We Are Not Monsters

Exploring

Time skip

   It had been a couple of hours since I had finished my food and I was getting worried. I kept wondering the same things over and over again. Would they ever let me out? Is Zara ok? What will happen to us? Can we trust these people? What is with that Brandy person?
   I shook my head at the last question. The room was beginning to look significantly smaller, and I was feeling claustrophobic.
   I walked around on the rafters again for what felt like the hundredth time.
   My side still hurt, but I had removed the bandages hours ago since they were pulling at my feathers.
   I heard the door unlock, and I fluttered over into the far corner of the ceiling.
   It was that Brandy girl.
   "Hello?" She called.
   "I have someone here for you."
   Just then I noticed someone behind her.
   Zara! I flew down to the floor and she immediately ran into my embrace. I wrapped my wings around her and buried my face into the crook of her neck.
   We cooed and crowed small noises at each other, thanks to animal instincts.
   "How's your side?" Zara asked when we finally pulled apart.
   "It feels fine but still hurts when I move around too much," I told her with a smile.
   "She speaks!" Brandy suddenly said.
   Whoops.
   I forgot she was there.
   I glared at her and began moving in front of my sister.
   "We aren't going to hurt you. In fact, we were the ones who saved you when you were about to be captured," Brandy continued, "You were in a protected area."
   "W-we were supposed to be safe?" Zara exclaimed.
   Brandy nodded.
   We stood there for a few tense seconds.
   "So..." Brandy said, "What are your names?"
   Zara stepped forward, "I'm Zara, and this is my sister Topaz!" she chirped.
   I nodded slightly to her.
   "I'm Brandy. Nice to meet you!"   
   "Likewise!" Zara said with a big grin on her face.
   "Well, you guys are free to roam as you please. I just ask that you follow everything on this paper—" she handed us a small piece of yellow paper— "and don't do anything stupid. Goodbye!"
   With that, she waved goodbye to us, and left. I looked at the piece of paper in my claw, and read it out loud.
1. If you smell something burning, don't be alarmed. It's probably just Louis above you. Humor him and see what he wants
2. Do not harm any animal you see (including bugs) pets are very important here since most of us never leave this compound
3. In the kitchen, do NOT open the bottom cupboards. Only use the top ones and the fridge
4. Gene will probably be in the kitchen. Don't take any insult he says to you personally, but if it bothers you just threaten him and he'll stop
5. Sandy will probably be lurking around. If you feel like you're being watched, ignore it. She likes to feel like she's stealthy.
6. EVERYONE MUST BE BACK IN THEIR ROOMS BY 10:00 PM.
      (Directions to the kitchen is on the back)
   Well. This was a lot of information. What was so bad about being out of your room after ten?
   I looked at Zara, "Want to go explore?"
   She smiled and nodded. I folded the paper and handed it to Zara, who inspected it further. I opened the door and we walked out. The place was HUGE.     
   Actually, huge was an understatement. It was cavernous. I had no idea how we were supposed to find our way around!
   I looked at Zara, "Do you just want to walk around for a little bit?" I asked.
   She nodded and kept close to my side as we made our way down the long hallway, torches lighting our way.
   We had just turned a corner when Zara said,
   "I smell something burning."
   We looked at each other and looked up.
   Above us, perched on one of the rafters, was a man who looked like he was eighteen, with messy blonde hair and deep red eyes.
  He flashed us a toothy grin before jumping down, landing in front of us.    
   "So it was true."
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A/N: Well it sure has been awhile hasn't it? I'm so sorry I've been inactive for such a long time. High school has been a beating and a lot of stuff has happened regarding personal issues. It also had to do with just a plain lack of motivation. I'm so sorry and I'll try to update more often. The next chapter for "Tale of Two Seas" might be coming out soon, but I've sort of hit a wall on that one creativity wise. Anyways, thanks for reading my stories, I really appreciate it!
         ~ Phanta