Animi Motus

11: Mirandum

I always fall asleep in the car. I can't help it. Something about the lulling sound of the wheels on the pavement, and the rhythmic bumps in the road just gets me. But even with night closing in, I can't fall asleep now. I can't stop thinking about the impending imbalance. How can all of this be left up to us? We're just a bunch of teenagers. A bunch of heavily armed teenagers that is. How are we going to stop whatever is going on in Grenada, even with all six of the Primus? Which reminds me, we still don't even know what the imbalance is! I can't keep my thoughts to myself any longer.

"So after we get Piget and Tristitia, what then?" I wonder aloud.

"I guess we go to Grenada and kick some ass," Riley says predictably.

"I've been reading the news," Scarlett says. "It says the death toll has risen to 8200 people. They've confirmed that it's a virus and are stopping all travel in and out of the country."

"Oh my god," Asher says. "How are we supposed to fight a disease? How are we even supposed to get to Grenada?"He's been looking a little pale since Magister Amare told us about the imbalance.

"We don't know that that's what it is. The authorities are probably in the dark. But It's going to be ok Ash, whatever it is, we're gonna stop it. That's what we're here for," I try to reassure him. He nods, giving me a weak smile, but the conversation doesn't go any further. We sit in silence for an a few hours, until Riley asks Asher if he doesn't mind driving for a bit.

"You know... I mean I'd rather not... " He stumbles.

"C'mon man I'm tired, we can switch up ahead at this gas station," Riley says.

"I don't know if it's the best idea, I'm pretty tired," He replies, yawning and stretching.

"Bullshit, You just took a nap an hour ago, I saw you," Riley insists.

"Ok fine I'm not tired. It's just... I can't... Well I don't know how to... "

"Drive?" Scarlett supplies. Asher nods.

"You don't know how to drive? Oh man that's just great!" Riley hoots. Asher isn't smiling.

"I'll drive," I say, trying to take the attention off of him. Riley pulls up to the gas station, still chuckling.

"Remind me never to let you behind the wheel," He laughs.

"Shut up," Asher snaps, but his eyes are bright. I hop into the front seat, and Riley goes to sit in the back where I was. The map on Riley's phone says we have about an hour left in our journey. I drive in silence, trying to focus on the road and not fall asleep.

An hour later, I see a sign up ahead. "Welcome to Tallahassee!" It reads.

"Uh, guys? I think we're here," I say.

"Ya think?" Riley yawns. He must've been napping. I don't blame him. It's about two in the morning by now. "Pull over at that hotel up ahead." I park the car in front of a rather nice looking hotel.

"Riley, this place is a bit out of our budget, because, you know, we're broke," I remind him.

"Not anymore," He smiles devilishly, and holds up a shiny plastic credit card. "Thanks Amare!"

"You stole her credit card?!" Asher exclaims.

"What? It's not like she'll need it anytime soon, or ever for that matter." I guess I can't argue with that. So I shrug, step out of the car, and head towards the entrance. Riley and Scarlett are close behind me. Asher sighs, but doesn't protest.

"Hello," Riley greets the hotel receptionist with a warm smile that would melt anyone's heart.

"Uh, Hello there," she stammers, eyelashes fluttering. Another smile.