A Fresh Start
Zen had slept through the rest of the night. He woke up to find that it was just him and Chaotic sleeping in bed. Ruby had woke up early to head to the police station for work. Zen yawned stretching his arms and legs. He had been crying off and on in his sleep. Wiping the tears from his eyes Zen looked over at Chaotic. With a shrug Zen got himself out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. After relieving himself he returned to Chaotic’s room to find that Chaotic was up and out of bed. While he stretched Chaotic looked at Zen. Good morning, did you sleep well? Zen nodded just before his stomach growled loudly. Chaotic chuckled. Well I guess that’s my Q to make breakfast huh. Zen blushed deeply. His stomach growled again making Chaotic laugh. I’ll take that as a yes.
The two wolves made their way to the kitchen. Once in the kitchen Chaotic turned to Zen. Alright bud what should we have for breakfast. Zen shrugged. Chaotic crossed his arms. Not too talkative this morning. Is that whole thing from last night bugging you? Zen looked down nodding slowly. Chaotic knelt down to look Zen in the eyes. Look Zen there are going to be people that don’t understand what you went through. People will fear what they don’t understand. I can tell you now there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Zen gave a weak smile. There we go now we are getting somewhere. The only thing that we have left on our agenda is to figure out what to eat for breakfast. Zen shrugged before he finally spoke. I don’t know what to eat. I will eat just about anything. Chaotic sighed. I finally get you to talk and we are still at square one. Zen looked at Chaotic. Well I don’t have much to go off of for “breakfast foods”. I was only fed once a day before I got here.
Chaotic slapped himself in the forehead. Of course, I should have showed you what we have first. Making a goofy stance pointing at the ceiling Chaotic shouted. TO THE FRIDGE! Zen laughed and shook his head. Looking through the fridge Chaotic listed off the breakfast options. Let’s see, we have eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, French toast, and serial. Zen shrugged. What’s a pancake? Chaotic grinned. I believe we have our selection. I will made some eggs and bacon too. I wonder if I have any hash browns. Opening the freezer Chaotic sighed. Nope that would have been great with the eggs. Oh well, let’s get cooking.
After about 5 minutes of prepping the food was on the stove being cooked. 20 minutes after that everything was on the dining room table. Alright Zen for pancakes spread a little butter on them. After the butter put some maple syrup on them. Zen took one pancake and did as Chaotic instructed. With just one bite Zen was hooked. He wound up eating 6 pancakes 3 eggs and 4 pieces of bacon. As Chaotic finished his food he looked over to Zen. He couldn’t help but laugh. Zen was slouching in his chair rubbing his belly and groaning. So full, so good, can’t move. Chaotic started clearing the table. As he did he began talking to Zen. Not such a bottomless pit anymore huh. Zen rolled his eyes and groaned.
As Chaotic finished clearing the table the phone rang. Answering the phone Chaotic found that it was Ruby calling. Hey Ruby what’s up? You want us there now? Well Zen overate, I don’t know when he will be able to move. Alright I will see you in half an hour. After hanging up Chaotic turned to the bloated pup. We have 30 minutes to get ready to head over to the police station. Zen groaned. What do we have to go there for? Chaotic smiled. I have no idea, Ruby wants to talk to you about something. Zen sighed. Okay I will try and be ready by then.
After about 20 minutes Zen was able to move again. He got changed and met Chaotic in the living room. Alright I’m ready to go. Chaotic stood and lead the way to the car. The short drive only took 5 minutes. There was not much going on outside the station this early in the morning. Once the two wolves entered the building they heard a familiar voice shouting. ALL MY PAPERWORK IS DONE. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK THAT STACK OF PAPER IS ON YOUR DESK? OH NO YOU DON’T GET TO ADD TO MY WORKLOAD OVERNIGHT. I’M TAKING 3 DAYS OFF AND THAT’S THE END OF IT. Ruby exited the chief’s office with fire burning in her eyes. She saw the two wolves standing at the entrance eyes and mouths wide open. With a huff she started walking toward them. Of course you guys get here when I am arguing with the chief.
Come on lets go. Chaotic and Zen looked confused. Where are we going? Ruby didn’t stop walking. I’ll explain in the car now let’s go. Everyone filed into the car. Ruby sat in the back with Zen and handed Chaotic a slip of paper. Take us there. Chaotic shrugged and put the address into the GPS on his phone. He gasped. That’s a half a day of driving. Ruby laughed. I know, I want Zen to meet this person I found. Zen looked confused. Who do you want me to meet? Ruby grinned. You will know who she is when you see her. Now strap in kiddo we have a long ride ahead of us.
