Night of Terror
As Zen slept he dreamed of his past. What he had been through was without a doubt a living hell. Chained to a rack, being beat and stabbed. All just to see if he would live. Zen could feel every bit of pain in his dream. He was screaming for help but no one heard him. All he could do is sit there waiting for the pain to go away. Every time the mages removed the knife from Zen his wound would quickly close up. This would only make the mages laugh and stab him again. In Zen’s mind it was as if he never left the mages. It was as if the orphanage was the dream and this hell was his reality. As the pain went on Zen felt the pressure he had felt on the day he was freed from the mages. He cried out to them to run. They would only laugh and continue their stabbing and beating. As he cried everything went white, the pain was unbearable.
With one last scream Zen sat up. He was back in his bed. Sweat and tears were streaming down his face. Veronica rushed into the room fearing he was hurt. What happened? Are you alright? Zen looked up at her. He shook his head. He was still crying too hard to talk. Veronica looked Zen in the eyes. Did you have a bad dream? Zen shook his head. He spoke in a shaky voice. That was no dream. That was my past, the pain… it will never go away will it? Veronica pulled Zen into a hug. I’m sure that in time you will be able to manage the pain. Zen quickly pushed Veronica away. He began shouting. HOW WOULD YOU KNOW? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW BAD IT HURTS TO BE STABBED? HAVE YOU EVER HAD YOU SKIN PEALED OFF? HOW ABOUT BROKEN BONES. EVER HAVE YOUR ARMS AND LEGS BROKEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN? AND ALL THAT WAS JUST ONE WEEK. TRY HAVING 3 YEARS OF THAT. Veronica was stunned. She had never heard an outburst like that. I-I don’t know what to say Zen. I had no idea you had been through anything like that.
Veronica stood. She didn’t know what to do. In a state of confusion she left the room. The other cubs had heard the whole outburst. They were standing outside the door peeking in when Veronica walked out of the room. Zen spotted the other cubs. He looked them right in the eyes before the turned his head away from them. Once he turned his head the door to his room closed. He was left crying alone in his room.
The other cubs turned their attention to Veronica. James was the first to speak. Is Zen okay? The gray and black husky had a look of worry. The others shared the same look. Veronica shook her head. I don’t know. Zen might need more help than I or any one person can give him. Tim spoke next. How could anyone live through something like that? The otter looked extremely confused. Emily spoke up next. He would have died from losing too much blood wouldn’t he? The ferret seemed to be putting a lot of thought into what she had heard. Veronica just shook her head. You guys know just as much as I do. I will need to make some calls. Zen needs help.
The sound of a door creaking caught every one’s attention. Zen stood their wiping the tears from his eyes. Since you guys heard what happened to me, you might as well know how I have lived through all that. No sense in hiding it. I’m enough of a freak as it is. With that said Zen put his arm up to his mouth. He bit down hard drawing blood immediately. He then pulled his arm away from his mouth. Strands of blood were still connected to his muzzle. Veronica was shocked. She ran over to Zen. Oh god what have you done. We have to stop the bleeding. Zen looked up at her. The bleeding has already stopped. Veronica took Zen’s arm in her hands. She moves the bloody fur around seeing only skin under the fur. There were no signs that he had been recently wounded. She couldn’t even find the words she was so confused. Zen shrugged. it’s hard to kill someone that heals as fast as I do.
That’s probably not even the most shocking thing in my past. Veronica and the others had eyes and mouths wide open. How could there be something more shocking than being able to instantly heal. Zen sighed. The men that hurt me so bad can never hurt me again. Before any of you ask how I know that let me explain a few things. I told you before that I cannot be burned or shocked. There is a reason for that. My body absorbs all kinds of energy. The mages found out somehow that I could do that. They found me when I was 1 year old. For a full year I was strapped to an electric chair. No that didn’t hurt but I was scared to death. After that long year in the chair my body was super charged with energy. They used me to summon a demon. Beth crossed her arms. Demons aren’t real. The little gray mouse looked annoyed. Zen laughed you’d be surprised at what is real in this world. Adam also crossed his arms. Next are you going to tell me the tooth fairy is real? The brown bear looked just as annoyed as Beth. Zen shrugged. I wouldn’t know anything about that stuff. Besides I can prove that demons exist. Veronica snapped. That’s enough of this foolish talk. You are just trying to scare everyone.
