Meltdown Pt 2

Posted on Thu Dec 15th, 2022 @ 5:32am by Jaclyn Morrison & Unawakened Kai Irving & Head Mistress Absynthe "Syn" Drake & Carter McMillian

Mission: Drake Academy
Location: Jaclyn and Kai's Dorm Room
Timeline: Current

The academy’s headmistress sighed and approached the bed. “Jaclyn, it’s Syn. I need to do something that I do not like to do, but it will help you to focus.” That was all of the warning that she gave as she pushed past Jaclyn’s insanely strong willpower, as though it were child’s play.

Suddenly the surroundings seemed to morph into a wide open field, small white and yellow flowers dotting the crisp green grass, gently swaying in a soft breeze. Syn was sitting next to the young woman, her legs folded beneath her, her demeanour calm, almost serene. Jaclyn, I need for you to hear what I’m saying. I know that you’re afraid, but you are not alone.

Jaclyn stared in shock around her. What? Where am I? Redundant questions, to be sure, but the teen’s mind was so filled with panic that these were the first questions she asked as she took in the area Syn had created.

Technically, we are in your mind. This seems to be a peaceful place for you for some reason. Syn looked over at Jaclyn and smiled gently. I am not just an alien dragon-martial arts master-turned-headmistress. I am a telepath and a mystic. I normally only use my powers to calm potential students, as it is a small invasion of the mind, but not intrusive. You have an incredibly strong will, though, one of the strongest that I’ve ever encountered. It took a little more work to get in.

Jaclyn looked out at the field. She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them. I recognise it. she replied. My family used to camp nearby on Summer Vacations. Years ago. something that would never happen again. Did I hurt someone? Jaclyn asked as she pulled her gaze away from the field. Is Kai okay

Syn chuckled a bit and shook her head. Kai is being taken care of. And no one was harmed. We have some pretty sensitive systems in place to help avoid such things. We’ve been doing this for quite a while now. It’s not unusual for new arrivals to have issues processing what they’re going through. That’s one of the reasons that I assign a guide that I know is capable of handling such emergencies.

The diminutive dragon lady didn’t push Jaclyn into talking, just simply sat there with her, allowing the young woman to gain some control over her emotional state. Though, it is a little disconcerting for the other students that have to be evacuated, even if some of them treat it like a daily occurrence.

Jaclyn visibly winced. She didn't like inconveniencing people. It made her stand out even more and she was not sure if she liked that idea. Jaclyn sat quietly, unaware that outside the mindscape her powers were retreating and the whirlwind was slowing down.

I am sorry that I have put you to so much trouble, Headmistress. she said finally. There is a lot to... process. And I ... she broke off with a shrug. She didn't know how to articulate the words.

You are used to people blaming you for things that really aren’t your fault, aren’t you? The small Asian woman gave a small, frustrated growl. Call me Syn. I prefer that to the stuffiness of being called by some pretentious title. You are causing no trouble. Like I said, this happens with nearly everyone that wasn’t born this way. Though, even then, there are other issues that they have to deal with. Almost every student here has some kind of post-awakening meltdown story.

My father blamed me and my brother for the death of my mother, though neither of us was driving. And my .... stepmother wanted me gone so everything was my fault. Jaclyn shrugged. I am not sure how to handle this. she admitted. Outside the mindscape, around her the powers were all but still now, the metal fell to the floor in solid chips.

At the doorway, Carter smiled softly as he watched the only woman he had ever known as a mother, help another person in need. There was a sadness that he was picking up on through the link he had with Syn. It caused him to want to protect Jaclyn even more. He felt….drawn to her.

Syn sighed softly, looking over at Jaclyn with a gentle smile that stood in odd contrast to her red-reptilian gaze. Family matters can be complicated, but those that lash out at children are a specific brand of vile. You are no longer alone. Perhaps one day you can consider us your new family.

The diminutive dragon lady rose gracefully to her tiny height and offered an open hand to the soul weary young woman. I know that this is all new and raw to you, but you are strong willed and capable. Learning to control your powers is as difficult as learning how to master one’s emotions, and very similar. I do believe that you can handle it, though. It may be wise for you to see one of our staff counsellors, along with Kai. You have both suffered much in a short span of time. Barring that, the house mothers are normally good shoulders to cry on should you need to in a pinch.”

