After a quick reunion and an extensive explanation, Rose looked at Travis confused.

"What did you do to revive me?" Rose asked.

Travis looked up from his task. He was trying to pick the lock on a door. Jessie assumed it was an exit, but wasn't really in the mood to ask questions. He decided to leave that to Rose.

"I phased my hand through your chest and pumped your heart with it. I saw it once in a show you showed me." Travis said as he fiddled with the lock.

"You remembered that?" Rose asked surprised.

"I remember everything you tell me, Rose." Travis said as he picked the lock.

Jessie recalled his conversation with Travis after he saved Rose.

Travis...how long have you kept this to yourself. Rose...Does she know? Do I tell her? Travis is under a lot of stress I don't want to add more.

Laughing behind them broke the silence, Jessie turned to see Lily making shapes with her limbs and trying to make Mia laugh. Mia looked tired but refused to take another nap.

Well, she is an older kid, I can't blame her for not wanting to take another one. She does seem to like Lily and Rose a lot.

Jessie studied the room they were in seeing all the old walls and light fixtures. They were in a hallway behind the cell room, they had left Micheal behind.

"Okay, I think I got it." Travis said excitedly. He pulled on the lock and was met with resistance. He did not have it.

"Here let me try." Jessie said as he walked towards the door.

"Are you sure this is the way out Travis?" Rose asked.

"I'm not sure of anything down here, so much has happened and we are still no closer to a solution." Travis said as he watched Jessie grab the lock.

Jessie wrapped his fingers around the small lock and pulled. It tore with ease.

"How did you do that?" Rose asked.

"Travis and I discovered we are getting stronger. We are still changing Rose." Jessie said.

"That or the lock was really old and you just happen to be a Goliath." Travis said as he picked up the rusty lock. "Thought that's doubtful considering how skinny you are."

Travis walked through the door holding it open for everyone else. Rose giggled and walked after him.

"I'm not that skinny." Jessie said meekly as he passed through the doorway, followed shortly by Mia and Lily.

Jessie looked down the pathway to see they were in a clean white hallway. The lights were on, and they were doors on both sides lining the entire hallway. There was a door at the far end.

As they walked down the hallway Rose pulled next to Jessie.

"What do you mean we are still changing? Are we gonna fly or something?" Rose asked looking at the doors as they passed.

"I don't know Travis is the one with the knowledge. All I know is I can do more than before, and it's dangerous." Jessie said as he saw a plaque on the wall.

Clancy Baker: Chief Psychologist

"Hey Travis, is this important." Jessie asked pointing at the door the plaque was on.

Travis turned and saw the door. He inspected the plaque and tried the handle. It was locked.

"I can do this one guys." Rose said as she cracked her knuckles.

"Be my guest. Don't take too long though we need to go and get Mia out of here." Travis said while stepping back.

"If we are in a time-sensitive situation, then why are we wasting our time here?" Lily said stretching her head to read the plaque.

"Lily we just had a fight in a massive prison underneath a hospital. Doesn't that strike you as odd." Travis said as he took a step back from Lily's elongated head.

Rose placed her right hand on the lock and melted the door handle. She pushed the door open and faced them, flashing a proud smile.

Jessie walked into the room giving Rose a fist bump on his way in. He scanned the room to see a large office with shelves lining the walls. They were filled to the brim with books. In the center of the room was a large wooden desk. An assortment of toys were scattered across the room.

Jessie walked further into the room scanning the books on the shelves.

There are so many different genres, it's hard to tell who these books were for. On one side there's Shakespeare on another an old children's book.

"Guys this is definitely a puzzle room." Lily said as walked in hand in hand with Mia.

"A what?" Rose said picking up a toy. Dust came off it causing her to cough profusely.

"A puzzle room. You know how in games there are certain rooms where you have to solve a puzzle to move on?" Lily said as she grabbed a book from the shelf.

"Like in the Legend of Zelda?" Jessie said as he started searching for a hint.

"Exactly! What a great game." Lily said as she flipped through her book.

"My dad really liked that game. It was his favorite." Mia said as she grabbed an old doll.

Jessie turned to face her.

Her dad is Kazimir, what happened to him to make him change so much? We need to watch out for him. He's here to kill.

