The Big Move
On the way home Chaotic and Ruby took turns driving. During that long drive they made their plans for what needed to be done before they could move. The first and most important thing that needed to be done was to finalize the paperwork for the adaption. It seemed like someone at the court house was dragging their feet. Ruby had made plans to go check on the progress while Chaotic and Zen would start packing. Zen did not fall asleep the whole drive home. He was excited about the move. This was his chance to start a normal life. Well as normal a life as he could live anyway.
Chaotic had driven the final stretch home. Once they reached the house he looked in the back seat and couldn’t help but laugh. Zen sat up eyes half lidded. His head was bobbing as he fought to stay awake. Chaotic got out of the car and started helping Zen climb out of the car. Let’s all get to bed. We have had a long day. Ruby laughed as she exited the car. You can say that again. My ass fell asleep on me. She stretched before looking at Zen. I’m looking forward to snuggling up with you again Zen. You’re so cuddly. Zen only yawned. He was too tired to proses anything.
Once everyone was inside the house they quickly changed and hopped into bed. Zen once again slept between Chaotic and Ruby. The two adults watched as Zen fell asleep almost instantly. Chaotic gave a soft chuckle before looking at Ruby. Remember when it was that easy to fall asleep? Ruby nodded. Ya it seems like it was so long ago. Back then I didn’t have a care in the world. She stroked Zen’s cheek before continuing. I can’t believe how strong this little guy is. All he has been through and he can still smile. Chaotic looked at Zen with a smile. Yes he is one amazing kid. I just want to keep him smiling as long as I can. Ruby nodded and yawned. Me too. Let’s get some sleep. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
The trio woke up just before noon. Zen had woke up crying once or twice during the night but was quickly calmed down by Ruby or Chaotic. After a quick brunch Ruby set out to the court house to check on the adoption paperwork. She would also have to talk with her dad about the decision to move. Zen and Chaotic would spend the day packing and looking on the internet at the available houses in Flare City. Zen surprised Chaotic many time as they moved things around the house. While Zen was small for his age, he was serenely not weak. He was lifting over 5 times his weight without even a grunt. By the time the two wolves had things situated to be packed on the main floor of the house it was dinner time.
Ruby walked in the front door with a sigh. Chaotic looked around the corner. Rough day? Ruby laughed with a shrug. Well the only thing holding the adoption up is Zen’s tests at the hospital. He as an appointment scheduled tomorrow at 10 am. When I talked to the old man about moving he definitely blew a fuse. My ears are still ringing. He normally doesn’t shout but today he was too pissed not to yell. Zen walked around the corner. What did your daddy have to yell about? Did you do something wrong? Ruby walked over to Zen and gave him a hug. No I didn’t do anything wrong. He is just worried about me. He thinks I am making decisions too quickly.
Chaotic shrugged. I guess I can see where he’s coming from. Not everyone can live the way I do. Making decisions without a second thought isn’t always the best way to go. It’s worked for me but I can’t say it would work for everyone. Ruby gave a heavy sigh. The thing is I had talked to him many times about getting out of this town. You know to get a new start in a new town. This is the first time I have had a chance like this. She laughed looking at Zen. It’s because I met you that I have this chance. Zen’s eyes went wide and his ears perked. How did I give you that? Ruby smiled. If you hadn’t showed up I doubt I would have had the nerve to get closer to our favorite red wolf over there. Plus I feel a hell of a lot more at ease when I’m with you guys. My family is a bunch of nut jobs crammed into this little town. Not that the whole magic thing is normal to me but at least here we are not in each other’s faces screaming our heads off. I guess the only sane one at home would be mom. Zen tilted his head. Is your mom nice? Ruby shrugged. She is really mellow. I guess that’s why she and dad get along so well. Dads so high strung all the time, mom gives him a quiet place to unwind. I guess they balance each other out. But enough about my mom and dad. Let’s get supper made and baths done so we can get to bed tonight.
