Number Zero- The Umbrella Academy (Book 1)

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Zero's mind raced with a million thoughts as he and his siblings ran to Icarus Theater, not stopping until they reached the building. The only sound that could be heard throughout the group was their heavy breathing as they stopped at the top of the theater's steps.

Turning his head to look behind them, Zero ensured they hadn't been followed. Once he was sure his siblings were safe for the time being, he relaxed slightly as he turned back to face his siblings, noticing as Allison blocked their path.

"Wha-" Luther began.

Allison held up her notepad, cutting the man off; I need to go alone.

"Allison, I can't let you do that, alright? She's beyond reasoning." Luther tried to reason with the woman, but Allison stood her ground, giving the man a stern look.

Zero looked down at the ground as memories of Vanya flashed before him, remembering all the times the two had spent together. He had constantly tried to protect Vanya, helping her whenever she had trouble with her homework or distracting her when their father had belittled her. The last thing Zero wanted was to hurt her, but what he wanted didn't matter, especially when the fate of the world rested in their hands. So the boy shook his head, pushing his feelings for his sister to the back of his head.

"If we're going to do something, we need to do it now," Zero told the group, anxiously twisting the ring on his finger.

Stepping up to his siblings, Diego pointed towards the doors, "He's right. Do you hear the music? It's started."

Allison ignored them, keeping her eyes on Luther, knowing she was the only one who could get through to the large man.

"Do you honestly think she's gonna listen? After everything that's happened?" Luther asked, his eyes filled with sadness. Nodding, Allison pleaded to him with her eyes wanting the chance to try and bring their sister back. A moment passed between the two before Luther let out a defeated sigh.

"Okay," Luther said, giving in to the woman he could never refuse. Allison ran with that single word of affirmation, not wanting to waste another second.

"You're using her as a distraction, aren't you?" Diego asked once the woman was out of sight, catching on to the plan Luther had created in his head. Looking down at the silver ring on his finger, Zero felt a pit of guilt starting to build inside him.

"Our best chance is to incapacitate Vanya. She'll thank us later." Luther said.

"So what's the plan?" Klaus asked, joining the discussion.

"Um, you wait out front." Luther told the man, trying not to hurt the man's feelings, but Klaus' feelings were hurt because the man visibly deflated at the words.

"What?" Klaus asked, the hurt in his voice evident.

"Yeah, you're the lookout." Luther said, trying to encourage the man of his "important" task.

"Luther, if we want to take down Vanya, we will need everyone." Zero told the man sternly.

"He can help as a lookout."

"Really, Luther?"

"Yeah, what if someone else decides to attack us? We'll need a lookout to warn us."

Zero glared at Luther, with the man glaring back, neither wanting to back down until Klaus spoke up. "Luther's right. A lookout can be pretty helpful."

"Fine, let's just do this." Finally, Zero relented, holding up his hands.

"Good, now that we're on the same page, let's go," Diego spoke up as the music on the other side of the doors got louder.

Luther gave the man a nod as the two began to make their way backstage. Zero didn't follow right away. Instead, he looked over at Klaus, giving the man a smile. "Don't let us down, Klaus." He said, giving his brother a thumbs up before turning and following the two men.