Crackerjack II

Chpt. 25: (Mal)Functions of the Brain

"Now remember, this is harder for your rides than for you, but you still have a job: to relax and allow them easier transmission."

The criss-cross position was preventing blood from getting past Kristen's knees, and she shifted. Beside her, Scorch growled softly, and annoyance translated across the bond. 

"This is going to take mental focus that a lot of you aren't ready for, but try anyway. It'll only get better."

Kristen pulled from her reserve of patience and settled. Relaxing her stance, she breathed deeply. As she exhaled, she imagined her random thoughts leaving with the breath. She continued to breathe, staving off unwanted thoughts.

"Good," Spencer said quietly. "Now, rides, focus on a single thought, a simple object. Picture it, but don't send that picture. Imagine all the details, fully create it in your mind."

Kristen breathed in. She breathed out. 

"Okay, rides, picture yourself telling the name of that object to your rider, face-to-face. Once you've done that, release the thought. Don't think about it anymore. It can't cross the bond if you're still holding onto it."

Her lungs expanded, filling with oxygen and pushing her chest out. She held it for a beat, letting the air stagnate in her lungs before releasing. Warm air blew across her lips, accompanied by any thoughts which happened to intrude during its imprisonment.

Spencer passed directly in front of her, his footsteps quiet but distracting so that she had to purge her mind again. She breathed out. She breathed in. She breathed out.

"If it doesn't send, that's okay. Just recreate the object and try again."

The dragon on her right trembled, and a growl echoed in his chest. Kristen gathered her scattered thoughts. With the next breath, she expelled them. Her fingers twitched as she imagined running them along her connecting string.

"Remember, there's a difference between focusing and straining. Stay relaxed, both of you. Don't try to force things. Try again."

Kristen's breath hitched when the bond quivered, but she only received a picture of their cabin's front door. Scorch grunted and ruffled his wings.

By the time Spencer released them, most of the rides were similarly agitated. Kristen was grateful Scorch wasn't as grumpy as others, but he still clenched his jaw tightly.

"Now, I don't want any of you skimping on those daily stretches." Spencer called as the first pair pushed open the doors. "I know it sounds dumb, but it's gonna really help your progress."

Kristen glanced at Scorch from the corner of her eye. "You know, it's only the first day."

Scorch glared.

"Okay."

Across the street, Amelia jumped and waved excitedly. Scorch moodily followed Kristen over.

"What's up?"

"Oh, man, you're gonna love this!" Amelia clenched a hand and raised her eyes to the sky. "You will not believe what Ernold just did!"

"Are you gonna tell me what happened, or are you just gonna tell me how I'll react?"

"Oh, sorry. Yeah, Ernold just almost drowned."

"What?!"

Scorch raised his head.

Amelia was quick to explain. "He's fine, now, but yeah." She relaxed when Scorch did. "I was about to visit him in the med tent. They're gonna let him go soon, so I figured I'd tease him as long as possible."