After a quick meal of burgers and fries it was decided that Zen would talk a bath with Ruby. Ruby wound up having to prepare the water. Zen could not tell how hot the water really was. After the water was ready the two began to strip. Zen was quick to remove his cloths. Once he was nude and ready to get in the tub he turned to ruby. Ruby was down to her panties and bra. Once she had removed the last of her clothes she looked at Zen. He had been blushing since he turned to look at her. What’s the matter Zen? Never see a girl naked before? Zen looked down shaking his head. Ruby laughed. Lighten up kiddo there’s no need to be shy here. You have the same parts downstairs as me. Zen shook his head. Not exactly the same. Also I won’t have… Zen put his hands on his chest. Ruby looked down at her chest before laughing. Well you never know what you will look like when you’re older. But I guess Irene did say it’s rare for your direct family members to have more feminine features. Well enough about that. Time to get cleaned up.
Ruby took care of cleaning Zen first. She was much more careful about where she scrubbed that Chaotic was. Once Zen was clean Ruby quickly cleaned her own fur. Zen even tried to help clean her back but wound up giving up since he couldn’t reach. Once all the cleaning was done Ruby decided to soak for a few minutes. She sat back and stretched out. Zen tilted his head and asked what she was doing. Ruby just looked at Zen with a sigh. Sit back and relax for a bit. Zen laid his ears back. I can’t sit back in here. It’s too deep. Ruby chuckled. Well then come sit on my lap. I even have comfy pillows for you to rest your head on. Zen blushed bright red. I-I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Ruby grinned before pulling Zen into her lap. She put her chin on top of Zen’s head. You don’t have to worry about anything Zen. Between Chaotic and I there is nothing we won’t do to help you. At first Zen went completely tense. After that moment of shock Zen started to relax. He laid his head back and closed his eyes. Ruby did the same.
Chaotic had been waiting for his turn in the bathroom. After about 45 minutes he decided to check on Zen and Ruby. What he saw when he opened the door made him chuckle. Zen was still in Ruby’s lap and both he and Ruby had fallen asleep. Chaotic walked over to the side of the tub. He cleared his throat a couple of times. Zen was the first to wake up. He looked at Chaotic a little confused. Looking around he finally remembered what he had been doing. I started to shift and stand but wound up falling over off of Ruby’s lap. The sudden movement caused Ruby to jump. She looked at Chaotic before stretching her arms. You know you could have knocked. What if I got mad at you for walking in on me naked in the tub? Chaotic chuckled. Come on we have both been to the lakes around here. Most of them have nude beaches. And I know you are not the modest type. Ruby raised an eyebrow. Fair enough, I guess you want a turn in the tub huh. Chaotic shrugged. Actually I took a shower in the other bathroom. As soon as you guys are try we can head to bed. Zen looked at Chaotic then to Ruby. Why don’t we all take a bath together next time? This tub is HUGE! There is more than enough room for all 3 of us. Chaotic shrugged. I don’t mind if it’s alright with you guys. Ruby grinned sounds like a plan. We can save time that way too.
Once Zen and Ruby had rinsed and toweled off they headed to the bedroom. Zen had found that he was out of clean cloths. Chaotic shrugged. Looks like we should have done laundry today. I have a shirt you can wear. Zen looked down. That’s good but… I don’t have any underwear. Ruby chuckled. I see, that is a problem huh. Zen looked at her with a frown. I always wear underwear. It feels weird not having any on. Zen looked down. I feel the way I felt back with them mages. I was always naked when I was there. I guess they didn’t want to have to clean bloody cloths. Also I think cloths would have just got in the way of the other things they did to me… Chaotic quickly stepped forward placing his hands on Zen’s shoulders. Zen we will never do anything like that to you. If anyone tries to do that to you by force I want you to shock them. Use your magic to make yourself untouchable and yell for help. Zen looked up at Chaotic. But if I shock someone I could kill them. I cannot control my power. Chaotic scratched his chin. Well maybe we should get you a Taser. Ruby laughed. Yes let’s get a 5 year old a Taser. Chaotic looked at Ruby. What would you do? Ruby shrugged. If someone is going after kids then you should get zapped. I would say that we need to train Zen to control his power. If anything he could also start on fire. No one would be stupid enough to try and grab a flaming kid. That would also get the attention of others in the area stopping the attacker. But I think we have talked enough for tonight let’s get some sleep.
Zen was only able to sleep for an hour at a time. He kept waking up from bad dreams. Chaotic and Ruby hadn’t woke up most of the times Zen did. By the time morning came Zen was frustrated and tired. Chaotic and Ruby had enough sleep to be wide awake. Zen didn’t want to get up but he also didn’t want any more bad dreams. It was only 6 AM so there was plenty of time to get the laundry done. It took about 2 hours to get all the cloths clean. While the cloths were in the wash Chaotic and Ruby made some breakfast. Eggs, toast, bacon, and hash browns. After breakfast was eaten there was still quite a bit of time before the laundry would be done. Zen decided to go out back and practice some magic. He wanted to see what elements he could use.
