. "No one will take hitchhikers if we don't look sane."

   "We're in California, in a busy city during rush hour. You have to tell me there's a better plan than this."

   Sarah shoots me a look. "Have you got any better ideas?"

   I open my mouth to respond, but close it when none come.

   "Why don't we wait for a bus or something? It wouldn't take as long." Adam is clearly annoyed as he stares at me.

   "Look man, unlike Nine and his wealthy penthouse that got destroyed in a rather horrific Mog fight, I'm a little low on money. So excuse me if I'd take me chances with some random person."

   Quick as a mouse, Sarah steps between us to diffuse the problem. "Everyone needs to calm down. I know we're a little tense right now because we're missing more than half of the Garde,  but sticking together is key."

   I stare off into the distance at the bright sun. What if Six, Nine and Marina are staring at the same sun at this very moment?

   "It's not just the Garde," I say, trying to suppress the memory.

   After we all met up at the zoo, I told Malcolm and Sam my suspicions. We agreed to split up, once again, and look for them. Of course, it didn't occur to me until after we left that they were moving targets for Mogs.

   Sarah wanted to stay with them, but Sam knew how heartbroken she'd be if she had to leave me, and made her go with me. That left them two times more vulnerable than I wanted.

   "Can we please take a bus?" Sarah begs.

   "Grr, fine."

-------------------------------------

   We walk about five miles up the busy interstate to a bus stop. About fifty other people are waiting too and seem occupied by their phones.

   The bench is full so we have to stand by a sign advertising a motivational speaker. (You can only change if you want to!)

   Standing here, we must look strange. Two teenagers and a young adult standing by a bus route, talking to no one. Sweat dribbles down my chin and I hastily wipe it away.

   Sarah slumps down next to me, gathering her backpack into her lap. "When will the bus get here?" she wonders out loud.

   Adam checks a sheet taped to the side of the bench. "Hm, it says the next round is in about thirty minutes. It's gonna be a while."

   Sarah and I let out a collective groan and laugh.

   Adam rolls his eyes. "You two are the most annoying couple I've ever seen."

   I think about that for a moment and agree. "One day, Adamus, you'll understand."

   "Dammit John, don't call me that."

   "What ever you say, Adamus."

   "I think you've been hanging out with Nine too much," Sarah declares. "You're starting to sound like him."

   "Nine!" I say, jumping up.

   "Where is he?" Adam asks, frantically looking around.

   "Not here," I say. "But I can track him with the Macrocosm." I pull it out of my backpack and Sarah rushes in front of me.

   "John, sweetheart, the gas station is right over there."

   "Why?" I ask.

   Then I remeber, we're in public with random people. For all they know, I could be a terrorist creating a bomb. "Be right back," I say quickly.

   Adam follows me and locks the door when we go on the bathroom. Luckily, no one's here.

   I glance at the screen a couple times, waiting for a pulsing light, telling us where the other half is. But...nothing happens, just a blank screen. Even the solar system won't pop up.

   I struggle for words. "How is this even possible?" I manage weakly. Without information from the Macrocosm,  we're screwed.

   Adam runs his fingers through his hair in frustration. "They're getting stronger," he says.

   "No way," I say in disbelief. "This shouldn't even be possible in any way!"

   "John, I'm afraid to tell you, but-"

   "Those sons of bitches hacked into our Macrocosm."

   "Yep, that's it."