Jaclyn nodded in the mental scape. I will ... keep that in mind” she said softly. She didn’t know what else to say. She was no longer feeling panicked but she was still wary and wondering how this would all work out.

The dragon-eyed woman nodded, remaining out of whatever it was that Jaclyn was thinking. Panic attacks can be normal at first. Try to remember to breathe deeply, slowly. You know how to control your powers on a base, almost genetic level, as do we all. Right now your emotional state is in control of your powers. You need to learn to separate your emotions in order to find your control state. Syn explained as the open field began shimmering slightly.

Before long, the scene gently shifted back to the room, Jaclyn still lying on the bed, Syn standing next to her with a steadying hand on her shoulder. The ancient administrator knew that coming out of her illusions could cause some imbalance, even when lying down. “Wake,” she whispered as she fully withdrew from the young woman’s mind.

Jac’s eyes opened slowly and she blinked. “Sorry,” she said again, not really sure what to say as she slowly sat up on the bed and looked around at the shards of metal littering the bed and the floor.

Hearing that things had calmed down, Carter deactivated the safety protocols, signalling the students that they could start to return to their rooms. "Don't worry about it," he said with a soft, easy smile as he stepped into the doorway. "When my powers first activated, even after living here my whole life, I nearly melted my room." He chuckled softly. "You don't need to apologise to anyone here. Not about this. Every Meta here understands. Even most of the non-Metas too."

“No one is mad, Jaclyn. You delayed homework and bedtime by a bit, so you may actually have some admirers after this,” Syn said with a wink and a chuckle. “Go take a shower. The cleanup crew is on the way. You’ve done no permanent damage.”

Jaclyn stood slowly and nodded “Thank you.” She said softly looking at the floor. She knew she was being helped but she was struggling with it.

“Take a shower and relax tonight and tomorrow. Be loner couch potatoes if you want to,” Syn said, looking up at Jaclyn as she stood. “Carter, make sure that they’re stocked up on snacks and let them decompress. They’ve had more than a few rough days and I’m sure they could use a break from the overload. Add a few extra pillows, and a fluffy blanket in the mix for Artemis. I’ll have food, toys, and treats sent for her.”

The diminutive dragon lady bowed slightly. “Use the intercom should you require assistance. OG will be able to direct you to anyone that you wish to speak to, including me. Rest, recover, refresh. We will speak of important things in a few days.” She then turned to leave.

“Thank you.” Jaclyn said honestly to the lady. “I mean it. I really am sorry for the trouble, but thank you.”

“You are quite welcome, young one,” Syn said, turning back to the girl briefly, giving her a pointed look. “I will break you of this inferiority complex. I promise,” she said gently, then bowed again and left Carter and Jaclyn alone.

Carter smiled warmly to his mother as she passed him. "I'll make sure they have what they need to burrow in for a few days, Mom." He then looked over at Jaclyn as Syn left. "What pizza toppings do you and Kai like? I'll add a pie for each of you to the snack supplies."

“I.. don't know what she likes,” Jaclyn admitted. “I like Chicken and Avocado as toppings.” She added. She kind of drifted to one of the bags and unzipped it. “But I am sure she will tell you if asked.”

Carter nodded. "Then I'll ask her when she comes back." He reached into his right breast pocket and pulled out a small electronic device. "Here," he said as he handed it over. "It's a comm unit. If you need anything, or just want to talk, you can call me on it, any time."

She held it in her hand and then when her fingers closed around it slowly she nodded. “Okay thank you.” She began to go through the bag looking for clean clothes to get into. “Carter? I mean it, thank you for helping.” She didn’t look up though her gaze was focused on the bag.

Nodding, Carter gave Jaclyn a handsome grin. "Of course! You're safe here, you'll see." He then turned and started to head out, pausing when Kai returned. "Hey, kiddo. What are your favorite pizza toppings?"

Kai looked up at him and replied. "Capers and anchovies," she replied. "My mom loved them."

Jac took the opportunity to slip into the bathroom to shower.

Carter nodded as he replied. "You got it. Mom wants you two to take a few days to decompress. I'm going to grab you a bunch of snacks and what-not to hold ya over. When the pizza gets here later, I'll bring you both a pie each. Is there anything else you'd like?"