Once out in the back yard Zen entered the elemental magic circle. Ruby had walked outside and sat on the steps to watch Zen. With the circle glowing Zen started his experiment. He started with what he knew. First was fire. His right hand lit up in flames. He then tried to focus on lightning. He held up his left hand and it began sparking. Smiling he moved on to the next elements. Once the fire and lightning faded Zen tried wind and water. He had the same ease as the first 2 elements. Now came the last element the he knew of. This was earth. Zen held up both hands and attempted to focus. There was a loud cracking sound before a big chunk of the yard was lifted. Chaotic came running out of the house. Zen immediately stopped his spell causing the Chunk of dirt and rock to fall with a loud cash. Ruby’s eyes were wide and her mouth hung open. She knew that magic could do some amazing things but she had never seen someone use all the elements. Chaotic approached Zen. You need to be careful with earth magic. You might feel fine but the strain of casting earth magic can hurt you.
Zen looked down. Sorry, I just wanted to see what I could do. Chaotic chuckled. No need to apologize. You didn’t know. That’s one big reason you should be in a school that teaches magic as well as general education. The more you know about magic the safer it will become for you to use it. Zen nodded. I want to learn everything about magic. I wonder if you can mix the elements. Chaotic chuckled. That depends on the elements. Wind will enhance fire. It’s hard to control the fire if you do that though. We better get ready to go. Your cloths just came out of the drier. Zen nodded and followed Chaotic back into the house. Once the trio was dressed and ready to go they set out for the hospital.
Arriving at the hospital Zen started getting nervous. Chaotic and Ruby sat in the exam room with Zen as Dr. Parker walked into the room. Dr. Parker smiled greeting the Chaotic first. Ah Mr. Storm how are you this morning? Chaotic shook the doctor’s hand. Doctor please call me Chaotic. I’m doing fine. Alright Chaotic, do you know why we are having these extra tests done on little Zen here. Chaotic shrugged. My guess is to find out if he has any internal injuries we need to know about. Dr. Parker nodded. That’s correct. There is also the matter of his memory loss. Zen interrupted. Actually I have my memories back. They were sealed before, but the seal is no longer holding them back. Dr. Parker wrote in his notes for a moment. Since you have your memories now, can you tell me how you got those scares? Zen looked down and nodded. I was beat, cut, stabbed, limbs broke, and had things shoved in me down there that hurt a lot. Since I heal really fast I survived. Dr. Parker was shocked. He didn’t expect that kind of explanation.
Dr. Parker shook his head before speaking. I’m sorry to hear that you had such a tragic past. I will try to make this as painless as I can. To start we need to take a blood sample for testing. Zen offered the doctor his arm. He was expecting to get cut. When the doctor used a small needle to take a vial of blood Zen sighed in relief. Dr. Parker looked at Zen confused. Were you expecting me to hurt you? Zen looked him in the eyes. This is the first time I have need in a hospital. I have no idea what to expect. When you said you needed blood I thought you were going to cut my arm open. Dr. Parker’s eyes went wide. That would never happen. No doctor will ever do something like that to you. Zen chuckled. The man that cut me up called himself a doctor. Everyone called him Doc though. Dr. Parker shook his head. That man was a butcher not a doctor.
Dr. Parker sighed. This is the part that is going to likely make you uncomfortable. I need to you take off your cloths and get into this stylish robe. He held out a lime green cloth that looked like it was about Zen’s size. Without a word Zen started removing his cloths. Dr. Parker moved over to the side of the room. You are not as shy as you were at the orphanage. Zen shrugged. Chaotic and Ruby have seen me naked already. And you saw me back at the orphanage. With that said Zen got his robe on and hopped back up on the exam table. Dr. Parker turned to Chaotic and Ruby do you want to be here for this or would you rather step outside? Chaotic shrugged. It’s probably best that we were here for this. If I tell you to back away from Zen do it. Don’t ask why just do it. I don’t know how Zen will react to this test.
