The Elements Series: Deadliest Sin

By Ryan D Pearson

After stopping the General and his team of vigilantes, expanding the Elements team and almost losing his first love, will the Big Apple really offer Reagan Jameson a chance to relax when their lives are put in jeopardy?

Having received a call from the United Nations, inviting them to New York City to discuss broadening their protection detail, the Elements must decide if they are in a position to do so. With their relationships being tested continually, two team members will inevitably walk out on their friends, team members and the Elements, not before a terrorist boards their plane.

For Reagan, however, explosive friends and suicide bombers are just a few things playing on his mind. Still reeling from his stint with Mackenna Pierce, that effectively put his relationship in jeopardy, he learns his true parentage, what Crystallic had in store all along and the discovery of a long lost Jameson, whilst keeping up appearances for the media.

The pace of The Elements Series is increased exponentially in this installment of Deadliest Sin, whereby the Elements' lives will be put at risk within the first ten pages. Each character will be pushed beyond their limits and explored in more detail, to better understand why we love or hate them so much. Deadliest Sin will offer more twists than Green Hope and Spirited Vigilante combined, to prepare you for the greatest shock of all - the true identity of the Jameson twins' parents.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477241479

Ryan D Pearson

Having grown up on the beautiful east coast beaches of Australia, and completing a bachelor of laws degree by the age of twenty-one, Ryan Pearson pursued a chance to immigrate to Montreal, Canada. After travelling through majority of the South Pacific and Northern America, immersing himself in this new ostentatious lifestyle, he took to writing in his spare time. Ryan grew up with his vivacious Mother and fun-loving sister, and was surrounded by his caring Grandparents. His inevitable goal was to share personal experiences he had overcome, coupled with a supernatural and over-zealous way of life, in the form of his character Reagan Jameson.

Book preview

Contents

My New Life

The Landing

The Meeting

The Tourists

The Savior

The Flirt

The Kiss

The Truth

The Proof

The Robbery

The Home-Sickness

The Jumper

The Funeral

The Hostage

The Birthday

The Capture

The Curses

The History

The Break-up

The Apology

Epilogue

To C,

Together we have been through a lot, becoming closer and stronger through each high and low we overcome. We know that we can tackle anything, as long we have each other to look to for support.

Though Rycar may have failed, we know the real thing never will.

1

My New Life

Excitement was in the air as my friends and I quickly packed our bags for our trip to New York City. Andrea Marshall, a representative from an unknown division of the United Nations, had invited the Elements—our alter egos—to the big apple for a meeting.

We were yet to discover what the meeting was about though.

Andrea had called my twin-sister, Renae, whilst we were out celebrating our eighteenth birthday at, our newly owned and refurbished nightclub, Nu Delta. After weeks and weeks of trying to sell the idea of owning a nightclub to the executive board of De Ja, I was able to convince the CEO, and my legal guardian, that it was a wise decision. Unfortunately the way I convinced him was combining forces with the children of my Grandfather’s arch nemesis.

He was likely rolling over in his grave.

We only recently purchased the rundown nightclub, with our other socialite friends Mackenna and Roman Pierce, before refurbishing it and re-opening it on our birthday. The Pierce’s seemed to be content with all of Renae’s and my ideas of modeling each level off various Gods, from ancient Greek mythology.

The unveiling thankfully went off without a hitch.

Back in the apartment, our bags were all packed and we were dressed in our Elements costumes, heading down to the basement. I decided to drive the limousine to the airport, with Renae in the passenger seat and the others in the back.

All of us were buzzing with excitement.

When we arrived at the address Andrea had provided us with, we realized that the airport we were departing from was actually a private airline. Once I parked the limo, a man in a black suit opened the door for the guys in the back and began putting our bags on a small trolley before gesturing us to the tarmac.

A small private jet was waiting for us there.

Though I had definitely grown accustomed to the high life, having lived in a small, remote town most of my life, I still had never been on a private plane. I actually had very little experience with flying in general, let alone in a small jet.

This was going to be an experience.

As the man escorted us up the stairs to the plane, a beautiful young blonde woman began ushering us inside. We were then greeted by a stunning brunette requesting our drink orders. After giving her my standard request of Diet Coke, I turned and saw the rest of the plane.

My jaw practically hit the ground.

I had never seen a plane look this amazing. I had only flown on an airplane twice in my entire life, both in economy class. Now, for my third ever trip, I was flying a private plane to New York City.

It was hard to believe this was a reality.