"What makes you think this is a puzzle room? Maybe it's just a regular room?" Travis said as he rifled through the desk.

They heard a hollow banging from where Travis stood.

"Shit. Hey guys we got a false bottom over here. Hopefully, it's just an alcohol stash." Travis said the last part under his breath. It didn't stop Jessie from hearing it as he approached him.

"See what I tell you puzzle room!" Lily said as she grabbed Mia's hand and hurried over.

"Did weird guy solve your puzzle?" Mia said looking up at Lily.

"When did I become weird guy? Never mind." Travis said as he moved a book out of the way. It revealed a lock on the bottom of the drawer.

Travis didn't hesitate to phase his finger through the lock and twist. It popped open.

"See I can do it too guys." Travis said opening the drawer. He looked inside and was speechless.

"What is it?" Jessie asked taking a seat behind Travis.

Travis reached in and pulled out two bags, one had fur, the other had a mushroom.

"Is that all? Why does this guy have fur and what I can only assume is a 'special mushroom.' " Lily said putting emphasis on the mushroom.

"This isn't that kind of mushroom. This one is like one I've never seen before." Travis said handing the bags to Jessie. Taking them in his hands Jessie got a closer look.

He's right. I hate to admit it but when you have a mom who parties a lot you see drugs every now and then. At least with my mom, that was the case. This fur though, it's really strange.

He opened the bag with the fur, pulled it out and immediately sneezed. He closed the bag and handed it back to Travis.

"What is it Jessie?" Travis said as he looked at the bag then Jessie.

"I think it's cat hair." Jessie said as he sneezed again. He looked around for anything to wipe his hand.

"Why is he freaking out about cats now?" Lily asked.

"He's allergic to cats." Rose said as she knelt next to Travis.

I fucking hate cats.

"I saw a bathroom across the hall." Travis said as he pointed out the door.

Jessie turned and walked out the door. He looked down the hall to the left and saw nothing but the door they came from. He looked to the right and saw a cat. It was all black except for a white star on his right eye.

He blinked and it was gone.

Jessie, you are losing it man. Get your head in the game.

He looked ahead and saw a bathroom right where Travis said.

He walked in and looked around. It was small with only three stalls. There weren't any urinals.

Oops, lady's room.

He saw a sink in front of him and took the moment to wash his hands. He looked up and saw a figure in the mirror behind him. A black cloud, he was instantly filled with a sense of dread and reeled around to see no one there. His heart raced as he looked around.

He saw no sight of anyone. The lights began to flicker, it didn't help calm him down. He started to breathe heavy and started on his way out slowly ready for an attack.

He heard a cackle behind him and spun around making a finger gun.

He saw no one and nothing standing there. He looked at his hand and shook his head.

I need sleep, I feel like I'm losing my mind.

He walked out of the bathroom and looked down the hallway. Nothing on either side. Sure he was seeing things he joined the others again.

He saw the others spread out across the room. Lily and Rose were looking at the books on the wall. Travis sat in the seat Jessie was in before. In his hands were a folder, it had a logo that looked vaguely familiar.

"What did you find?" Jessie said turning to see Mia playing with some old toys. She looked sad as she played, not like how a child should look. It made him feel bad for her.

Poor kid, she's lost so much today.

"We found some old documents at the bottom of the drawer. Some old emails between Mr. Baker and some random company. Something by the name of United together incorporated." Travis said waving the folder above him.

What.

"United together incorporated? Travis are you sure?" Jessie said as he rushed to Travis' side.

"Yeah, it even has their logo on the folder they were in. Hey!" Travis exclaimed as Jessie pulled the folder out of his hand and stared at the front.

It was the outline of a small child looking up at a light. The words United Together were very clearly written underneath.

"Jessie, what's wrong man? You're freaking me out." Travis said as he stood up and placing his hand on Jessie's shoulder.

"My brother worked for United Together as a research scientist. The clinic he worked at was a small branch he transferred to." Jessie said as he handed back the folder.

"Wait I thought he worked as a dermatologist?" Rose said as she turned her towards Jessie.

"U.T had a contract with the government, they funded the research and they kept what they came up with. The dermatologist thing was just what he told people due to a non disclosure agreement he signed." Jessie said taking a seat and placing his hands on his head.

