The Elements

[Gifted]

"Well, smells good at least." Matt said with a small smile.

Lauren was happy to see any of the plants, even the ones that had been there forever, but she knelt down to examine this new one closely. "It's very pretty Fredrick. Different."

[Raven]

"Yeah, it does." Kenny grinned and dished Matt up some, before helping himself.

Frederick nodded. "They're native to East Asia," he informed her happily.

[Gifted]

Though it wasn't great, Matt found it edible. "So what do you think it means?" He asked over dinner. "There being new ones."

"Asians always get such pretty flowers. Cherry blossoms, lotus's, these." Lauren smiled.

[Raven]

Frederick smiled. "I think part of us finding them so beautiful is that they aren't common here. Lilies and roses are very beautiful too, but they're almost commonplace. When things are normal in our lives, we can sometimes find it difficult to see their beauty."

"Maybe it's a defense. We couldn't beat Death, but maybe they can fight her back."

[Gifted]

"That could be true."Lauren agreed. "I wonder if people in Asia are as fascinated by roses as we are by cherry blossoms."

"But you had years to practice, didn't you? They don't. Do you really think they'll be good enough with their powers to pose a challenge to her?"

[Raven]

"If they're all together, especially with the rest of us. Frederick, Terrance, and Rick are still doing well."

Frederick grinned. "Maybe," he agreed.

[Gifted]

"We think. Terrence hasn't left that hidey-hole of his in years. He could be dead, not like we'd ever know." Matt pointed out.

Lauren smiled. "I should probably head out now. I do have a job to do."

[Raven]

"We can't even find him, I doubt she has," Kenny said.

"Alright. It was wonderful talking to you. Would you like anything before you go?" Frederick asked, heading back towards the house.

[Gifted]

"Unless the reason we can't find him is because he's dead. You'd think he'd need to leave to get food, if nothing else."

"No, thanks." Lauren answered. "But thank you for offering, I appreciate it. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Same time, same place?" She smiled. It was her usual parting joke. Like he was ever anywhere else.

[Raven]

"Maybe he's good at hunting," Kenny suggested weakly. "Anyway, Rick and Frederick are definitely alive."

Frederick smiled. "Yes, see you tomorrow."

[Gifted]

"Maybe. Stone spears." Matt agreed.

[Raven]

"And we can help teach them," Kenny added. "Though maybe not as well as their counterparts could have. There's a reason she's been taking us on one by one."

[Gifted]

Matt nodded "So how do you think we should go about finding the other ten?"

Lauren left the house and finished her route. Then she walked down to the elementary school to pick up her friend. "Chase!"
The seven year old turned and grinned a huge grin when he saw his older friend. "Lauren! Come play with us! We're gonna play red rover!"
"Is that allowed on school grounds?" Lauren asked, but she didn't press the issue. "Sure, I'll play."

[Raven]

"I'm not sure, but I'd like to let the others know about the discovery. I'll call them after dinner."

[Gifted]

"Alright." Matt nodded and asked no more questions, for now.