The plane had its own bar at the back and roughly six staff, including the two pilots, here to serve the six of us. There were luxurious leather seats that reclined and swiveled towards the front of the plane and two three-seater, leather seats towards the back. There were also two gigantic LCD televisions on the walls and appetizers waiting for us as we sat down.

I never wanted to get off.

Is this all that is traveling today? The Captain asked, whilst walking around and introducing himself to us.

I could see his eyes darting out to the tarmac in search of others.

That’s it, I said, uncontrollably smiling.

The Captain was clearly used to flying wealthy passengers in small groups, but he couldn’t hide his true thoughts. It was clear how secretly jealous he was that six teenagers were able to fly on a private plane headed to New York City.

His face masked his true feelings very well though; his smile set in place.

Then I wish you all a safe flight and please let either myself or the staff know if there is anyway we can improve your time with us.

His thoughts began racing with comments regarding our attire.

I couldn’t explain how weird it was engaging in regular conversation with the general public, as my alter ego. Although we had spoken with the media several times before, having a one-on-one conversation with a pilot felt bizarre.

We were dressed like children at Halloween for heaven’s sake.

Each of us wore our standard Elements costume, modeled by Renae and me. It basically consisted of a full suit made of black leather. There were various alterations for each Element though, whereby Wind had a cape for wind resistance and Eli had metal poles to easily manipulate his ability.

Given my ability was in the mind, my additions were purely aesthetic.

Thanks for that, I smiled again, urging the pilot to return to the cockpit.

We only had to wait a few more minutes before the pilot had positioned us at the beginning of the runway; a much shorter time than any commercial flight usually took. The engines began to spin and generate a mass of noise before we began edging forward.

Before long we were off.

It was a little rough at first, taking off, but soon we were off the ground and soaring up into the sky. Once we were safely in the air I walked to the back couches with Izzy, Fallon and Renae behind me.

I sat down on one of the three-seater couches with Izzy.

Now, this is classy, I said.

Yes it is, Renae replied edgily, "but I am curious why a United Nations representative would want us traveling on a private plane and, more importantly, what she would like to talk to us about."

Oh calm down and stop stressing, I chastised.

What about how they got our number? Izzy added.

Well we’re the Elements, and we did provide that number to contact to the police. They probably want to talk to us about helping more people or… Renae answered, before Izzy continued over her.

Or what happened with… Izzy reduced her voice to a whisper. "The General."

The General, or our bodyguard Graeme Mann as we knew him, was hell bent on seeking revenge against the Elements after we aided the police in arresting his brother. Liam Mann was attempting to rob the Oracle City Bank when we stopped him and his co-conspirator from succeeding.

It was actually the first active mission for the Elements.

Graeme had concocted a plan to steal the book that gave us our powers, The White Chant, as well as Crystallic’s, our powerful enemies with the ability to control each of the seven deadly sins, book The Black Chant. Unfortunately, for him, his team of vigilantes had failed but inadvertently been blessed with foresight and super-speed.

That was until the Elements foiled their plans.

When Graeme failed, he and Doctor Miles, a geneticist, had conspired, with an unknown person, to steal the Elements’ DNA and alter it. With the DNA they planned on giving it to their army and, as the regular cliché goes, take over the world.

We stopped them before their plans could be completed.

However, the way we had stopped them was less than reputable. The General and his vigilantes had broken into our Penthouse and tried to kidnap us. We overpowered them and, given it was the only way, killed them all before burning their bodies in a religious ceremony.

It was the least we could do for them.

Given the entire event happened in our apartment, it was impossible for anyone to actually know. We secretly, and invisibly, transported the bodies as well as cleaning up any evidence ourselves.

There was no way anyone could know what happened.

How could they know about that? Fallon dismissed, as he chowed down some bruschetta.

"How did he, Renae said, careful not so say his name, know about us?"

He lived with us, I whispered, pointing out the obvious. He was bound to find out eventually. We were careless and have now, obviously, learned from our mistakes. Case closed.

Here are your drinks, the blonde stewardess said, suddenly popping up out of nowhere and stopping our conversation completely.

She began handing out our drinks to each of us. Her thoughts were totally preoccupied with our drink orders, reciting them over and over in her head. I felt a little bit sorry for her when she handed me a cocktail, so I decided to wait until she turned before I changed my drink with Izzy.

I didn’t want to burden her with too much stress.

Now was there anything else I can get for you? She smiled, staring straight at me and clearly attempting, but failing, to bat her eyes.

