Branching Out

Posted on Sat Nov 16th, 2024 @ 23:13 by Jacqueline Myers & Andrew Hallows

Chapter: Besieged
Location: Avalon Institute
Timeline: February 1st, 1993
4405 words - 8.8 OF Standard Post Measure

It was during Andrew's morning jog around the Institute and the surrounding area. This was the one thing about his life which hadn't changed since becoming a teacher. During the run he had noticed that the door to one of the sheds was slightly ajar, which was uncommon as this was his usual jogging course, and the doors were always closed shut. He slowed to a walk on his second go around the institute and stopped by the door to the shed.

He was just going to observe unless action was needed. With that in mind he stepped to the wall next to the door and shifted his density, so that a quarter of his face poked through to the other side. As silently as he could be he looked around the darkened interior of the shed, to see if anything was out of sorts.

Creeping past the cracked door, the stray stem of brambles had begun to spread out past the threshold. The air was cold with the smell of damp burnt wood which was unusual for a traditional greenhouse, garden burning was an outdoor activity. Amongst the chaotic tangle of overgrown vines an old tin bath had been dragged out from under a work bench and the compost had been tipped in a pile alongside it. Though the drag marks were relatively new, the growth of plants displayed was much thicker than it should have been.

A warm-to-the-touch galvanised bin barely smouldered, white lumps just clinging onto heat. Inside the overgrown bath, a humanoid form could scarcely be seen. Slumped against the angled back and knees curled to one side. A damp waxed jacket covered most of their form, the faintly green complexion of a sleeping woman could be made out with a careful enough examination. Fine thread roots had pushed their way through rusted studs and seams of the tub and into the ground. Not far from the vessel, a watering can had been tossed aside.

The deep green hue on Jackie’s skin had started to fade with the long undisturbed rest she had from her arrival with Alastair. She had collected enough wood scraps to light the bin and set herself up with a makeshift bed that would give her access to water, and soil. If she was going to root she didn’t want to destroy a heritage site.

Curious, he hadn't heard of a second plant-based mutant on the premises besides Mr. Bloomfield. With the information that had recently been circulating regarding registration of mutants and the general dislike and fear most people had for them, he wondered if this new arrival had escaped from somewhere which had put this lady at risk.

Phasing the rest of the way through the wall, the sweaty form of Arndrew made his way slowly to the bin which held Jackie's greenish form. Kneeling down so that his height and build wasn't intimidating, I mean he was wearing his usual track suit and running shoes. "Miss, are you alright?" He opted back into the speech patterns from when he was Military Police, the firm but also gentle lilt of a commanding voice.

He didn't reach out to touch her, as having dealt with a form of PTSD (post-traumatic stress) himself, he knew that someone fearing for their life was likely to lash out if they feel threatened.

Whilst there were no other noises outside of his quiet greeting, the subtle movement against the surrounding brush warned her of something or someone encroaching in her ‘safe space’. Against her will her skin hardened in the form of tree bark and thick thorns forced their way between the texture of her skin. Her body curled inward from the pain of the open wound on her abdomen. “Ugh.”

Her eyes scrunched shut tighter before blinking open through the mess of her hair and the invasion of weeds that had grown around her. The shrill scrape of her thorns grated against the galvanised tub as she shuffled herself upright, before curling over to clutch herself. “Oww.” Lifting her head she attempted to gauge who it was that had approached her.

The underside of her hands remained unaffected by her thorny exterior and helped to rub her eyes, clearing up her hazy vision. “I’m fine, better at least,” Jackie answered before pulling the weeds out of her way, as they seemed to voluntarily lean away from her. “Sorry Alastair … Temple brought me here from Cresthill.” She quietly explained hoping her defenses would lower sooner rather than later.

He had done his best not to surprise the young lady nor cause her any undue pain, but it seemed even with all of his careful actions, it happened anyway. He watched as layers of bark and what looked like thorns began to be produced from her skin. This was new, that and her greenish skin would have made life somewhat tough for her he assumed.

