Unleashed

Chapter 9

Kaia did not remember where she went in her dreams after the visit to her family cabin. She awoke feeling refreshed and well rested to someone banging on her door. She got up and stretched before going to open the door to see Amara and Lucien on the other side.

"Rise and shine sleepy head!" Amara said.

"Sleepy head?" Kaia asked. "How long was I asleep?"

"Hmmmm, about 13 hours or so." Amara said, thinking.

Lucien barked out a laugh drawing Kaia's attention to him. He looked....different. His long black hair was no longer there. It was replaced with short dirty blond hair. Kaia could not help but stare.

Lucien noticed Kaia's stare.

"I cut and dyed it last night." He said. "Fresh start. Something to separate me from the beast. After what happened I needed a change. I am so sorry for what I did to you."

Kaia blinked at the sound of his words.

"Lucien, pardon me for saying but I know it was not your fault. You did your best from what I gather. The best is all that can be asked for." She said. "What happened to me was horrible, yes, I agree to that. But; I have come to terms with it as best I can. Time to move forward and if my opinion matters the new look suits you. I look forward to studying beside you.

The sound of Amara's clapping pulled their attention from one another. 

Amara was so proud of the two of them. In just the span of 2 days they came so far. Maybe the attack wasn't the worst thing to happen after all, maybe just maybe it was actually a good thing. 

"Um....Amara....why are you staring at us like that....." Kaia said.

Kaia loved the feeling of familiarity with these two, she felt it strange how close she could feel to them after such a short time but she didn't care. It was a great feeling. She finally felt at home, at ease, and as part of a family. She did not know how Amara and Lucien did it but she had felt like family to them almost right  away. The way the welcomed her with open arms, it was obvious they either didn't know of her past, or they did not care. 

"It's nothing." Amara said. "I'm just so happy how this has worked out so far. So, let's see what else we can accomplish. Shall we start?"

"Where to, dare I ask?" Lucien snickered.

Amara waved her hand and teleported them to an extremely large open space. All along one wall were a bunch of weapons. Along another wall were a bunch of punching bags hanging from the ceiling. In the center of the room was a table with a several plants on it. 

"Welcome to our new training room." Amara said proudly. "We have a lot to figure out so we shall split our time between here and the library." 

Lucien looked around the large space. He could see so many scenarios if the beast decided to make an appearance. None of the scenarios would end well. Fear started rising in him, panic struck.

Amara recognized the look on Lucien's face. It was the same look he had the night before. 

"Lucien, I am here." She said. "I have stopped the beast before, and I will again. There is no need to worry."

"Easier said than done." He said.

Kaia felt the need to say something. She thought to herself for a moment. She as not sure if the question she had would be the appropriate thing to ask at this point in conversations but she had to know.

"Why a beast?" She asked.

Amara looked at Kaia in surprise. The look on her face....priceless. Kaia had wished she could take a picture. 

Lucien broke out in laughter. 

"Well, I guess that's one way to start things!" He said. "The beast is my curse."

"What do you mean by that?" Kaia asked.

"Hmmmm, I'm not sure how to put it." He responded.

"Maybe you should start at the beginning?" Amara suggested. "I could help explain things for you but I think it might help Kaia to know you and understand you better if she knew how it all started. I know it might be tough...."

Lucien thought for a brief moment.

"It's a long story, but I am comfortable enough to try to share it."

Kaia, trying to make light of the awkwardness said "I guess we should be glad we seem to have now an unlimited amount of time. I am in no rush."

Lucien and Amara both chuckled at that.

"Well, it started about 50 years ago." Lucien started.