"He told me he worked in biology, I assumed he worked on something boring like dieting pills or something, I don't know."

"Why is someone from U.T contacting the head psychologist at this random institute?" Travis said as he started to read the papers carefully.

"What are you guys talking about? You guys are throwing a lot of information out in this room and acting like everyone here knows what you're talking about. What's U.T." Lily said getting agitated.

"It's a company that changes the world. My mommy and daddy used to work there." Mia said as she played with some wooden blocks.

The others stared at her as she played.

Her parents worked at the same place as my brother? Did they work together?

"How does Plague and his gaggle of goons fit into all of this? We never even stopped to talk about who Plague is under that mask." Travis said as he scratched his chin. "This is quite the mystery."

"You people need to explain everything to me or this is where I leave you. From my point of view, you guys have a whole lot of connections to some bad people. Especially you Mr. Glow Eyes." Lily said as she pointed to Jessie.

Again with the glowing eyes.

"Lily this not the time nor the place for this, now I promise to explain everything to you but please be civil lives are at stake here." Travis said as he flickered in and out.

Lily was silent and sat down next to Mia watching her play.

Wow it's tense in here.

"All these papers are talking about is some cat and how it's living at this facility. How is any of this useful?" Travis said angrily.

I hate cats

"What's the cat's name?" Jessie asked

"Fate, something edgy like that." Travis said handing him a paper.

Jessie took hold of it and read it intently. It looked like a conversation between two people on a message board over the course of a few days.

December 7th

{How's Fate doing today?}

[Nothing new. The cat is just doing its normal routine. What's so strange is it never breaks routine.]

{That's to be expected, the first Fate did that as well.}

[When will you come to retrieve the package?]

{Soon our plans have been delayed because of Mr. genius again.}

—————

January 27th

{We have an issue.}

[What's wrong this time?]

{Fate has gotten sick again we need to send him back.}

[We can't keep feeding him, people are asking questions. It's getting harder to throw them off.]

{We have no choice if he dies it's gonna be both of our heads.}

[The first time wasn't our fault, it was Mr. genius. We all know he killed it.]

{It's just a rumor. Besides, don't let him know you're talking about him like that.}

——————

September 19th

[We are fucked. Fate has gone too far and now the police have evidence against me.]

{Shit. We are gonna have to tell him.}

[We are so dead]

—————

Jessie finished reading the paper and handed it back to Travis.

"We are no closer to a way out and we have more questions than answers now." Travis said while slouching down in his chair.

"Travis we told you, look around enough and we'll find an exit it's a-"

"I swear to whatever god you believe in if you say puzzle room I will snap." Travis said interrupting Lily.

Lily offended leaned against a grandfather clock.

"I don't believe in God." Lily said as they heard a solid thud behind her followed by her falling on the floor.The clock hissed and opened revealing a tunnel and at the far end, Jessie saw a light.

"Good going Lily! You proved Travis wrong." Rose said as she helped her up.

"Your one of us now. Don't worry we're the cool kids." She said as she hugged lily causing her to blush.

"Does she do this a lot?" Lily asked as she stretched out of the embrace leaving Rose feeling very annoyed.

"Proving Travis wrong and Rose being a nerd are something your gonna have to get used to if you're gonna roll with this crowd." Jessie said as he picked up Mia.

"Are we gonna leave this smelly place now?" Mia said as she wrapped her arms around Jessie's neck.

"Hopefully if Travis picks his jaw up from the ground. Let's go!" Jessie said stepping through the open doorway.

He was followed by the girls and eventually a grumbling Travis followed behind them. Once they were all in the tunnel the clock moved back into place.

"Ew, it's even more smelly here!" Mia said covering her nose.

"Here maybe if your higher it won't smell as bad." Jessie said as he put her on his shoulders.

She exclaimed and pulled on Jessie's long hair.

"Is it better up there?"

"Nope but I like it up here. You remind me of my dad." Mia said giggling.

"Is that a good thing?" Jessie said pulling out his phone and turning on the flashlight.

"Where are we?" Lily asked pinching her nose.

"I don't know it was your secret door." Travis muttered under his breath.