Zen closed his eyes. He began speaking to Black in his mind. What do you think Black? Should we give these guys a show? Black only laughed. That’s up to you. I’m up for it if you are. Zen smirked. Alright then this should be interesting. Before Zen could switch however Chaotic burst through the front door of the orphanage. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE! I COULD FEEL YOU ENERGY FROM MY HOUSE. Zen was shocked. He never expected Chaotic to barge in. Zen looked down. I had a bad dream. I told them about my past. Chaotic crossed his arms. How much of your past? Zen looked up slightly. I got to the part about the summoning. They also know that I heal fast. He held up his bloody arm. Chaotic put his hand to his face. What a mess. Well I guess there is no hiding it now. You might as well finish your story. Zen looked down, his eyes started to tear up again. I’m sorry. I just don’t know what to do. Either way I’m a freak. He closed his eyes. Black you talk to them. I don’t wanna talk anymore. With that said the vail covered Zen making his fur black. Wings sprout from his back. Black was in control. She looked at the group as the gasped. She then waved at them. Hello everybody. I’m Black. Nice to meet you guys face to face. The cubs started cowering behind Veronica. Black only smiled. You guys have nothing to worry about. I’m just here to talk. Do you guys have any questions?
Abby managed to stutter out a few words. A-are you really a demon. Black scratched her chin. Well that’s a yes and no. it really depends on what your definition of demon is. If you’re talking about a monster that eats people’s souls or something like that, then no I am not a demon. I am a being that creates contracts with the people that summon me. In this case Zen summoned me. Although he was force to do it. Because of his power though I decided to make Zen my master. I will help him and protect him in any way I can. Beth stepped out from behind the others. Why do you sound like a girl? Shouldn’t you sound scary or something? Black giggled. I bet if you saw what I looked like when I met Zen you would have peed your pants. Tim stepped up next. Are you saying you don’t look like a little girl normally? Black shrugged. I can look or sound like whatever I want. I chose this form so I wouldn’t hurt Zen with a huge transformation.
Veronica looked puzzled. How do you know that you’re not Zen changing his appearance and voice? Black laughed. I like you foxy. That a wonderful question. Also one that is hard to answer. I have no physical form so it not like I can show myself to you or something. I guess you can say for now Zen is letting me bunk with him. And I mean that when I say letting me. If he didn’t want me here I could not say within his body. James spoke from behind Veronica. Are you going to be our friend too? Black was shocked. You want to be my friend? You’re terrified just to be around me. James walked around everyone and stood next to Black. He extended a hand to her. L-lets be f-friends. Black laughed and shook James hand. Alright, it’s been a long time since I had more than one friend.
Seeing the young husky was unharmed the others walked over the Black. Emily walked around behind Black. Looking over her shoulder Black asked what Emily was doing. Without a word Emily grabbed both Black’s wings and gave them a tug. Black giggled. Their real. Not always good to grab someone’s wings though. Not everyone will be nice about having their wings touched. Black then turned her attention to Chaotic. What are your thoughts on all this? I mean Zen is going to need someone strong. Someone that will not break down like foxy over there did. Veronica gasped. I did not break down. Black laughed. You gave up though same thing in my book. Zen needs someone that won’t give up. It’s going to only get tougher from here. I’m sure there will be more nightmares like the one that took place tonight. I was there for all the crap that happened to Zen. No one his age should have to deal with that much pain. I’m surprised his mind hasn’t shattered yet.
Veronica sighed. I can’t deal with this. A possessed kid. A bunch of magic stuff I don’t understand. What’s next? Chaotic shrugged. I’ve been winging it since the word go. I have no clue what to do with kids to be honest. But isn’t that how all parents are to start out? So Zen has a lot of problems. Who doesn’t have problems these days? Only way to get though them is to have someone to help you when you’re down. If everything goes well I will be that someone for Zen. A new voice came into the group from the entrance of the orphanage. Ruby came walking around the corner as she spoke. Well said fire butt. You think you’re ready to put your money where your mouth is?