Oh, yes introductions, he forgot that aspect every once in a while, when dealing with surprises. "My name is Andrew Hallows, PE teacher and combat instructor. I should also welcome you to Avalon Institute." He saw the sizable gash in her side and immediately sprung into action. He tore the sleeve of his shirt off and stepped forward slowly. "I mean you no harm, I have limited medic training from my time with the military, I can at least staunch the bleeding."

He stopped about a foot away from the galvanized tub bed, the first thing was her feeling safe and understanding he was not a threat. "I happened to see the shed door ajar, during my morning jog and thought it best to investigate."

A gash was an understatement. A large sappy wound around 15 by 10 centimetres was barely visible from the dank waxed jacket. Jackie guessed that her tight protective grip had loosened as she had passed out rather than fallen asleep. The stain wasn’t red like blood but closer to a yellow platelet discharge from a wound attempting to heal.

She lifted the edge of her jacket to get a better look at what he was so concerned about, a scruffy brushed cotton plaid shirt was pulled up to expose what was once a horrific wound. The thick coarse texture of bark had been hacked away in a patch. Holding the bottom of the shirt, it was easy to see that her fingers were crooked and the joints were uneven - much like growth following a pruning,

“I don’t think it's blood-blood.” Jackie looked up at him unsure herself, “It’s thick and sticky, it didn’t look like this yesterday.” She avoided probing the wound further and looked at the offered sleeve. “I think it's helping maybe? I don’t know.” He’d destroyed a perfectly good shirt to assist her. “My name is Jackie Myers, I came here looking for help after I saw this place in the paper.”

More of the plant growth veered away from her as she sat herself up carefully in the tub, it grating on the paving slab she’d set it down on. “I root when I’m running on empty. I mean it’s a castle … I don’t want to cause subsidence…” She had every intention of getting up but she thought it better to prepare herself both physically and mentally before doing so. The thick thorns were gradually retreating and the movement of her feet to sit up had snapped the fine thread roots growing through her boots.

He nodded and listened as she moved around slowly ungrounding herself from what seemed to be a plantlike healing process. This was not something that Andrew had expected to see, granted now that he was joining a world he had never truly seen as he could pass as human better than most of his fellow mutants.

"Nice to meet you Jackie, and welcome to the Avalon Institute." He wasn't going to offer her a hand out of the tub, at least not while her body was covered in thorns. "Well, that's good at least, though I believe your jacket is ruined." He wasn't sure what he was going to do next. But it was obvious that he would need to help this lady out.

"Well, once we get you out of the tub, I would be willing to give you a tour and see about getting you a meeting with the headmistress of the school. My first class isn't until 10am, who would have thought that this martial artist and retired soldier would be teaching the younger generation."

After an anticipatory inhale Jackie curled her crooked fingers tightly around the edge of the tub. She braced herself with a pained groan as she heaved herself up, letting go of her support and staggering a moment before spreading her feet to better balance. “It was given to me by the delivery driver who gave me a ride into town, it had seen better days before I got my hands on it.” She attempted a smile as she straightened herself up.

“I was pretty much left with the clothes I had on.” She explained taking a step out of the tub with a wobble as she went. “What time is it? Is there proper human-ish food?” Jackie asked hopeful that there might be a kitchen that was stocked with the best snacks a teen could need. “You’re right, I should really introduce myself to Miss Cavendish, that’s her name right?”

The more they spoke the more the thorns receded, leaving the points barely exposed. She pulled down the bottom of her shirt and tucked it back into the dirty joggers she had tied tightly with the drawstring.

He was ready to help her if she needed assistance, so until she was out of the tub he stood and watched. He almost surged forward when she began to wobble as he was ready to catch her.