. . .
Zen wound up sleeping leaning against Ruby most of the way there. Chaotic’s phone announcing their arrival at their destination woke Zen up. He looked around for a moment before asking where they were. Chaotic looked at the building before replying. This looks like a nursing home. Ruby laughed. Yep that’s what this place is. We are looking for a wolf that lives here. Her name is Irene Soul. Zen tilted his head. Who’s that? Ruby laughed. You’ll see, now let’s get our butts out of the car.
The trio entered the nursing home and Ruby asked for the room number of Irene Soul. Once she had the number she led the way to the room. The door to the room was open. Ruby whispered to Zen. Alright kiddo peek in there and tell me what you see. Zen went to the edge of the door frame and peeked around it. What he saw made his eyes go wide and his mouth fall open. There in a rocking chair reading a book sat a pure white wolf. Like Zen this wolf had red and blue eyes. Without turning back to Ruby or Chaotic, Zen entered the room.
Looking up from her book Irene gasped. Why isn’t this a surprise? Who would have thought I would get to see you before I kicked the bucket. Zen hesitated before he spoke. Y-you know who I am? Irene laughed. Why of course I know who you are. I could never mistake a member of the Soul family. You look just like your father. Come closer Zen I don’t bite. Zen’s eyes started tearing up as he got closer to this elderly women. Who are you was all Zen could say. Irene leaned forward and placed her hand on Zen’s cheek. I’m your great grandmother on your father’s side. Zen’s eyes began to overflow with tears. I thought I was the only one left. I saw everyone killed on that day. Irene patted Zen’s head. It’s okay Zen. You’re not alone. From the looks of it you found yourself a new family. Irene looked to the door. Why don’t you two come inside and introduce yourselves to this old wolf.
Ruby entered the room wiping a tear from her eyes. Sorry didn’t want to interrupt the reunion. I’m Ruby Singer, I am the officer assigned to Zen’s case. And this fire ball walking in is Chaotic Storm. He has offered to adopt Zen. Ruby and Chaotic both shook hands with Irene before taking a step back to give Zen some room. Irene turned her attention to Zen. It looks like you have been through a lot judging by your energy. What did they do to you? Zen looked Irene in the eyes. I was in hell for 4 years. Irene’s eyes went wide. I see, you had a tough time then. She turned her attention to Chaotic. Do you know anything about what happened to him? Was he exposed to a large amount of energy? Zen chuckled. Would being strapped to an electric chair for a year count? Irene looked at Zen in shock. If that were the case then you would have exploded from the overload.
Zen laughed. It took 3 years to explode. I think Black helped me keep my energy under control. Irene put her hands on Zen’s shoulders. Who is this Black person? Zen looked down. She is the demon that helped me survive that hell. Irene leaned back in her chair making it rock. My word this is a lot to take in. You had a demon help you get out of that place. Zen looked up at Irene. I have a demon. She is still with me. I’ve had her with me since I got out of the electric chair and those mages had me summon her. Irene sat up again. Why would you keep a demon with you? Zen shrugged. She has done nothing but help me since I summoned her. Why wouldn’t I keep her with me? Irene scratched her chin. Do you think I could see this demon? Zen sighed. Last adult that saw her wound up calling me a monster and kicking me out. Irene laughed. I would never do that. I can tell that you are in control of yourself and not possessed. These eyes of mine may be old but I can still see auras just fine.
With a shrug Zen closed his eyes. Hey Black mind meeting my great grandma? Black giggled, sure why not. With that said Zen’s fur turned black and he had wings again. Black was in control. She looked at Irene and crossed her arms. So this is what Zen has to look forward too when he gets to his golden years. Irene laughed and clapped her hands. My word if you didn’t have those wings you would be a spitting image of Zen’s mother. Black laughed. I look just like Zen, I just changed his fur color. Irene chuckled. Exactly, Zen’s mother had pure black fur. Black tilted her head. Shouldn’t Zen have some black fur then? Irene shook her head. It doesn’t matter what color the mate has. Anyone born from the Soul family bloodline will have pure white fur, red and blue eyes, and they will be born a hermaphrodite. Black’s eyes went wide. So you’re a herm too? Irene nodded. It is rare for our family to have children with feminine characteristics so I was an odd ball. Despite that we can bear children with a partner of either gender.
