Chapter 22: Travel Plans

"I'm not done yet. Let's go again."

Holden stood and wiped the blood from his nose. The dark red liquid stained his palms and knuckles, but it was unimportant. His resolve remained unburdened by the trial and plentiful error he'd endured. Jackson stood before him in the training room where they initially fought. His arms were folded and he looked down at Holden with an unamused expression playing across his face.

"You've gotten slightly better. I take it the effects are getting less disorienting?" He leaned back against the cushioned wall while he waited, rubbing his chin where Holden had managed to strike him, albeit only once. That was still more damage than he'd managed to pull off the last time.

"Yeah, I've been getting used to it. Distributing my vision is still tough, but I can do it for a few seconds longer now. Come on, I told you I'm not finished. Let's go again," Holden replied. He readied himself and raised his fists, narrowing his eyes as he focused on Jackson. Holden's mind was so fixated on his target that he flinched upon hearing a sudden interruption behind him.

"Hey kiddos! Are you two having fun beating each other to a pulp? Don't answer. I know you weirdos enjoy your playdates together even if you don't say as much." Melony popped her gum loudly and rested her arm around the shoulders of Carrie who stood by her side. As expected, Carrie's face provided the gloomiest of looks as her droopy eyes rolled in their socket. Her right hand held a cup of hot tea that she occasionally sipped from, closing her eyes in relief at the brief reprieve from insanity her drink offered. She lazily peeked over at Melony and let out a loud sigh.

"Melony, did you wake me up from my nap just so we could go bother these guys? I thought I told you not to disturb me when I'm sleeping unless it's an emergency."

Jackson took a step forward and postured himself upright, looking Melony directly in the eyes.

"Good morning to you Miss Melony. You're up early, is there anything we can help you with?"

"We? I never agreed to help that crazy lady with anyth-" Holden coughed as Jackson struck him in the ribs with an elbow.

"Okay, fine... I guess training can wait. What is it this time?" Holden rubbed his side and snuck a glare at Jackson before shifting his attention back to Melony.

"Oh, so you're receptive to what I've got to say? Wow... so sweet! Are you finally warming up to me, hm?" Melony faked a sniffle and wiped her eyes dramatically. She clasped her hands together and marched over to Holden before rubbing his head, to which he swatted her hand away.

"Don't push it. If you have something to say, just spit it out so we can get back to what we were doing."

"Well since you're so curious and eager, fine! I'll speed this up just for my favorite new recruit. Did I ever tell you that? You're EASILY the number one new member of-"

"I'm the only new member," Holden interjected. He took a gander at Carrie while she sipped her tea, and she returned his gaze with an "I get it" look plastered across her face.

"Does it matter?! That only makes it better. You're not only number one, but you're unrivaled as well. And don't you think for a second I haven't noticed your progress since arriving here, you're picking up things quickly aren't you?! Expanding your ability, learning about rituals, I guess the saying is true. They really do grow up so fast!" She pinched Holden's cheek in adoration. He promptly slapped away her hand this time as well, an annoyed breath releasing from his lungs.

"Hey Mel, I don't think you came here just to gush over him like this. You wanted to alert these two about the mission they're going on, right?" Carrie went for another drink from her cup, only to find it empty. She peeked inside and then positioned it over her head, trying to shake any spare droplets into her mouth. When nothing came out of it, she groaned before setting the cup down and laying beside it, closing her eyes and trying to resume her nap.

"Oh, so she WAS listening when I told her why we were coming here. Heh, I knew I brought her along for a reason. I get distracted easily, just kinda happens when there's so much cool shit going on. Man will that girl sleep anywhere... okay, anyway! You, Jackson, and Natasha are going out to an old fairground to investigate reports of strange creatures. Something about some cryptids that appear to be farm animals but not quite right. You know, your goat men and pig people. Maybe even a chicken where it's like... you know how chickens have legs?"

Melony paused and cupped her hand over her mouth in contemplation. When she found the words she was looking for, she briefly burst into laughter before continuing.

"Imagine if those legs were human arms instead, where they use the hand at the end to walk. I dunno if you'll actually find that, but I did once. Made for some delicious chicken nuggets."

Holden cleared his throat in an attempt to stifle a chuckle. Jackson nudged him in the ribs again, shooting him a look of disapproval.

"What? It sounds ridiculous..."

"It is ridiculous. And the chicken nuggets were horrible, Melony only liked them because she changed her taste buds." Carrie spoke softly as she began drifting to sleep. Despite nearing the borders of dreamland, her ears still remained receptive to Melony's bizarre ramblings.

"Well excuse me for cooking up some fine dining! Now come, young Skywalker. Walk with me."

The party exited the training facility leaving Carrie to lift herself up and drag along behind. Marching through the halls where white-coated walls presented numerous portraits and decorations, they arrived at the living room and found Natasha seated on a beige couch. She'd already packed her bags and, upon noticing her company, she waved with delight.

"Natasha actually suggested the three of you handle the threat yourselves, I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to let you tag along. She and Jackson have experience after all, you'd do well to learn from them." Melony stretched her arms into the air and brought them down onto her knees. She crouched in front of Holden while her bright blue eyes sparkled with wonder. "Not only that, but I don't mind you guys taking some extra time after that to hang out. Should be cool if you avoid populated areas as best you can."

"Right, right. Now that I'm awakened, there's a chance I'll draw cryptids towards me. Doesn't that ever get lonely or boring," Holden inquired.

"Maybe for some. I never minded, and we've learned to enjoy our small group. I didn't take you as someone with a high social battery," Jackson retorted.