Andrew nodded as she stated that she literally came to the institute with just the clothes on her back. "Well, breakfast should be available in the next 30 minutes or so." He looked over her dirty and torn clothes. "However, before that maybe a shower and a change of clothes? I'll take you to my office next to the gymnasium, there should be a set of sweats that fit you." He nodded again. "Yes, Miss Claire Cavendish, so let's get you a change of clothes and then some food and set up a meeting."

"Please, follow me, Jackie." He turned and began leading her to the gymnasium, the showers and a change of clothes."

Jackie flexed her shoulders back attempting to straighten up the hunch from being tucked into the tub. Her stomach tensed and the sappy wound stretched causing her to suck in sharply through her teeth. The thought of a shower she had control of and food that wasn’t in dirt or whatever had been left for her brought a little warmth to her chest. “Are you sure? Not that I really want to be smelt from 50 paces, I seem to have the Eau de mildew.”

Even through the humid greenery of the greenhouse, there was a distinct smell of wet dog and agricultural fertiliser. Her crooked fingers pulled the old jacket around her, one side tucking over the other to hide the sticky stain. She followed her tour guide with slow careful steps, less of a wobble the more she moved. What was a deep pain before was less and more of a constant ache as she moved.

Now she was more awake she could see the sky was still dark, it was early morning at least, 30 minutes for food didn’t seem so bad. Even if she wanted answers and more information should would need to wait. A shower would let her check for any other wounds or marks, she felt grimy in the creases of her joints, the stickiness that came with being unclean. “Thank you.” She added quietly folding her arms across her chest to keep everything closed.

"Not in the least, I can't say what happened to you, but it seems fairly obvious that things haven't been the best for you." Andrew had heard stories about how many mutants had been abused or killed for being different, it was a story which had been happening for centuries. "I figure that a shower would likely revitalize you, let alone help to clean up any other wounds that might be there."

He wasn't moving fast at all; Jackie had been in that tub since last night it would seem. So, Andrew was doing everything he could to ensure she didn't exacerbate any of her current injuries. Recuperating from any sort of massive injury was tricky, this is something that Andrew had a lot of knowledge. Because, even to this day he was still dealing with nerve damage from the wound in his right leg.

Pulling his keys out and unlocked the side door into the gymnasium. "You are welcome." He led her first to his office and grabbed a set of sweats, a change of socks and a simple white t-shirt. "There should be towels in the locker room." Andrew then led her over to the locker room. "I'll be in my office, when you get out, I can then lead you to the food. You don't have any food restrictions, do you?"

The woman nodded faintly at his comment about things not being the best. He wasn’t wrong. She’d never experienced anything like what she’d escaped from, and she never thought anyone could treat someone like that outside of tabloid news stories about prisoners of war. Jackie didn’t think she was at war with anyone; apparently, she was sorely mistaken.

“Is this like a real shower? Not secondary school everyone forced into freezing ice shards?” She asked hoping it wasn’t like her old school’s showers, the ones she’d avoid with the feigned ill health. Gladly she piled up the clothes in her arms, topped with the towel and she leaned toward the showers.

“Food restrictions?” She’d never been asked before. “I don’t think so; no one has ever asked before,” Jackie answered, pulling the bundle closer to her chest. “I’ve not eaten a proper meal for a while …”

Having been a soldier for 10 years and the son of a military veteran, Andrew understood that there were many aspects to what seemed to be currently brewing. Fear made people do many surprising things. This included striking against people who were different, that included race, religion, gender and now genetics seemed to be at the top of that list. This had been the primary reason that Claire had asked him to train the faculty in basic defense and tactics.

"They are real showers, Jackie. I tend to use them after my run in the morning and my work-out in the afternoon." He remembered those secondary school showers that were either frigid as hell or just luke warm, which was almost as bad as frigid.

"Yes, allergies or restrictions." He nodded. "As I said before, this is a safe place for people like us. I think today is a hash day as well. "Having been first RMP (Royal Military Police) and then SIB (Special Investigations Brach) before I was medicaled out due to injury, I tend to pick up on things that others might not think to and ask questions that others may not."