Kai glanced towards the bathroom. "Jac likes hot chocolate." She said "is that okay?"

"Of course it is," he replied easily. I'll have an electric kettle sent up, so you guys can boil some water for it. Or does she prefer to use heated milk instead?"

Kai shrugged "Not sure. She never said." She looked at Carter. "She barely knew me but she worked to save me. Not many would do that."

Carter knelt down and reached out to gently put his right hand on Kai's left shoulder. "Here, we all look out for each other, Kai. I promise you, on my life, you and Jaclyn are safe here." The look in his eyes and the tone of his voice conveyed honesty in his words.

Kai nodded. She wanted to believe him and so far it seemed that way. She had been told she was safe before. "Okay." She said softly. "Will she be ok?"

Glancing back to the closed bathroom door, Carter nodded. "She's got a long road of training ahead of her, but, if she sticks to it, she will be." He looked back at Kai and gave her another reassuring grin. "The whole time I've been here, I've never seen any Meta fail in their training."

"Do any leave?" Kai asked curiously "Before they finish?"

Carter took a moment to remember. "I remember one, back when I was in third grade. I don't remember her name, just that she kept breaking the rules. One night, she hurt a few kids with her powers and Mom expelled her. I haven't seen her since."

Kai nodded. "Jac won't like it if she hurts people." Kai knew that much. She had seen Jac take beatings meant for her.

Nodding slightly, Carter looked deep into Kai's eyes. "She is strong. I have a very good feeling that she will do great here. Both of you will."

Kai gave a nod. "Okay." She would wait and see.

The sound of the water turning off reached their ears.

Carter looked back at the closed bathroom door, a curious thought of how Jaclyn looked now quickly crossed his mind, but then was stored away. She deserved better treatment than that, he thought to himself. Turning back to Kai, he grinned again. "I'll go get those snacks and other things for you two. Settle in and get comfortable." He stood back up, then left the room before Jaclyn exited the bathroom.

A few minutes later Jac came out of the bathroom in baggy sweat pants, thick socks on her feet and a matching sweatshirt on top. She had coiled her damp hair into twin buns on the top of her head and looked to Kai’s eyes, exhausted.

It didn't take Kai long to convince Jac to sit on the couch and chill with Artemis as a group of adults came in to clean up Jac's room.

Kai grabbed blankets and joined her friend and the puppy on the couch.

It took the cleanup crew 30 minutes and then the two were alone with Artemis snuggled together on the couch in silence. Neither wanted to talk they just wanted to spend time in silence to absorb the things that had happened.

A few minutes after the cleanup team left, there was a gentle knock on their door.

Kai looked up. "Yes?" She called out as she pushed back the blankets to get to the door.

Jac merely looked towards the door.

When Kai opened the door, Carter was there, pushing a cart filled with supplies. "Hey!" He said cheerfully. He paused briefly as his eyes landed on Jaclyn. "I..uh..got some stuff here for you two." Pushing the cart in, he continued.

"I've got some extra blankets and pillows here, various candy and junk food here. I wasn't sure what kind of soda you two liked, so I grabbed a 12 pack of regular, diet and plain seltzer." He put the drinks in the fridge and the snacks in the cupboard under the microwave.

Turning back, he lifted an electric kettle and a box of hot cocoa packets. He placed them on the cupboard next to the microwave. He then picked up two mugs, one with a flame design on it. "I made this one a few years ago," he said as his eyes met Jaclyn's. "I want you to have it."

Jac stared at him. "Why?" She asked curiously.

Suddenly feeling nervous, Carter blushed. "I..I mean…" He now felt foolish for his choice of words. "I just meant that…" He shook his head as he lowered his gaze. He was a fool. "Never mind," he whispered. He left the mug where it was and started to push the empty cart out of the room. "I'll have the pizza brought to you two when it gets here." He moved out of the room and started to close the door.

Kai meanwhile looked between the two, sighed “Thank you Cater” she said brightly.

Carter nodded to Kai, and gave her a quick grin. Then, the door closed, leaving the two girls and puppy alone in the dorm room.

Kai looked back at Jaclyn and sighed. “You are clueless,” she muttered and began hunting through the snacks.

=====OFF====