Zen’s Story
Friend or foe?
While Zen sleeps a shadowy figure has taken notice of his arrival in town. Much like Zen this figure appears to be a wolf. This wolf has a crimson fur coat with blond highlights. There are black markings that run from head to toe. This wolf appears to be male. His eyes are a fiery orange-red. Clad in black cloths this wolf has a dangerous air about him. This wolf goes by the name of Chaotic Storm.
Chaotic lives in a big old house on the edge of town. While most of the people in town know he lives in the old house most of them know little to nothing about the wolf. Most steer clear of him thinking he is some thug or cult member. Chaotic however is for the most part a practiced mage. He can use advanced sensory spells and physical enhancing as well as some elemental ones. With these abilities Chaotic can sense when anyone “interesting” enters town.
The moment Zen arrived in town, Chaotic took notice. What Chaotic found most interesting was the fact that this new arrival had an unusually high amount of energy. Since he had no idea if this was a fellow mage or someone that was on their way to becoming one Chaotic needed a good plane to safely meet this person. It would not make his already sketchy reputation any better if he had a magic battle in town.
Using one of his spells Chaotic searched for the location where the energy was coming from. The source was on the other end of town near the forest where the orphanage was located. This peaked Chaotic’s interest in this person. If it was a child he may be able to adopt them and pass his craft to a new generation.
Settling on meeting this person face to face Chaotic would set out for the orphanage in the morning.
. . .
Morning came and Chaotic was up bright and early eager to meet this new person in town. It would be a 2 hour walk to the orphanage. At the half way mark in the middle of town stood an old school house that was still in use. However at this time of year most of the children were on their summer break. This meant that if the person Chaotic was sensing was a child they would not be going to the school for the day.
. . .
Back at the orphanage Zen was startled awake by a voice saying “He’s coming prepare yourself.” Confused and startled Zen quickly got dressed and walked into the hall. Looking down the hall in both directions all Zen could think was who was that talking to me? Shrugging Zen headed to the dining hall hoping get something to eat.
By this time Chaotic was nearing the front yard of the orphanage. The moment Chaotic stepped foot on the doorstep to the building Zen sensed him. Zen didn’t know what was happening. The sensation however gave him the overwhelming urge to run, which he immediately followed.
Zen ran to the back door and quickly burst through it. This door led straight to the woods. As he ran across the back yard towards one of the trails he felt an odd sensation in his chest. As he ran and drew closer to the trail the sensation built and with a snap Zen’s vision blurred. When Zen could focus again he found himself deep in the woods. Looking around Zen spotted someone leaning on a tree next to the trail. This was Chaotic. He had used one of his enhancement spells too keep up with Zen.
Chaotic Chuckled. Not bad kid. If you had kept going I would have never caught up to you. Zen gasped. Who are you? Chaotic shrugged. Oh my where are my manners, I’m Chaotic Storm nice to meet you kid. By the way who taught you that spell kid? Zen shook his head. What are you talking about and my names Zen stop calling me kid. Chaotic grinned. Right Zen got it. Now about the spell you used. Zen tilted his head. Spell, what are you talking about? Chaotic nodded. Yes, you had to have used a spell to move that fast. Zen gave a look of confusion. I moved fast? Everything just went all blurry and when I could see again I was here. Chaotic looked shocked. You’re telling me you don’t even know what you just did. He laughed and shook his head. Man Zen you got some skills. Not everyone can do what you just did. I can’t believe you didn’t smack into a tree if you couldn’t even see where you were going. Zen held his head. Hey I’m not feeling so good. With that said Zen fell down. Chaotic sighed. Saw that coming a mile away. He walked over to Zen and poked him. Out cold huh kid. Zen mumbles just before passing out. It’s… Zen… Chaotic laughed and picks Zen up. Well little guy let’s get you back before they call the search party for you.
. . .
4 hours later Chaotic arrived at the back yard of the orphanage carrying Zen. Veronica spotted them arrive and ran across the yard to meet them. Veronica gasped when she saw Zen was out cold. What happened to him? Chaotic shrugged. He passed out in the woods. Must have been pushing himself pretty hard to be out cold like this. Veronica looked at Chaotic and gave a sigh of relief. I didn’t even know he had gone into the woods. Thank you for bringing him back Mr.? Chaotic smiled. I’m Chaotic Storm, nice to meet you. Veronica Smiled. Mr. Storm… Chaotic stopped her. Please call me Chaotic miss? Veronica gasped. I’m Veronica, It’s a pleasure to meet you Chaotic. Let’s get little Zen into his bed. Chaotic talked as they made their way through the halls to Zen’s room. If I may ask, what’s Zen’s last name? Veronica sighed shaking her head. I wish I had an answer to that question myself. Zen appears to have no memory of his past other than a vague description of where he was staying up until he was brought here.