Her eyes widened at the mention of real showers, even the Bothy didn’t have running water in that way. Jackie’s lips pinched as he explained what he meant by food restrictions. “I’m not a vegetarian or anything, I’m not very good at spicy. Does that count?” Again she absorbed all the tidbits of information he was giving her, he was polite, kind of.

“I think we have a lot to talk about, I need help finding my fiancé. I need to ensure he’s safe, even if he doesn’t want to see me.” The tightening in her chest made the words stick as she tried to get them out. She squeezed the fresh clothes against the musty jacket. “We can talk about that over breakfast when I smell less like a farmer’s welly.”

The humor helped her get back on track. She needed to be in a state where she could function, and hygiene had been missed for too long through no fault of her own. “Do you have a spare toothbrush? " the woman grimaced at the thought.

"Not being into spicy food isn't a restriction, however, I would consider being a vegetarian a restriction. Guess I have to share the bacon now," he light out a brief chuckle. Andrew had always considered himself to be at least civilly polite. However, SIB Andrew was a very gruff individual, Teacher Andrew was a mixture of civil Andrew and SIB Andrew.

"Well, I can't promise how much use I will be in finding things out, but I am willing to give you as much of a helping hand as I can." Andrew was never what you might call an optimist, he was more a mixture of realist and pragmatist. "Honestly, you smell better than the camel I met in Kuwait." He chuckled briefly again.

He shrugged and had to think for a few moments about the toothbrush before he answered. "I'm not sure, but I am sure we can find you one." He was expecting they would have to drive into town to acquire items for Jackie, Andrew wasn't sure what extra items might be available here.

“Oh, no restrictions. I eat anything and I guess plants do too in the end.” Jackie answered with a dip of her head. “It’s okay there’s a lot, perhaps you can point me to the right places when I explain things?” There was a sigh at her realisation there was no magic wand. “I just don’t even know where to start.”

She caught herself again, looked down at the pile of clothes in her arms, and then looked toward the showers. “I’ll get cleaned up first,” she said. “Less camel and more hospitable.” The woman stepped backwards toward the showers and lockers that had been pointed out, dropping the clean clothes on a bench before turning on a shower. The blast of water caused her to hop back and give a quiet squeak followed by an embarrassed huff.

A pile of towels were rightfully available and she peeled off the layers she had been given. The only thing she cared to keep was James’ shirt, which was in dire need of a wash. Steam seeped out from the cubicle and she used the rough texture of the towel to protect what modesty she had left. Closing the door behind her she backed into the water to protect the tender patch on her stomach. Slowly she turned her face to the water, rinsing the grime and aches away.

Time disappeared as she checked wounds, bruises and the knotted tissue of scars. Jackie’s fingers fought to untangle mats in her hair, though it squeaked from the shampoo, the level of neglect was still evident. Once satisfied that she couldn’t improve things without the need for scissors or a comb she covered herself with a towel and sought the clean clothes.

He nodded. "I can act as a go-between as much as you need, Jackie." There was no magic wand, but there was a network of sorts. Even though he had question, he opted to wait with them until she had had the time she needed to clean up, honestly, he might not even ask the questions while breakfast was being had.

He returned to his office after she slipped into the female locker room, this would give him some time to finish his work out and begin some initial plans on who to reach out to, first would be his father's former partner on the force and then his CO with the SIB.

Once, Jackie came out of the locker room, cleaned and freshly clothed. She would find Andrew barefoot on a mat, going through a few hapkido katas with a mixture of tai chi foot movements. The strikes were fast, with a few flips and rolls thrown in as well, the final movement was a kick which matched the height of his forehead, before finally standing in a resting position and opening his eyes.

Had she really been that long? Jackie new there was a lot she checked over, the nub of a lost toe and carefullycleaning out the sappy patch. She pulled the t-shirt away from her stomach and made sure the waistband of her sweatshirt mean the joggers. The clean socks felt like a luxury she’d been missing out on and her toes curled against the white knit fabric. She crept through the gym looking for Andrew, the creak of the door gave way her entrance.

