Alex sighed and looked at Kelile, “Why?”

  Kelile glanced at Alex then looked back at the road, “Well, to start, you broadcast yourself on television. So not only does this general want you but those with abilities that don't want to be exposed are going to come after you. Not to mention the possible assassins that may come after you.”

  “Assassins?” Alex asked.

  “Well they may not know exactly who you are, but you are with me now. So they are going to assume you are someone important,” Kelile finished.

  “I guess I understand that,” Alex said slowly. “I just… I am just a scientist though. I don't know if I can handle this.”

  “You are no longer just a scientist Alex. You are the true king of the Earthen Kingdom,” Kelile said firmly. “I will make sure you are ready.”

  Alex stared at Kelile’s profile for a minute. He could see the determination etched on his features. “How?” he asked quietly.

  Kelile looked at Alex, then back at the road, “Training. A lot of training.”

  Alex nodded more to himself than Kelile and looked out the window. As he watched the trees pass by his vision became a blur until sleep claimed him. A few hours passed as the light of dawn soon woke Alex from his sleep. Yawning, he sat up and looked around.

  “Morning sleepy head,” Kelile said gruffly.

  “Morning, sorry about that, guess I was more exhausted then I thought,” Alex admitted. “Do you need to rest? I could drive for a while.”

  “I have gone longer on less,” Kelile grunted.

  “Doesn’t mean you have to,” Alex replied.

  Kelile was quiet for a moment before he responded. “Only a few more hours. I will be fine. Thank you.”

  “Suit yourself,” Alex said, looking out the window. The landscape had changed since his slumber. Where they were on a dirt trail in the woods they were now surrounded by farmland. “How do you know this place will be better?” Alex asked, still looking out the window.

  “I don't know that any place will truly be better, Alex. This place is just further out. Give us some time to catch our breath and train,” Kelile replied. “Are you hungry?”

  Alex’s stomach rumbled in response, “Uh, I could eat.”

  “I will pull off at the next exit. I could use some coffee,” Kelile said. They drove for another forty minutes in silence before coming across an exit that offered food choices. “This should be good,” Kelile said, slowing down to get onto the exit.

  “Good, I need to use the restroom,” Alex groaned. Pulling up to a station, Alex got out of the car and went inside. Looking around he saw the signs for the bathrooms and headed towards them. As he opened the creaky door he was surprised to see a mostly clean room. Though the smell left something to be desired. Coming out of the bathroom he ran into Kelile.

  “Grab whatever you want for the car. There is a breakfast place across the way, though we will go there to eat,” Kelile said.

  “Sounds good,” Alex said and went towards the shelves. Picking up some chips and a drink Alex waited for Kelile at the counter.

  “Is that all?” Kelile asked joining him at the counter.

  “Yeah, I should be fine with this if we are going to eat,” Alex answered. “Want me to buy?”

  “No, I got it,” Kelile said, getting cash out of his wallet. “You are definitely being tracked.”

  “Oh, right,” Alex said softly, grabbing the bag, they thanked the cashier and went back to the car. “You are right. They are definitely watching my accounts to track me.”

  “Cash only,” Kelile said as they drove across the way to the breakfast place. Walking in they were greeted with the smells of syrup and bacon.

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  “Oh man, I am starving all of a sudden,” Alex said, his stomach agreeing loudly.

  “Howdy, just the two of you?” said an older lady with a friendly smile.

  “Yes ma’am,” Kelile said, smiling back.

  “This way,” she indicated, walking them towards a booth. “Your server will be right with you.”

  “So,” Alex started, “How much further do we have?”

  “Roughly five hours,” Kelile yawned.

  “You look like you could use a coffee darlin’,”said a lady walking towards their table.

  “Definitely,” Kelile smiled at her.

  “Well my name is Marybeth and I will be your server today,” she said, returning his smile. “I will get you a coffee and how about you sweetheart?” she said looking at Alex.

  “Coffee also thank you,” Alex replied.

  “Comin’ right up,” she smiled and walked away.

  Once she was out of earshot, Kelile closed his eyes and Alex noticed a subtle glow. Looking around he made sure no one was close before he whispered, “What are you doing?”

  Opening his eyes he tilted his head and focused his eyes on Alex. “First lesson Alex, wherever you are make sure to check the area. Throwing out your senses should become second nature. To always know who and what is around you.”

  “Why?” Alex asked furrowing his brow.

  “Well, for me as a guardian it is important to know what I may be up against. For you, unfortunately, it will be for the same reason. I won't always be around and you will need to learn to be aware of your surroundings at all times,” he finished.

  “Well I can't walk around with glowing hands all the time,” Alex scoffed.

  “Oh, you won't have to, it will become second nature. You will sense everything as easily as you breathe, just as I do,” Kelile replied.

  “Then why did you glow just now?” Alex asked.

  “Well, I can always sense what is roughly two hundred to two hundred and fifty meters around me. What I did just now was push out of my subconscious boundaries,” Kelile said.

  “I see. I have tried to sense things before but I can't hold on to it long,” Alex said. Before Kelile could reply the waitress reappeared with two brimming cups of steaming hot coffee.

  “Here ya’ll go,” she said, placing the cups in front of them. “Ready to order?” They ordered their food and sat in quiet contemplation. When the food arrived they ate in silence. Kelile left cash on the table and they walked out to the car. A gust of wind swirled around them and Kelile froze.

  Spinning slowly he ordered, “Alex get in the car now.”

  Alex didn't hesitate and got in the passenger side and looked around not knowing what Kelile felt.

  “What is it?” he asked, slightly panicked as Kelile got in the car and checked the mirrors.

  “I’m not sure,” he frowned as he started the car. “I could feel someone watching us but I didn't sense anyone more than before.” He paused, closing his eyes and his hands flashed with light. “Nothing, strange. Let’s get out of here.” Putting the car in drive, he peeled out of the parking lot and sped back towards the highway.

  “What do you think it was?” Alex asked, still looking behind them as they turned onto the ramp for the highway.

  “I’m not sure, it was similar to that night in the house though,” he said.

  “Do you think it was like a drone or something?” Alex asked

  “Humm, maybe. Could explain why I can't fully sense it,” Kelile replied. They drove in silence for the next few hours. Neither one big on small talk. Alex turned on the radio to break the humming sound of the wheels, scanning the channels, he found a station playing some oldies and sat back.

  “This just in!” said an announcer interrupting the song that was playing. “A massive sinkhole has appeared swallowing the town of Port Ingtu off the eastern coast. A search and rescue has been authorized to find any possible survivors, but thousands are presumed dead. More information will be brought to you as soon as we have it.”

  “We have to help!” Alex exclaimed.

  “And do what?” Kelile frowned.

  “We can sense for people! We can save them!” Alex replied.

  “Alex. I am sorry, but there is nothing we can do for them. Even if we could get there. That is across the country the opposite way. We wouldn't make it in time to find anyone,” Kelile sighed.

  “What is the point of having these powers if we don't use them to help people?” Alex asked.

  “We will, but first you have to train. You have to be stronger,” Kelile answered firmly.

  “The planet has been calling out to me for so long. Why is all of this happening?” Alex muttered more to himself then to Kelile.

  Kelile was quiet for a moment before he replied, “Since the murder of your parents and the collapse of the Earthen kingdom there has been nothing but wars. Those wars below are what is causing the disasters on the surface.”