Honestly I wasn’t sure what she was trying to accomplish with that.

Could you be any dumber? Wyler thought sarcastically, glaring at our waitress from her rotating seat.

We’re fine, Izzy added icily.

No I am fine for the moment, thank you, I replied, glaring back at Wyler and looking back at Izzy confused.

Just let me know if there is anything more I can help with today… Mind.

She let go of a slight giggle as she turned and walked away.

Reagan, something is not right, Renae thought, her eyes glazing over suddenly.

It was clear she was searching the immediate future.

Similar to the vigilantes, Renae had also inadvertently received the powers of foresight and super-speed. An added bonus was her ability to read, and temporarily alter, the moods and emotions of those around her.

The Elements had come to rely on her precognition a lot lately.

What’s wrong? I thought to Renae.

Having silent conversations with Renae had become second nature.

I don’t know. She began rubbing her temples, as if she had an intense migraine. I keep getting blurry visions of the plane going down. One second it is, next second it’s not. Someone keeps changing their mind or something.

I could see in her mind that the plane had begun to nosedive and it was definitely clear that it was the plane we were on. Though I should have been scared, some part of me felt like this wasn’t as concrete as one of her usual visions.

Given I usually ignored it, this time I decided to go with my gut.

Renae, you may just be a nervous flyer. Try not to worry about it, I thought.

I have flown plenty of times before, Reagan; these are visions. Something bad is going to happen. I just know it.

Please just try and relax. You, moreso than anybody, deserve it.

As if the silent conversation, between my sister and I, hadn’t happened, I held my glass up in front of my friends. None of them usually noticed when Renae and I spoke silently through our thoughts, thanks to my advancing mind-reading ability, so I simply acted casually and encouraged the others to raise their glasses.

The others followed, including Wyler and Eli who had just joined us.

I would just like to say that there is no one else I would like to be spending my first private flight with, than the five of you, I announced, smiling at my friends in their costumes. You are my best friends and my family—I love you all. To the future.

To the future, they echoed, clanging our glasses together and taking a sip.

As soon as those drinks were emptied and a new round was ordered, we decided to have some fun. I began telekinetically lifting the glasses from the stewardess’ tray as Izzy cooled them down. Fallon heated up our appetizers and Eli began molding the metal into funny shapes for the staff’s, and our own, amusement.

Everyone seemed to be having a great time—staff and superheroes alike.

I noticed that some of the stewardesses seemed to keep watching us but Izzy grabbed my leg and kissed my cheek. Though I knew we probably shouldn’t show public affection, for fear of having our true identities recognized, I continued anyway.

It was hard to really care when Izzy was touching me.

Reagan! Renae screamed in thought, interrupting my pleasant thoughts.

Renae received a vision about the plane going down once more, similar to what she had received previously. Though I was still skeptical as to the reason, I couldn’t deny the clarity of this new vision.

This was soon going to be a reality.

Find the reason! I thought, before linking the Elements’ minds. Guys, this is serious—the plane is going to go down.

What? Eli and Fallon thought in unison.

Wyler practically spat out her drink.

Renae is searching for the reason now but it is definite; the plane will go down.

What do we do? Izzy asked.

I don’t know yet.

How are we going to stop something this big? Wyler asked. I don’t know whether I can manipulate the wind to hold a whole PLANE!

We will find a way, I thought, attempting to calm her down with my tone.

I struggled with lifting the car up, let alone a fifty-million ton airplane, she continued. How am I going to do this?

That’s when I reached the end of my, very short, tether of patience.

Wyler, shut up! I snapped. You will not be doing this all by yourself. This is all of our responsibility. Not everything is about you. We need to stop this from happening for the safety of the staff, pilots and ourselves.

We are in the air, Reagan, she clarified. This is supposed to be my domain.

I am aware, but we are all here to help. We . . .

Once more I was interrupted by Renae’s vision. I could see the beautiful blonde stewardess walking out of the cockpit. As I took a closer look, I realized that the pilot and co-pilot were lying in obscure positions across the floor.

That’s when the plane began to nosedive.

The woman looked at us briefly before opening the emergency exit, mouthing the words ‘sorry’ at me and jumping out. The screams from the staff began echoing throughout the cabin before I was shot back into reality.

I looked around to see the plane still cruising at the same altitude.

How long have we got? I thought to Renae, keeping the Elements’ minds still linked.

What happened? Izzy asked.

It’s definite; the plane is going to go down. The blonde waitress will . . .