Black looked over to Chaotic. Hear that fire ball Zen can be a mommy or daddy when he grows up. Chaotic shook his head. I knew that without having to be told. By the way how did you survive the night your family was attacked? Irene looked at Chaotic. It’s kind of hard to be killed in an attack when you are not there to be attacked. I suffer from poor heath in my old age. I rarely leave this building. Our family is quite small though. I believe Zen and I are the last of the Soul family. Black looked at Irene. I will have to protect our little Zen till he has a bunch of little wolves running around. Irene laughed. That sounds wonderful dear. I wish I could be around to see it. Black grinned. How about I give you a little gift before I give Zen control again. Irene looked at Black confused. Why on earth would you want to give me a gift? Black shrugged. You are the first person other that the two love birds over there to look at me without fear. Now back to the gift. Black gave a wide toothy grin. Can I have a kiss? Chaotic stepped forward but Black stopped him. Keep your pants on it’s not what you think.
Irene laughed. I don’t see any harm in a little kiss. Besides you are using my great grandson’s body. It will be like giving him a kiss. Irene leaned forward and Black planted a kiss right on her lips. For a moment they just seemed to be frozen. When Black broke the kiss and stepped back Irene gasped. Chaotic came rushing to Irene’s side when she started laughing. Oh my, I haven’t felt this good in ages. What on earth did you do dear? Black giggled. I didn’t do much. Your body did most of the work. Like Zen your body is good at adapting energy for different things. I just helped you by giving you some of my energy and told your body how to heal itself. You should get a few extra years now. No promises though. Black looked back at Chaotic. And you thought I would hurt this sweet old lady. Ruby laughed. I thought you were going to share memories again. Good thing I was wrong. I don’t think she could take seeing what Zen went through. Irene looked at Black. You can share your memories? Black shrugged. I am technically a demon. I have many abilities that I don’t talk about. Well I better give our favorite pup his body back.
Once Zen was back in control he gave Irene a big hug. Are you feeling better now? Irene squeezed Zen returning the hug. Yes Zen I feel amazing. I can’t thank your friend enough. Zen looked up at Irene. Does this mean my name is Zen Soul? Irene scratched her chin. Well given the fact that you are being adapted by the Storm family, I believe your name will be Zen Soul Storm. That is if you want to keep our family name. Chaotic laughed. That’s sounds better than just Zen Storm. If I were you I would keep your family’s name. Even if only in your middle name. Zen nodded. I think it sounds cool. Irene laughed before she began to yawn. I’m sorry to cut this reunion short, but I don’t know if I can stay awake much longer. I am 114 years old after all. Chaotic gasped. You don’t look nearly that old. Irene laughed. Why thank you. We of the Soul family live quite long lives. If my health hadn’t started failing me I could have been looking at 200 years old easy. Maybe with Black’s help I will hit 130. Zen gave his great grandmother one more hug. It was nice seeing you. Irene smiled. It was nice to see you too. Don’t be strangers. I do like visits from time to time.
Everyone said their goodbyes. On the way out Chaotic began grinning. Why don’t we move to Flare City? It’s only an hour from here. Plus I hear they have one of the best magic schools in the world. Zen looked at Chaotic. If we did that we could visit great grandma Irene as often as we wanted. Chaotic looked at Ruby. What do you think? Wanna be a small town girl in a big city? Ruby put her hand on her hip. And just where do you think we would get the money to move way the hell over here. Not to mention where would we get the money for a house. Zen looked at Chaotic. You don’t tell anyone what you have do you? Chaotic chuckled. I only tell a few people. Ruby looked at Chaotic and narrowed her eyes. Tell people what? Chaotic shrugged. Oh just that I’m worth about 8.5 billion. Ruby’s mouth dropped. WHY THE HELL WERE YOU LIVING IN OUR BACK WATER TOWN? Chaotic laughed. I like that little town. Plus I don’t like to flaunt my inheritance. Usually when I talk about the money I think about the loss of my family. Enough about that though. What do you say Ruby wanna go out on a limb with a couple of wolves? Ruby laughed. Why the hell not. We’re all crazy here anyway. I will just have to give my notice to the boss man. I’m sure he’ll blow a gasket. Chaotic sighed. Still don’t get along with your old man huh? Ruby nearly fell over. Didn’t you hear me yelling at him this morning? Zen looked at Ruby as they entered the car. So you yell at your dad a lot? Ruby laughed as she buckled herself in the back seat. Only when he tries to stop me from using my vacation hours. Oh my ears are going to be ringing for days after I tell him I’m quitting and moving.
Chaotic got on the road to head back home. Now that they had their plan they would just have to check on houses for sale in Flare City. With any luck they will be moved before school starts.
