The Elements Book One: Gilly

Chapter 7: Crisis

I opened my eyes blearily, noting that I was still the only one awake. Feeling Fire recede farther back into my conscious, I understood that she wasn't in the mood for a chat and thus stood, stretching out before sending a mental sweep of my own. It wasn't necessary, but it eased my more paranoid urges.

I smiled when I noted that Dave had woken up in response to the sweep.

Morning, sunshine. I greeted him.

There was a pause, and then he asked, Are you...still in the entryway?

Yeah. Why?

Just wondering why I didn't see you. So what's up?

Nothing, just did a scan to check out everything. Didn't expect it to wake you up.

Habit. Want me to come out to you?

Nah, get everyone up. The three we were staying to eliminate are gone, so we can get moving. Abraham listed off a few other urban areas, and my gut's telling me to go to Fairbanks.

Isn't that like, a five hour drive?

It's 45 minutes by plane, but yeah, that too.

Might I suggest you teleport us? While usually I'd advise against it, the surge in magic may pull heat off of the other two, wherever they are.

Except we've got Abraham and Patrik to worry about now.

Also true. So I take it you'd be averse to sending Andy and Evret up there by themselves, as well.

They know we're here, Dave. We can't risk that anymore.

Yeah, okay. It wouldn't be as fast, but I could carry everyone. He suggested. If I make a pocket of air dense enough, it'd be able to support weight and then I could just move it.

Sounds fair. Though I'd limit it to Abraham and Patrik, and periodically me. Andy and Evret can keep up on their own, I just don't want them totally by themselves.

What am I being limited to? Patrik asked groggily. Also just wake me up next time, you guys should know by now that I'll pick up on conversations when I'm asleep.

I considered it, but you weren't as responsive as usual. I confessed.

I was a bit more tired than usual as well. You didn't answer my question.

Discussing ways to get everyone to Fairbanks. The current plan is that I'll make a pocket of air to carry you and Abraham, with everyone else getting there on their own. Gilly will catch rides as needed.

Yep. Though, actually, Dave, now that I think about it I seem to recall asking you to wake up everyone else.

Oh yeah.

A few minutes later I could tell that everyone was up, even if they weren't particularly happy about it.

Andy shuffled out into the entryway, then blinked when he saw me there. "Did you seriously stay in the same spot all night?"

"Yes. Shut up." I replied. I then refocused. Okay, now that everyone's awake, the current plan is that we move to Fairbanks ASAP. Dave will carry those unable to move quickly on their own with an air pocket, and we'll stop as necessary. Any objections?

No, but what will you be doing? Evret asked.

I'll fly on my own when it's safe, and when we need to be stealthier or when I need to rest I'll ride with Dave.