She’s just about to go into the cockpit! Renae warned, interrupting me.

I jumped off the seat and hurried towards the cockpit, flanked by my masked friends. The staff around us seemed to notice the mood shift and were instantly aware something was going on. Deciding now to worry them, I simply smiled as I past them.

We needed a plan to stop this and fast.

Reagan stop, Renae warned suddenly.

What? I screamed in response.

The vision just changed; she has changed her mind.

Well let’s not give her time to change her mind again, Wyler suggested.

I agree, Eli and I thought in unison.

There were a few moments of mental silence as we started walking to the front of the plane. I was deciding on the plan from here; who was going to do what? Apart from Wyler, who could do anything at this altitude?

Then Renae broke the silence once more.

No! She screamed out loud.

In a flash the door to the cockpit opened and the blonde stewardess stepped out. Before she had time to take a second step, she went flying across the air and slammed into the side of the plane. Renae stood at the cockpit entry with a triumphant smile on her face and standing with her leg raised in the air.

She was fast—in a flash she went from beside me to kicking the girl.

Before any of us had any time to react, the plane began to nosedive just as we had seen in the vision. The five of us were thrust forward, landing in various places under the chairs at the front of the plane.

It was now extremely hard to focus with the excruciating pain.

The staff began screaming, just as the vision began turning into a reality, and I still had no idea what to do. I slowly rose to my feet, with the assistance of the chairs and my telekinesis for support, as I tried to gauge what was going on.

Then I saw the pilots with their arms in legs in abnormal positions.

I closed my eyes and was thrust into my bird’s-eye-view. All thoughts were blocked out of my mind as I slowly began to levitate in the air. I concentrated on the front of the plane and attempted to stabilize it.

Lifting an airplane, whilst in mid-air, was much harder than I envisioned.

Ice, I said out loud, unable to communicate via thought when I was using my offensive power. Try and heal the pilots. Earth and Flame try and work out how to return this plane to auto-pilot. Wind, help me stabilize this plane.

I didn’t need to instruct Renae, she already saw what I would say. She began walking over to the stewardess still lying on the floor unconscious. As I looked at her frail body lying limp on the floor, I questioned why someone so beautiful and innocent would do something so stupid.

Then I realized her ‘innocence’ was all an act that I had failed to see through.

Remembering back to when I first walked through the door to the plane, she was so friendly and her mind was so preoccupied. Then when she brought over the drinks she was reciting the drink orders over and over again.

She obviously knew my weakness and she completely took advantage.

My power to read thoughts was limited to conscious thoughts, unless I made physical contact with the person. The primary way to overcome this was by keeping the active mind busy as I listened in.

She had done it perfectly, without me even realizing it.

Ready? I said, looking back at Wyler though my eyes were still closed.

She simply nodded in response.

Wyler closed her eyes and slowly lifted herself in the air. I felt a small rush of air pass by me as she did. The weight of the plane was suddenly much more bearable. I wasn’t game to open my eyes and see what she was controlling, all I could think about was yelling out to Fallon and Eli to hurry up and get the plane back on auto-pilot.

Still the weight was becoming too much.

My muscles were beginning to tighten and my blood pumping much faster than before. I tried ignoring the stress on my body and concentrated harder on the front of the plane. I even noticed the front of the plane beginning to get covered in the faint orange energy, indicative of my telekinetic powers.

When I felt like I couldn’t hold on anymore, I felt the pressure ease.

Fallon and Eli were manipulating the metal of the engine to return it to its original position. Though we all knew it would not be a perfect fix, they were hell-bent on getting the engine active once more.

Each of us were definitely hoping they could.

After another minute or so the plane was cruising, without the assistance of Wyler or myself. I slowly returned to the floor of the plane as Wyler did the same. Suddenly my head started to spin and my body felt limp.

I slumped in the closest leather seat and began rubbing my head.

Mind, are you okay? A vaguely familiar female voice asked.

As I opened my eyes, I saw the brunette stewardess standing above me.

I’m fine, I said, trying to dismiss her concern.

The Elements were supposed to be strong and without any signs of fear. As far as the public were concerned, I was the leader and had to keep up the façade of invulnerability even more so than the others.

I couldn’t allow her to think I had a weakness.

You’re nose is bleeding, she pointed out, ignoring my poor attempts at bravery. Let me help you.