Dr. Parker nodded before turning his attention back to Zen. Alright Zen I need you to lie down. Zen laid back. Good now what I am about to do is check you for scaring in a place that will make you uncomfortable. In order to check you I will need to put a finger inside your vagina. Zen’s eyes went wide. He looked at the doctor. I know that’s an odd thing for a test but it’s the only way to find out. Zen shook his head. I know there is scaring in there. I have been torn, stretched, and bruised down there. Just get it over with… I don’t want to be here anymore. Zen turned his head away from the doctor as the exam proceeded. Once the examination was done Dr. Parker turned to Chaotic and Ruby. The scaring isn’t as bad as I would expect from what I have seen on the rest of his body. You might want to get a second opinion but from what I can see Zen is in perfect health. It looks like he would have no issues bearing children if he wanted to. The only thing we have left is the MRI.
Zen sat up. What’s that? Dr. Parker chuckled. It stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). It is a way to look at your insides. Zen looked at the doctor. If you have something to do that… why did you have to put your finger in there? Chaotic laughed. There are things a machined can’t detect Zen. Sometimes you need to literally feel it in order to be sure nothing is wrong. Zen shrugged. I still don’t think you needed to put your finger in there but whatever.
Zen was taken to a small room where the MRI scan would be taken. Once the scan was complete Zen was brought back to the exam room to change back into his cloths. After some time of waiting Dr. Parker came into the exam room with a look of concern. He closed the door behind him and began to speak. I have no idea how Zen could have survived the injuries that were inflicted on him. He has scars on every internal organ and yet they all seem to be functioning normally. Zen shrugged. I told you I was stabbed. Did you think I was making that up? Dr. Parker knelt in front of Zen. How many times were you stabbed? Zen shook his head. That’s a question I cannot answer. I was put through hell for 3 years. 1 year before that I was strapped to an electric chair. There is just no way for me to know how many times I was stabbed or how many times my bones were broken. I heal really fast. That is the only way I lived through all that stuff.
Dr. Parker signed a couple of papers. He looked over at Chaotic and Ruby. It will be a little bit but once this paperwork is faxed to the courthouse the adaption will be finalized. Chaotic smiled and stood from his chair. He shook the doctor’s hand. Thank you Dr. Parker. Do you have any suggestions for a child psychiatrists near Flare City? Dr. Parker smiled. Let me write a list of a few I know of. Once he had the list Chaotic thanked Dr. Parker and got ready to head back home. As they left Zen looked at Chaotic. What’s a psychiatrist? Chaotic turned to Zen. It’s someone that will help you with things that deal with your mind. I guess you could call them a mind doctor. Zen shrugged. Oh okay.
The rest of the day was spent packing. Chaotic was called to the courthouse to pick up the some documents he needed stating that he had custody of Zen. He also got Zen’s birth certificate. He found that Zen’s birthday was July 1st. Zen had just turned 5 years old 3 weeks ago. With only a little over a month left till school started Chaotic wanted to get everything situated in the new house as soon as possible. He made a few calls and within a couple of hours there was an entire crew of people packing for the move. Ruby was surprised at how fast everything was packed. She had her apartment packed up as well.
By the time everything was packed away in the huge truck they were using to move it was night. It was decided that they would head out in the morning. Chaotic would drive the truck and Ruby would drive the mustang. Since everything was packed in the truck the trio staid in a hotel room for the night. They slept peacefully with only one instance where Zen woke everyone up crying out in his sleep.
Morning came and there was a lot of excitement for what the day would bring. Zen couldn’t wait to see the new house. Chaotic didn’t show Ruby or Zen the house he had chosen. It was going to be a surprise. There was a quick stop for food and fuel before heading out. Before leaving Ruby turned to Chaotic. Just how do you know how to drive a big rig? Chaotic shrugged. I’ve done all kinds of work. I think I might apply for a teaching position in Flare City. Ruby sighed. I will never understand you. All that money and you still wanna work. Chaotic laughed. What do you want me to sit around all day and go nuts? Zen looked at Chaotic. Can I ride in the big truck? Chaotic chuckled. Why not. We can jam out with some good music and when we make a pit stop you can ride with Ruby. We don’t want her getting lonely do we? Zen nodded.
With everything decided the only thing left was the long drive to Flare City. How will Zen fare in a big city? Lots of people. Lots of noise. And then there is school. Will Zen be alright being away from his new mom and dad?
