Check this out,” Nine says. He holds up a small purple stone and then places it on the back of his hand. The stone slides into his hand—through it. Nine turns his hand over just as the stone pops out in his palm. “Pretty cool, right?” he asks me, waggling his eyebrows. “Uh, but what is it supposed to do?” Eight asks, looking up from his own Chest. “I dunno. Impress girls?” Nine looks over at me. “Did it work?” “Um . . .” I hesitate, trying not to roll my eyes too hard. “Not really. But, I’ve seen guys teleport so I’m kind of hard to impress.” “Tough crowd.

My heart is breaking," she says. "I want to be strong for you right now but the thought of you leaving is killing me inside.

Wow, Johnny. I send you out for reinforcements and you come back with an old man, a nerd and this little hobbit guy. Great job.

Why couldn't you turn into a fireball when we were on the same team!

All I can think about is what she must be doing, and how I wish she were still here.

The word of God is my vow.

I know what I'm capable of; I am a soldier now, a warrior. I am someone to fear, not hunt.