Chapter 20: The Beast
Zia walked over to the large metal door that closed her away from the world. She turned the knob and realized it wasn't locked.
Looking back at the dark, cold room, she knew it was time to leave. She couldn't wait much longer. She also needed to see Emrie before she left the circus. She hoped he would be ok.
Placing her hands on her stitches, Zia began pressing on each one to see if it still hurt. She felt no pain. She walked over to the Aeson's supply area and looked for something to remove the stitches.
After rummaging through everything, she found a small, sharp scissors. "Ah ha, you will do the trick." She said, smiling at the tiny device.
Zia walked over to the bathroom and looked into the mirror. She lifted her gown and touched the first stitch, under her arm.
Carefully she fit the tiny scissors over the stitch and snipped. She pulled out the stitching thread. There was no blood coming out of the hole the stich made.
Satisfied with her first successful stich removal, she slowly began removing each stich, meticulously.
A few stitches were not ready to come out and did release a bit of blood, but it wasn't enough blood to worry Zia.
When she pulled out the last stitch, she found a piece of gauze, soaking it with peroxide. She washed the entire scar from under her arm to her hip. The scar was healing well, even Zia was surprised at her healing ability.
Zia traced the entire length of the scar with her finger. Suddenly, a flash of what happened the night of the injury flooded her mind.
The flashes were violent and felt real. She felt the pain of that night. Then she felt Emrie's pain. His heart broke. It was aching.
"I need to see him." She whispered.
Zia cleaned up the evidence of removing her stiches. She walked over to the metal door, reached for the knob, and pulled it open.
As she made her way out of the door, she looked both ways down the hall. No one was there.
The halls were equally as dark and gloomy as the room she spent her healing time in.
The cold floor sent shivers through her body with each step of her bare feet. She felt so cold in just an evening gown. She needed to get to her things quickly so she could shower and change.
Picking up her pace, Zia made her way to the main entrance of the holding area. She pushed the door open as the sunlight blinded her. She had not seen the sun since the day she was injured.
Allowing herself to adjust to the sunlight, she blinked her eyes a few times. When she was able to see, she looked around the field. It seemed quiet.
A few people walked around the area seeming like they were taking a stroll. Zia didn't recognize any of them. They appeared so calm considering the breach of the darkness. She was confused. Did Damien figure out how to restrict them again? She wondered.
Zia quietly walked through the grass, letting herself absorb the earth with each step. Something about the sun and the earth on her skin, made her feel so good. She stood in the field, closed her eyes, and faced the sun for a moment.
"Zia! You are ok!" A familiar voice said.
Orion walked up to Zia, grabbing her small waist with his large arms, and lifting her up in An embrace, careful not to squeeze too hard.
Zia was taken aback at Orion's sudden expression of emotions.
"Yes, I am ok." Zia smiled, hugging him back.
"You had us scared Zia. I know I don't really say much but I am just really glad you are ok. You are one of the few people I actually like here." Orion said, as he placed Zia gently on the ground.
His eyes had dark circles. He looked like he hadn't slept in days.
"Are you ok, Orion?" You seem exhausted. Zia asked with concern in her voice.
"I am well. I have just not been getting much sleep. Gemini and I have been patrolling at night in case the darkness makes it beyond the forest and into the circus.
"Oh my goodness. Wait, Gemini is actually behaving like a normal dog?" Zia questioned, intriguingly with a smile.
"Gemini is a good boy. He is just misunderstood and he doesn't like people." Orion said in Gemini's defense.
"Oh of course! He is an amazing puppy. I just know you are the only one he listens to." She smiled.
"Hey, you want to see something?" Orion asked her.
Zia did not answer immediately for fear of being caught if she lingered in plain sight. She knew she had to move quickly.
"If you are worried about Damien, he left earlier. I am not sure where he went but he took the big trailer with him." Orion said.
Zia's stomach sank. She wondered if he took Emerie away.
"Hey, let's go see what you have to show me, but can you take me to Emrie after?" Zia asked.
"Of course. Anything for you Zia. Follow me. It will be quick" Orion said.
Orion began walking as Zia did a little skip to catch up to him.
The walk was short and quiet, but Zia was a bit excited.
Orion stopped at one of the holding areas and took Zia's hand in his as he escorted her into the room.
In the center of the room was Gemini with no bars surrounding him. Zia stepped back as soon as she saw him. She had never been this close to him without the protection of his cage.
"Don't be afraid." Orion said as he encouraged Zia to come closer.
Gemini jumped up and began running in a circle, circling the metal post his chain was attached to. His two heads were in agreement today as they enjoyed his freedom from the cage.
Zia let go of Orion's hand and began walking towards Gemini.
"Sit Gemini!" Orion said firmly.
Gemini looked up and Orion with both heads and immediately complied. Zia looked at Gemini and then at Orion, impressed with the puppy's behavior.
"Go ahead." Orion instructed.
"Zia slowly walked closer to Gemini and reached out her hand. Her heart was rapidly beating as she closed the gap between the two of them. Gemini stopped panting as soon as Zia was in reach.
Zia placed both hands on the top of each of Gemini's heads and began petting him softly. Gemini stood and began shaking his tail in delight as he licked her hand.
"That's a good boy." She said, smiling at the two headed beast. Orion walked up to Zia and Gemini and pat Gemini on his side. "Good boy," Orion said to Gemini.
"So, when did Gemini start doing this?" Zia asked, still a little surprised.
"Well, he doesn't do this with anyone else, but you are different. I have been wanting to bring you around him. Your energy is soothing, and he needs that. I wanted you to know that you didn't have to be afraid of him." Orion said as he boyishly combed his fingers through the back of his head.
"This is amazing, Orion. Thank you for bringing me here." Zia beamed.
"Now let's go find Emrie." Orion said as he took Zia's hand and guided her out of the holding area.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone