Road Trip Cut Short

Posted on Thu Aug 24th, 2023 @ 12:29 by Claire Cavendish & Phoebe Hunter & Rebecca McMillen & Jhanvi Dhar

Chapter: All Hallow's Eve
Location: Unknown countryhouse
Timeline: 00:15 November 1st, 1992 (immediately following On the Doorstep of the Unknown)
889 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

The old woman that had welcomed these strangers into her home after they had randomly appeared in her driveway was now looking at how they were all getting into her Ashton Martin Vantage Volante. It wasn't very roomy in the back but it was the fastest car she had and the three strays wanted to get back to Avalon as fast as possible. A trip that would take them the better part of the rest of the night.

Phoebe smiled as she was handed the keys. “I will bring this back as soon as I can I promise.” Phoebe looked at the machine she was giving them the best chance to get back to work Phoebe's abilities to see police and the new cameras on the motorway north it would take less time.

It would have been infinitely easier, and far more comfortable, had Soren subjected himself to the fleeting agony of transformation and restored Jhanvi's stature if nothing else. His reasons for avoiding it were his own, though at least part of the problem stemmed from the recent overload and the complication of additional genetic imprinting at a time when his powers were already chaotic. Only the mutant knew why he'd permitted direct physical contact, having held his colleague in the palm of his hand without so much as a flinch at the potential breach of etiquette, but there was no escaping the acquired reference now. It was difficult to trust that any attempt at reverting to his sister's form wouldn't somehow involve far more whiskers than was typical of her appearance and so he remained, gangly and awkward and still only partially-clothed. Without allowing any opportunity to protest, he had clambered into the backseat, somehow managing to arrange his long legs, and left the front passenger seat for the third member of their trio.

Rebecca deferred to Phoebe for the driver, and when offered the front seat she took it. Well, 'Offered' was hardly the proper word, as it was foisted upon her with no room for contest. Rebecca didn't mind, it was always one of the few times that her power was very useful: Infinite legroom.

At Phoebe's declaration of intent, Rebecca just gave a nod in assurance. She buckled her restraint, and then gave a soft sigh. "You're the driver, that means you've got final say on the radio." the mousey blonde in the fairy costume offered. Those were the rules of the road, after all.

Pheobe shrugged she did not care much for the radio as she set about finalising the chair for what would be a long and speedy journey. "You do what you want with the radio." She said waving to the woman watching as she disappeared back inside to the warmth. One more moment of contemplation and turned on the engine savouring the sound of the old car coming to life. The woman checked the mirrors slowly starting to get the car out of the garage.

The air outside sizzled for a moment before, with a pop, Claire appeared right in front of the car slowly rolling out of the garage. Her hands were immediately on the hood, feet sliding back on the gravel for the split second it took Phoebe to react. "Get out. I don't have much time." Her purple skin was paler than usual and there was sweat beading from her forehead.

The suddenness of Claire's appearance gave Rebecca something of a start. Having a friend who could teleport was something she'd need to get used to, though that hardly even registered at the moment. Not much time? With that, Rebecca scrambled to get out, unlatching her harness and opening the door in a single motion before stepping out and closing the door behind her. She didn't slam the door, that would be amazingly rude to her host.

“Claire!” Phoebe yelled as her foot hit the brake and clutch and she ripped up the hand break even at the slow speed she was scared she was going to injury the woman and cause them to have more members in there car. “How did you get another power boost?” Phoebe wondered as she got out the car and put the keys under the steering wheel.

"I got a second jolt." Claire was motioning for all of them come closer to her. when she realised that she wasn't explaining anything at all she looked at Phoebe, "there's this woman at the Institute. She's wielding a spear. I don't know." It still wasn't saying much of course, and she felt that whatever it was that had boosted her it was taking a toll on her.

“A woman with a spear?” Phoebe wondered as she took Claire’s hand squeezing her hand in reassurance.

The touch and reassuring squeeze centred Claire and with a renewed look of determination she looked at all the others around her. As her gaze made sure there wasn't anyone else in her sphere of influence, she locked eyes with the mysterious old woman who had welcomed the strangers into her home and had freely offered them an expensive new Ashton Martin. She gave a grateful smile.

The woman gave a knowing nod in return.

"It helps if you take in a deep breath."

Then the air sizzled and the four displaced mutants had instantly vacated the driveway.