Quietly she waited for him to come to a natural break, her head tilting to watch each well practiced movement. “Sorry, I didn’t realize I’d been so long.” Her hair was still damp but had been roughly towel dried and looked touch less matted.

When Jackie spoke, Andrew looked over at her a fine sheen of sweat over his face and a mostly serene look on his face. While she had been in the shower cleaning herself up and checking herself over, his face may look serene, but his mind was still running a mile a minute. "No longer than I expected, Jackie." Honestly with how rough she looked; he had expected her to take longer in the shower.

He grabbed a towel resting against the mat and wiped his face and parts of his arms and legs which were uncovered clean of the sweat. His senses weren't as strong as some of the students here, in truth his senses were rather average, but he could smell the scents of bacon, eggs and he believed hash. To bypass any questions about what he had been doing he answered. "I am considered a Master of Hapkido, currently working towards Grand Master, and a practitioner of Guang Ping Tai Chi. That is what you found me doing, when you came out of the locker room." He looked towards the double doors of the gymnasium. "I believe breakfast is being served."

The mention of food made her stomach ache, the quiet gurgle naturally made Jackie’s hand try and muffle the sound. The words he’d used sounded much like something she’d heard about on a Chinese takeaway menu and not a form of self-defence but she wasn’t going to admit it out loud. A Grand Master, that sounded very established and important, it reminded her of the secretive masons she’d experienced in the bigger locations they had travelled through. “It looks very focussed.”

She wasn’t sure how to describe it, everything seemed well-considered and methodical. Smooth and well practiced. “Are there breakfast rules or is it a free-for-all?” The gurgle under her sweatshirt rumbled on. Buttery toast with jam or even porridge with syrup or honey, those were the thoughts that crossed her mind and a sweet cup of tea. That wasn’t too much to ask for. It wasn’t a full English and there were no additional needs as Andrew had explained. “I imagine you’re a morning person given you were out at an ungodly hour or is that military routine?” She asked curiously trying to hide the hunger sounds.

Focused was definitely one way to describe the training he had gone through both in the martial arts and in the military. "It is, when I first began my training in Hapkido, I was 6, it was all because I got into several fights with other students my own age. My father asked a friend of his to introduce me to a way to control my anger." He dabbed some more sweat off of his face. "It taught me self-confidence and control; it then became just another facet of my life."

"With the amount of time I have spent training and competing, I am able to take students myself. I haven't done so yet as the military took up much of my life. I have begun instructing both the faculty and students in the basics to facilitate defending themselves and others they care about, but no true disciples." He heard the gurgles and could feel the hunger gnawing at him as well. "I suppose you could say there are rules, but mostly just basic politeness. Similar to a buffet of sorts, would be the best I can think to describe it."

"In regard to being a morning person, I would say it is more routine than anything." One of the things that the military had taught him was how to be adaptable. If it was required of him, he could shift his schedule, though it was easier for him to be a morning person than anything. "Shall we go get us some breakfast? After that we can see about introducing you to headmistress."
Her mind drifted back to being six and not being able to attend school or play out with the other kids in the village. It seemed lucky that so many people with powers could pass without being noticed. “Self-control seems like a skill I could probably hone at some point.” Moments of frustration and anger often resulted in unwanted or unplanned growth that quickly spiralled out of control.

The mention of disciples reminded her of bible chapters and zealots who did all kinds of wicked things in the name of good. It didn’t seem to be too far from what she had escaped from but not in the same vein. Her hands instinctively settled on her stomach touching the tender spot and attempting to muffle the growls. Jackie’s eyes lit up at the description of what she was about to get herself into, “A buffet? Like, pick what you want but not pile a mountain so that people stare at you?” She smiled and pulled at the side of her sweatshirt and followed her guide eagerly for the delights of the canteen or kitchen. “Please, I think my stomach is eating itself.”