the bait

[instar]

Now that Trouble is back, the limiting factor on bear and elephant acquisition is just the availability of those of the Animorphs who experience nonzero parental supervision. There is a coincidence of Renée being out well past zoo closing time and Robin's mother being occupied the day after Trouble's return.

Everybody morphs pigeons and they fly to the zoo. The three of them that are going to get bears head for the bear enclosure, and Trouble, of course, is the bait.

Comments

[aeskhyne]

"Yeah, sounds good."

[instar]

"Unfortunately we won't be able to talk you while you're in there, unless me and Andi decide to risk traveling as each other and increase the number of precariously timed bathroom visits we have to undertake. But you'll have each other's charming conversation. And I suppose you'll be able to talk to us, although I'd rather not start giggling or rolling my eyes without obvious prompting so it might not be wise."

[aeskhyne]

"Pretend you're reading a book or something. People laugh at books."

[instar]

"All right. Have you guys tried out your fly morphs? We have a while before Renée's due home."

[aeskhyne]

"I have!"

[palmofyourhand]

"Me too," says Ethan. "It's surprisingly fun."

[instar]

"Fun? How?"

[palmofyourhand]

"Flies," says Ethan, stepping in from the garage, "can fly."

[instar]

"So can pigeons."

[palmofyourhand]

"Pigeons, as far as I know, can't fly upside-down, sideways, or backwards. Flies can do all three. And in comparison to their body size, they are much, much faster. Flying as a fly is a much more exciting experience."

[instar]

"Fair enough. Perhaps at some point I will collect one."

[aeskhyne]

"You should, they're fun," says Trouble. He hugs Ethan.

[instar]

"Okay. Is this it for tonight?"

[hold_infinity]

"Pretty sure it is, yeah," says Robin, joining in the hug.

[instar]

"Okay. We'll see you guys later, then."

[hold_infinity]

"All right."

In that case, Robin and Ethan will go and grab the rest of their clothes out of the basement.

[aeskhyne]

And Trouble will follow them. To help. Yes.

[instar]

[aeskhyne]

About twenty minutes later, a pigeon flutters out of the basement.

[hold_infinity]

And Robin and Ethan, fully dressed and quite tidy, follow it out.

[instar]

"Bye."

[pandion]

"Bye, guys."

[hold_infinity]

"Bye," says Robin.

And they're off.