"I think we are in a sewer. I think this is the old system the institute used." Rose said lighting a flame in her palm.

"Doesn't that hurt?" Lily asked pointing at her hand.

"It just kinda tickles to be honest." Rose said with a smile.

"It's because your skin is becoming scalier, like a lizard or maybe a bird." Travis said as Rose punched him in the arm.

Lily leaned towards Jessie.

"They're kinda close aren't they?" Lily whispered stretching her head so it was level with Jessie.

"Well, we've all known each other for years. Besides those two are thicker than thieves." Jessie said smiling.

"He likes her doesn't he?" Lily asked quietly.

"Wh-what makes you say that Lily?" Jessie said with difficulty.

"Hmm." Lily hummed as she watched Rose freak out about her skin.

"You have no idea how to treat a lady!" Rose said as she scowled at Travis.

"A lady where?" Travis said as he looked around dramatically.

"Come on love birds lets go!" Lily said as she walked onward towards the light.

Both of their faces red they followed behind.

"So since we have a while to go until we reach this mysterious light, why don't you guys catch me up?" Lily said.

"Yeah! Storytime!" Mia said as she pulled on Jessie's hair.

"Please tell the story before she scalps me." Jessie said while flinching.

As the party moved farther towards their goal. Travis explained everything to Lily.

——————

"What a sad story weird guy." Mia said sniffling.

"I don't understand anything at all." Lily said staring at the ground.

"Welcome to our world." Rose said as she stepped over a suspiciously shaped lump.

"I hate sewers." Jessie said with disgust as he looked at his shoes.

"At least we made it to the end." Travis said as they stared at a giant iron gate blocking the exit to the sewer tunnel.

Travis walked up to the gate door and cursed.

"It's locked." Travis said as a giant ball of fire melted the door behind him.

"Enough with the locks." Rose said as they all strode past Travis.

Jessie looked around and saw he was in the forest that surrounded their town.

He checked his phone and noticed the lack of signal.

Dammit we can never catch a break huh.

"Well looks like we have quite a long walk back to town guys." Travis said as he brushed small embers off his shirt.

"Another story! Please Jessie!" Mia said as she looked at the snow on the ground.

"Yeah Jessie tell us a story." Lily said as she stretched her arms and plucked Mia from his shoulders.

Oh sweet relief.

"Ok well what kind of story do you want me to tell." Jessie asked as he rubbed his scalp.

"I wanna hear about your family. I mean I've heard a bit but I gotta say I'm curious about you." Lily said as she stretched her head to be level with his.

"Uh Lily that might actually be a sensitive subject for him." Travis said as he almost tripped on a branch.

"No it's fine, she is gonna be apart of the group she might as well know the baggage." Jessie said as he sighed. Jessie turned to see Lily outstretched head staring intently at him, he turned away blushing.

"I wasn't born in Sherwood like Rose or Travis, I actually used to live in Coachella California. We moved here for my mothers work after my dad died, he had a really rough upbringing and it weighed on him everyday." Jessie paused feeling a tightness in his chest.

"Take your time." Lily said as she grabbed hold of Jessie's hand. He felt his face flush and his chest eased.

"My brother was the one who found him. Seth wasn't able to go back to the house after that so my mom packed us all up and we headed to the middle of fucking nowhere." Jessie said as he gestured to the woods around him. "It had a certain effect on my mom and she retreated into partying to take her mind off her dead husband."

Jessie could feel the eyes of everyone on him as he spoke.

"I actually was a really lonely kid before I met my friends here. Spent a lot of nights alone. On the bright side I got really good at making food from almost nothing." Jessie said with a hollow smile.

As they walked on the only noises made were birds chirping and the occasional branch snapping.

"He's actually lying about that cooking thing, a good tip to live by is never eat anything Jessie makes." Travis said as he stuck a finger in his throat.

"Oh my god do you remember the time he made the birthday cake for my dads birthday!" Rose said as she started to laugh.

"How could I not! Everyone had food poisoning for a week." The two of them roared in laughter. Feeling the weight in his heart getting lighter Jessie cracked a smile and joined them.

"Travis you went back and had another slice though." Jessie said in between heaves.

"It was free cake! You'd have to be an idiot to not want free cake." Travis argued.