She kneeled at my feet and brought a cloth out of her pocket. She wriggled her way in between my legs and positioned her face only inches from my own. Her eyes were focused on my nose and began dabbing the area above my lip with the cloth. I knew it likely looked suspect with a girl in between my legs, given the situation, but I had no desire to tell her to go away.

My nose was bleeding and no one else was helping me out with it.

As she dabbed the drying blood I began noticing different things about this random stewardess; the way she bit her bottom lip as she concentrated, that her eyes were like a grey storm cloud and that her lips were so big and cushiony they looked like they were made of cotton candy.

Then I noticed her smile; full of straight white teeth and dimples.

I think you’re done now, she said playfully, breaking me from my reverie.

Ah… Um… Than… Thanks… I replied, stumbling over my words.

Even after a year of being in the limelight as Reagane, I was still taken back when people showed me any interest or affection. Years of living in a town as a nobody forced me to grow up alone and unappreciated.

It was such a nice feeling to be noticed and cared for now.

No worries. Thanks for saving us, she said, smiling even wider now.

Not a problem at all. It’s just my job I suppose. We all just do what we can.

Well you do a good job.

Then she began blushing and biting her lip.

What’s wrong?

Nothing.

You know I can read your mind if I want? I said sarcastically, at the same time wondering why I hadn’t already.

Go ahead, she teased, seemingly staring straight into my soul with her deep grey eyes.

He would never go for a stewardess, he’s a superhero for gosh sake. He’s so cute; look at him. How could Miranda not think he is cute? Earth is hot, Flame is sexy, but Mind is just the cutest, most adorable, amazing, beautiful thing ever! I just know he would be the best boyfriend ever. I bet he does have a girlfriend, all the best one’s do . . . .

Her inner monologue went on and on, never stopping for a break. I was genuinely struggling to keep up with it all as she continued, so I found myself trying harder to listen in as she spoke.

It was so peculiar hearing her mention the male Elements so nonchalantly.

I would have gone for stunning, awesome, jaw-dropping even, Fallon thought in my head, but I suppose I can settle for sexy.

Then I realized I must have connected the Elements’ minds by mistake.

Immediately I feared that I had linked all the Elements’ minds, so to check I looked over to the cockpit, where Izzy was healing the pilots, and saw her staring at me. I had never seen my girlfriend glare before, and I honestly never wanted to again. It was the most ice-cold stare I had ever seen.

I knew I was definitely going to pay for this later.

So did you hear anything, Mister? The stewardess asked.

Nothing too exciting, I lied. I better get back to work, sorry.

Don’t apologize. I got to touch you; I could die now and be happy.

This was not helping my situation at all.

When I was up standing I realized how much worse this position was; the stewardess was still kneeling as I stood up. Though I tried to move to the side, the damage was already done. Izzy’s glare now increased in intensity, which I didn’t think was possible.

I was, for sure, going to pay for this.

For your own sake, I think it is best I get back to work, I warned. Go and sit down and put your belt on. Thank you for helping me out with my bleeding nose.

I made sure I added that part loud enough for Izzy to hear.

Okay Mind, thank you for the kiss.

What kiss? I replied, before seeing the thought in her mind.

Within a second her lips were against mine. Though it was enticing, I pulled away as quickly as possible and turned to Izzy. She began storming towards us, her hands balled up in fists of ice.

I saw in her mind what she was about to do.

Go and sit down now if you want to live, I warned.

Okay Mind, she chirped.

Izzy no! I warned, in thought. Do not be stupid! Just calm down.

Calm down? CALM DOWN?! She screamed in thought.

Stop acting stupid.

I’m stupid? What about you; kissing other girls right in front of me. How DARE you? How dare you tell me to calm down? How dare you tell me to stop acting stupid? You are stupid! You are a jerk.

We both know I did not kiss back, don’t be ridiculous.

So I am stupid and ridiculous? She sneered, glaring at me now.

Let’s get back on track here.

Get back on track?! Get back on track?!

Her fists and arms were now covered in ice.

Izzy calm down babe, Wyler thought.

I watched her taking deep, careful breaths to calm down.

You guys are making a scene—the staff are looking, Renae added.

Fine, Izzy thought. Let’s get back to work.

Izzy . . . I began.

Do not talk to me Reagan—trust me you will regret it, she snapped.

But . . .

CRAP! Renae screamed, turning around in a blur and running back towards the blonde stewardess. STOP! DON’T!

It took me a second to realize what I was seeing in Renae’s mind; the stewardess holding a small black object and about to click it, but I was quickly brought up to speed when all four-engines blew up at once. Renae was only a second too late as she kicked the remote out of the girl’s hand and once again knocked the stewardess unconscious.