After saying that however she spotted Black standing in the middle of the hallway among the other cubs. Holy crap who gave the makeover from hell. I think white was more your color kiddo. Black laughed. What makes you think I’m Zen? Black then walked up to Ruby. She extended her hand with a smile. Hello there, I’m Black. It’s nice to meet you face to face. Ruby shook Blacks hand with a confused. Have we talked before? Black shook her head. Nope but since you have talked to Zen I have heard and seen you before. Umm what do you mean since I talked to Zen you have seen me? Black smiled. I’m Zen’s pet demon. We have been sharing the same body for 3 years now. Zen finally had enough of the nonsense and told Black to switch back. Black Smiles. Alright Zen their all yours. With that said Zen’s fur turned white again. Zen was back in control of his body.
Ruby fell backward. She looked a Zen in shock. What the hell. She looked around the room. Is this shit normal and I have just been living in a bubble or something? Chaotic sighed. No this is not normal. This is what I would call the dark side to the magic world. Zen was forced to summon a demon. He lucked out though getting Black as his companion. Ruby looked at Chaotic. So this is what you couldn’t tell me before? Damn this is messed up. Who the hell makes a kid summon a demon? Zen shrugged. It was a bunch of dark mages. They got blown away though so I don’t have to worry about them coming to get me or anything like that. Wait just a minute. What do you mean blown away? Ruby was glaring at Zen. He sighed. I’m not going to talk about it. Black you do that thing again.
Once again Zen’s fur was black. Black was in control again. She had a big grin on her face. Ruby crawled backwards a little. What are you going to do? Chaotic chuckled. Great Black gets to have a kiss before I do. Ruby turned to question Chaotic. Black closed the distance between Ruby and herself. By the time Ruby looked back it was too late. Black was lip locked with Ruby. A moment later Black stepped back letting the memories sink in. she then turned to the others. Anyone else wanna know everything that happened? I don’t want to keep switching back and forth with Zen. Veronica looked over to Ruby. There was a look of terror on her face. What did you do to her? I shared my memories with her. Only the ones about Zen. If I shared all my memories her head would explode. Veronica crossed her arms. You were able to share your memories with just a kiss? As an answer Black darted over to Veronica before jumping up and planting a kiss on her lips as well.
After a moment Black hopped down and walked over to Chaotic. Well that’s done at least. James tapped Black on the shoulder. Don’t we get kisses too? Black giggled. I don’t think you would be able to handle my memories. An adult’s mind is much stronger than a cubs. We don’t want you getting hurt. With that said Zen was given control again.
Ruby had finally recovered and began tearing up. She stood and walked over to Chaotic. Once she reached him she gave him a hard slap on the cheek. Jackass why didn’t you tell me he had been through something like that. Before Chaotic could reply Ruby turned her attention to Zen. I’m sorry I was so pushy yesterday. Zen shook his head. You couldn’t have known. There is so much I am still trying to understand. I know this is only going to get harder. Do you think you can help me out when I need help? Ruby walked over to Zen before kneeling. She wrapped him in a hug. I will do everything in my power to help you.
Veronica had now recovered. She looked at Zen. The look in her eyes was nothing short of fear. What the hell are you? All the cubs in the hall had their eyes wide. They had never heard Veronica talk that way. Zen looked at her. What do you think I am? I’d say you’re some kind of monster. Both Chaotic and Ruby glared at Veronica. She returned their glares with a glare of her own. You both saw what I saw right? What other than a monster could live through something so horrible? Zen looked down. Maybe I am a monster. I know I was not born this way though. What those men did to me… There is no undoing that. I have to live with the pain.
Chaotic walked over to Zen and Ruby. I think it’s time we left. Ruby nodded in agreement. Veronica crossed her arms. Good take that thing with you. I don’t want it anywhere near my kids. Zen gave a weak laugh. His ears lay flat and his tail drooped. It’s funny, when I woke up screaming from that nightmare you considered me one of your kids. Now I’m just a monster. Veronica didn’t say a word.
Chaotic took Zen in his arms picking him up. He then headed for the door. Ruby followed close behind. Chaotic sighed. Well looks like we might be in some trouble. Let’s get home and try and get some sleep. Ruby would stay the night trying to keep Zen calm. Zen wound up sleeping between both Chaotic and Ruby.