After getting Zen into bed Chaotic talked with Veronica in the dining hall. Chaotic turned to Veraonica after sitting down. Any leads on who may have dropped Zen off here? Veronica shook her head. No we looked at all the cameras around the area. They all showed Zen walking alone. Chaotic thought to himself, I only sensed one person enter the town yesterday, who could have dropped him off undetected? Veronica put her hand to her chin. One thing that stood out in the footage when Zen arrived is that he did something to his stomach doubled over then stood up and looked around as if lost. Then he knocked on the door. Chaotic raised an eyebrow. Have you looked at Zen’s stomach to see if he is injured in any way? Veronica shook her head. He is scheduled for a physical today. The doctor will be here in a couple of hours. Chaotic nodded. Mind if I have a look at his stomach. I have a hunch but I would like to see if it’s what I think it is. Veronica shrugged. I don’t see what the harm would be. I was curious to see for myself as well.
Walking down the hall to Zen’s room Chaotic asked Veronica to lift Zen’s shirt. After doing so Veronica just tilted her head confused. Huh I was sure there would be some kind of mark at least. Chaotic focused his eyes and thought to himself, yep that’s what I though a seal. Must seal his energy and his memory. But why would he do this to himself?” Chaotic shook his head. He lied, well looks like I was wrong nothing out of the ordinary. Veronica shrugged. Maybe the doctor can find something unseen.
Chaotic chuckled. I best be off. I may be back later with some paperwork. If I am not back tonight I will be back in the morning. Veronica looked confused. Paperwork? What paperwork are you talking about? Chaotic grinned. I wish to adopt Zen. Veronica eyes went wide. Isn’t that kind of sudden? I mean you just found him in the woods. He may have physical and psychological problems. Chaotic chuckled and shrugged. I’m a rather spontaneous guy. Veronica gave an irritated look. Do you even have the means to care for a child? Chaotic Ignored her. Hmmm Zen Storm… Has a nice ring to it. Without another word Chaotic left the building. Veronica gave up confused.
. . .
When the doctor arrives Zen wakes up and is given his physical. The doctor was a dark furred otter with light green eyes. The doctor gave Zen a friendly smile. Hello you must be Zen, my name is Dr. Parker and will be giving you a physical. Any questions before we start? Zen looked nervous. Do I have to take off my clothes? Dr. Parker looked at Zen keeping his friendly smile. For part of the exam yes you will need to take off your pants. Zen looks at Veronica but before he could say anything Veronica chuckled. I’ll wait in the hall. Zen gave a sigh of relief and looks at the doctor. His look turned to a glare that didn’t seem to fit his previous behavior. I will give you this warning once and only once. Do not tell anyone what you see when I take my pant off. This change in behavior shocks Dr. Parker. Zen I am a doctor, it is against the law to share private information about my patients. Zen smiled. That’s good to hear doctor where do we begin?
. . .
The physical only took a short time to finish. It consisted of the normal things you would expect. Heart rate, blood pressure, and listening for anything odd with breathing. Many of the personal questions could not be answered due to the face that Zen had no memory of what had happened in the past. The final part of the physical was the part that Zen feared. Despite seeing everything Dr. Parker didn’t seem to react the way Zen thought he would. The whole thing however still made Zen uneasy. Dr. Parker looked Zen in the eyes. Alright Zen we’re all done any questions? Zen nodded with a worried look on his face. Is everything ok? Am I heathy? Dr. Parker had a slight look of concern. Well you seem to have healed well although I don’t know where many of the scars on your body have come from. Zen’s eyes widened. Scars? Dr. Parker nodded. Yes scares, you have them over most of your body. Some of them seem like the injury may have even been life threatening. Are you sure you cannot remember anything about where these scares may have come from? Zen shook his head. I didn’t even know I had them to begin with. When I try to look back all I get is haze. Do you think the scars could have something to do with my memory? Dr. Parker nodded. That is a possibility. I couldn’t say for sure without more tests. Speaking of which Veronica could you come back in here? Veronica entered the room. Yes doctor? Dr. Parker looked at Veronica. I cannot determine the cause of his memory loss. In order to see if his injuries have caused any brain damage we should have him scheduled for an MRI. Veronica gasped. Injuries? What are you talking about?
After explaining his findings and scheduling an appointment at the hospital nearby. Dr. Parker made his rounds with the other children giving them all checkups before leaving. Zen could hear the doctor talking to himself as he left. He heard the doctor say “that poor kid must have gone through hell.”
The rest of the day seemed to go fast. Zen stayed by himself in his room for the rest of the day. He only left to use the bathroom and eat. That night he couldn’t help but wonder what had happened in the past to give him any scares. The more he thought about it the more tired he felt until sleep finally took him for the night.