Unfortunately she wasn’t quick enough.

The plane began to nose-dive once more. I was thrown from my seat all the way to the front of the plane, in one foul swoop. The pain I felt before was nothing on this new pain I felt covering the whole left side of my body.

I felt like I would pass out.

Just as I could feel myself fading into unconsciousness I felt a rush of energy course throughout my body. I felt like nothing could ever stop me; nothing could bring me down. I was happy, energetic and powerful.

Then the feeling slipped away.

I opened my eyes and saw Izzy above me; her eyebrows knitted together in concentration and worry. She had obviously healed me when she landed beside me and her big blue eyes seemed to widen as she looked at me now.

No one could compare to this Goddess.

I love you, I whispered.

She smiled her typical Izzy smile and I melted.

I love you too.

I was still getting used to hearing that from her.

Numerous times I had told Izzy those three famous words, throughout our relationship, but Izzy finally said it back on my birthday. I couldn’t have been happier. Every time she said it now my heart skipped a beat and I couldn’t help but smile.

Day in, day out I asked myself how I could be so lucky?

I’m so sorry, I had no idea what she was doing until it was too late, I said.

I know, but…

I then felt a queasy feeling in my stomach.

Hold that thought! What about the plane?

The pilots are conscious again and are trying to fly the plane, she explained.

I finally felt somewhat relieved.

Flame, I began, connecting the Element’s minds. Reduce the flames on the engines. Earth, try and mould the engines back into working order. Spirit, look after the staff and please keep the bitch, clearly referring to the stewardess, under wraps. Wind, help me get the plane stable once more. Ice, please keep healing Wind and I while we do this—we almost couldn’t handle it last time.

I think you did alright after it, Fallon added sarcastically.

Izzy began glaring at the brunette once more and I almost punched Fallon.

The Elements immediately began performing their assigned duties. Renae ripped the belt off the stewardess and secured her hands behind her back; Fallon was reducing the flames to smoke and Eli was beginning to mould the metal of the engines back to their original state.

We just hoped they would begin working again… and soon.

Both Wyler and I stood facing each other as we both began levitating in the air. I felt Izzy touch my arm and watched as she touched Wyler as well. I felt the familiar rush of energy and happiness and love and…

I shook my head and tried concentrating on stabilizing the plane.

Wyler’s eyes were closed, her brows furrowed in concentration. A faint mist was forming around her as she rose into the air. The staff at the back of the plane couldn’t hide their excitement at the sight of her, briefly allowing themselves to divert their attention from the potentially fatal situation we were all in.

Seeing our powers up close likely was a sight they had never seen.

I closed my eyes, following Wyler’s lead, and allowed my telekinesis to take over. I gradually felt myself levitating in the air and felt the continuous pulsating feeling through my arms, ready to be unleashed.

The voices in my head were now effectively drowned out.

As I watched, through my bird’s-eye view, the engines release their last few puffs of smoke and the metal around them began shifting into various positions. I saw the terrified faces of the stewards and stewardesses on board. I also noticed that the plane wasn’t plummeting to the earth anywhere near as fast.

Clearly my friends were doing their job.

I re-focused my view to the front of the plane and began focusing all my concentration on stabilizing the aircraft. I could feel the pulsating in my arms and I began channeling it, hoping to gain extra telekinetic strength.

Doing this the first time almost knocked me out completely.

Once more I watched as a cloud of orange energy formed around the nose of the plane. I pulled at the energy, dragging it to the upper skies. I pulled and pulled, feeling light-headed in the process. Beads of sweat were forming all around my face and my muscles were becoming tighter and tighter with the pressure I was putting on them.

Then the pain went away.

As if I were standing under a hot shower or lying in a comfortable bed, I felt perfect all thanks to Izzy. A whole new rush of energy came over me and I pulled with renewed strength. Though it didn’t seem to budge, I just continued to pull and pull.

Finally the nose began to rise, slowly but surely.

Despite Izzy’s help, the strain was still becoming too much. Holding a plane of this size was starting to strain every muscle in my body. It was as if someone was squeezing every muscle and bone inside me, as I waited for another of Izzy’s refreshing boosts.

If my girlfriend wasn’t there, there was no way I could do this again.

In my birds-eye-view I could see Wyler struggling as much as I was. Izzy was rotating between healing her best-friend and healing her boyfriend, watching as each of us groaned in pain whenever she let