Gravity Rises (S3)

CW: Part Nine

The allied species began planning in earnest the next day. Some perytons and hippogriffs had gone to patrol the Manor the night before, and they reported nothing suspicious. A few servants were guarding the Manor from the outside (the hippogriffs had handy invisibility magic that kept them hidden as they watched), but that was it. Also, there was no sign of any creatures in the area that could fly and were big enough to carry humans. All those creatures had been smart enough to flee to other islands. Thankfully, then, Bill and his servants couldn't mount an attack of their own. They were confined to the island with the Manor.

Everyone was happy with this news, and they started gathering supplies and creating groups of people to attack from different fronts. Gideon and Geneva were especially helpful with providing the layout of the Manor, including the location of a secret bunker entrance where Bill might try to hide. And there was also the entrance to the Order, which had been caved in but still probably provided a hiding space. And there was the graveyard hidden in the center of the Manor. There were all sorts of places to hide, unfortunately — and plenty of places to set traps.

Though there were only eleven enemies at the Manor, the allies didn't let that lull them into complacency. They got information from the Northwests about the types of resources at the Museum. And they made careful note of their own resources: mostly different types of magic (both offensive and defensive), but also five guns, four stun guns, various knives and daggers, forty-two knockout patches, and the grappling hook.

"Pacifica," asked Gideon, "what kind of magic did you use to attack Mabel back when the township started? Can you use that?"

Maybe he was crazy, but he thought Pacifica flinched a little at his wording. She recovered quickly, though, and replied, "It's called hexal magic. Only I can use it; it's hereditary. But the book about it is back at the Manor, and it's too complicated for me to use without instructions."

No magic from Pacifica, then. Although, "Andrew," said Pacifica thoughtfully, "can you teach me some of your magic? I think I can learn it quickly."

Andrew and Enoch both stiffened a little. "No, I don't think so," Andrew said. "Magic doesn't usually transfer between species."

"I know," Pacifica said. "Still, can we try? Just in case? I've used multiple types of magic before."

"No," Enoch blurted. Then he shied away, embarrassed.

"I think Enoch shares my concerns," Andrew said. He kept his voice gentle, but he wanted to be clear. "It hasn't been long since you stole from us, Pacifica, and I don't think we should try to teach you our magic. In case you, for whatever reason, use it against us."

Pacifica opened her mouth to retort, but then stopped, looking over her shoulder. The anger in her expression changed to guilt. "Okay. You're right."

Gideon was surprised at this change in Pacifica — he had been two days ago, too, when they'd tried the Wheel for the first time — and he wondered what exactly had happened to change her mind and make her act like this. He'd have to talk to her about it later, though. For now, they had to plan.

Lee joined in the planning, of course, but he found it increasingly hard to concentrate. Like an interminable Order meeting about how to more efficiently find those who had seen the supernatural—except this time with anxiety rather than boredom to distract him. He found himself making excuses to go get water, or warm up by the fire in the minotaur camp, or check on Mabel to see how she was doing as she rested, with Dipper in and out to spend time with her. She was doing all right, besides being tired — and Lee couldn't help but notice how tired he was, too. It wasn't like it'd been easy to sleep last night after his excursion, not to mention Cipher's spell.