"Nothing like that... I was just curious. Hey, about me tagging along. Thanks for the opportunity Melony. I'm fine with it, but are you sure it's the best idea? What if I go back into that weird state of mind? Shouldn't I gain some control over that before I go out with others?"

Melony dismissively waved her hand and stuck out her tongue. She elongated her neck and allowed it to drift through the air like a serpent as it wrapped around Holden's shoulders.

"Blegh, you're a huge worrier. By my estimate you won't run into anything that'll trigger your lil weirdo mode. Can I call it that? You go all quiet and get violent and edgy... it's kinda adorable. Even if things do turn sour, Jackson and Natty can submit you just fine. They learned from the best after all."

Holden stepped to the side and allowed Melony's head to fall off his shoulders, retracting back to her body and returning to a normal length. Natasha approached him and showcased her phone screen, all the while she provided Holden with a supportive thumbs up.

"It won't be a problem! If you lose control, I'll be able to calm you with pheromones. I really want you to come and not feel inhibited by whatever danger you think you'd pose to us. When you come out with Jackson and I, you'll likely develop and learn a lot with how talented you are."

"That's a good idea, Natasha," Jackson spoke as he came to the forefront. "I think you should believe her, Holden. She's developed her skills to a level where even I trust her with my life. If she's confident it will be fine, take it as fact."

"Then it's settled! You'll leave tonight," Melony chirped. "Take only what's essential. Carrie will do you the honors of transporting you back to the outside world, won't you Carrie Beary?"

"So much transportation... I'm gonna need to hibernate after this," Carrie responded sluggishly, her voice drained like the sound was absorbed by a black hole.

"You'll have earned it you know! Now, Carrie and I have some business to attend to. And by that, I mean she promised to go to the movies with me this afternoon. She'll probably sleep through it but hey, it's the thought that counts."

"Oh right... I did agree with that. Why did I agree to that? Did you drug me? Whatever, let's go. Hope this flick isn't as violent as the last."

"It absolutely will be. We're gonna see so much blood and gore!"

"God damn it..."

The two waltzed away leaving Holden, Natasha, and Jackson to their lonesome. Following their departure, Holden glanced over at Natasha and presented her with a tiny smile.

"So you really do have that much confidence in me? Even after the first impression I must have given you. You're pretty optimistic."

"It's all water under the bridge. Do you think I haven't ever been a jerk? Besides, you wouldn't be the first angsty guy I've met." She glimpsed at Jackson who turned his head in protest.

"Still, I should apologize. We weren't exactly honest with you or Melony about our intentions. And yes, Jackson is in on it. You see, we are going out to investigate what Melony said we would. But I asked her for additional time for another purpose."

"What are you trying to say," Holden replied, his eyebrow raising as his words dug for an answer.

"I'm saying there's a secondary purpose to our mission. Jackson and I... both have an interest in opposing those who enslave and abuse others. Hybrids like me have been hurt by those kinds of people for many years, but we aren't the only ones. Jackson told me he explained elements of his past to you. Children on their own with special abilities are also targets of greedy people... the point is that both groups of people who hurt us work in a market frequented by the Editor. Nobody knows a lot about him, but it's said many of the black market dealings are ultimately managed by him, and his will is enforced by small factions that operate under his authority."

"So after we finish with the mission Melony thinks we're dedicated to, we'll be moving in on our real target," Jackson added. "Natasha's scouts have intel on the time and place in which The Circus will pop up. They're a notorious group known for enslaving what they call freakish hybrids and making them perform. We get in there and confront their ringleader, and he may bring us closer to uncovering the identity and location of the Editor. Without him running things, the world will be a safer place for people like Natasha and I'll have a higher chance of finding Myles. If anyone knows where he is... it'll be him."

"Natasha's scouts?" Holden looked towards the girl, a tapestry of interest woven into his eyes.

"It's how our group gathers a lot of the intelligence we do. The wildlife speaks to me when I'm around. Even when I'm not, I can plant vegetation around the environment that communicates with the surrounding nature and telepathically delivers me information. They're like extensions of myself. You'd be surprised just how well it works. One tree can speak with an entire forest if given enough time."

"So a spy network that spans across the world, disguised as plant life. That's creepy," Holden responded.

"It's useful," Jackson snapped.

"It's strange but necessary sometimes. That's how Melony and our group often uncover operations like this. I want to do this differently though. This time I want to go without her, without that guaranteed security blanket. Do you get what I mean?"

Holden nodded with understanding, the feeling of wanting to prove one's independence a familiar one to him.

"You want to lead the charge this time, prove her faith in you wasn't misplaced. Wait..." Holden turned towards Jackson, a thought rushing through his mind. "You're cool with this, keeping it a secret from Melony? Really?"

"Natasha has been through a lot and grown despite it. She's earned this. I didn't like it at first, but if we can't accomplish our goals without relying on Melony, we have no right to call ourselves worthy of her support, and we'll have failed ourselves."

Allowing for a few seconds to let what he'd heard marinate, Holden abruptly turned and began to walk away much to the surprise of the other two. Jackson placed his hand firmly on Holden's arm, holding him in place.

"Where are you going? We were still talking to y-"

"I've heard enough," Holden interrupted. He turned his head and peered into Jackson's eyes over his shoulder, using his free hand to brush his wavy hair out of his face.

"I'm going to get packed up, like Melony said. You two want to prove yourselves as strong enough on your own. So do I. If it benefits all three of us, then there's nothing more that needs to be said."

Jackson released Holden from his grip and watched him leave. He faced Natasha and signed to her, remarking on the bluntness of their new ally. Natasha playfully poked him in the gut and reminded him of his own attitude, to which he admitted defeat with a huff and departed to his room, preparing his bags for the journey ahead.