BUNNY SYNDROME

By V.J. LAO
Bunny Syndrome

A Science Fiction Drama

Travis and Cola Zodiac a young couple from Metherin City, were expecting parents, it was the joy of
their lives to have their first child But they found out something was different about the child when they
had checked on the ultrasound screen. When they arrived at the hospital, A certain Doctor Crox gave
Travis, the father of the child so much trouble that he was not able to see his wife giving birth to the
child calling it a special case.

Two police officers on duty patrolling at the hospital, witnessed the doctor injecting Travis with a dose
of a sleeping serum that made him fall unconscious. The officers scolded the doctor but told them it was
to calm him down. Dr. Crox came to explain the situation to one of the Police Officers and followed him
to his laboratory underground at the hospital.

In the morning, Travis after waking from his sleep hurried to the room where his family were, he was
surprised to see his son having such a condition that their worst nightmare had come true. The new
parents were worried that their child will not live like any other normal children but they decided to take
care of him. His condition was called the Bunny Syndrome because his physical features, was that like of
a white Rabbit.

The Staff of the hospital were all emotionally attached for the welfare of the child and promised their
constant watch over his health. But a Circus owner had his own plans for the child promising to take
care of him if his parents decided not to take care of him, but the parents refused the offer deciding to
keep their first born son.

Cola and Travis Zodiac did the best they can to raise their first born son like any other children but took
special care of him and did everything to let people accept him for who he is. Mysteries unfold as the
child grew up, while the parents try to find out as what has caused the child's condition.
 Chapter One

On a Desert far away from civilization, where there was not, a single body of water to be
found. Lay a completely dry and plain landscape of Sand. It is completely uninhabited for many
miles from all directions on its great expanse, except for some military camps that seems to be on
guard of something that's not even there to be seen. People who try to travel anywhere near the
desolate land, never survived their journey just with the intention of crossing it to the other side
of the Country on another State. Losing their way in the Desert and dying because of
dehydration, the lack of food and the extreme heat of the place itself burns them alive to crisp
and those who strive to survive, just got captured by the scouting Military Soldiers for Tress
passing. The Military camp is being guarded there just for nothing, would eventually raise a lot
of questions and as to whatever happened to those people gone missing, remains a mystery. They
obviously are hiding something out there that they don't want a single soul to know about, for
some unknown reasons. That is beyond ''TOP SECRET'' as to whatever that means to them,
which they are hiding from the public's eye. Warning signs were placed, around the desert to
keep people from taking the path through the Desert or to loiter around for any reason.

At the Military Camps Soldiers are dressed in white-thick clothing on their whole bodies and
cowls around their face. The gloves and boots they wore were also white, but made with special
material that resists heat. The Soldiers rode on Camels back armed with Rifles. They patrol
around the perimeter where they are stationed. Their Camps had white Leather Tents that is fire
proof, these Camps were scattered around an empty space of the desert serving as security and
checkpoint before proceeding to some unseen station or base that does not seem to exist.
Meanwhile, Across the Desert, there was a trail of smoke made out of dust from the Desert
sands, trailing from Ten incoming Cargo Trucks, all lined up heading towards nowhere on the
vast Desert Wasteland. A Soldier mounted on a Camel was looking around with his Binoculars.
He spotted through his Binoculars, the cloud of smoke, a great distance away and recognized it
as vehicles rushing on the vast expanse of the Desert trailing with the dusts thrown under the its
Wheels.

The Soldier mounted with Camel holding the Binoculars says:

''Look over there! The new arrivals of the Cargo that we were informed about are finally arriving
on schedule!'' telling the other soldiers nearby on Camel's back.

The Cargo Trucks reached the checkpoint and the Soldiers struck their Camels at their back with
a long flexible shiny silver metal rod with small short whips on the end, which made the Camels
quickly ran toward the Trucks. The Soldiers on Camel's back all circled around the Cargo Trucks
like a group of Bandits, forcing the Driver in front to hit on the breaks as the other Truck drivers
following behind were startled and did the same making them stop on the spot. As the Cargo
Trucks made a sudden stop, the leading Driver of the first Truck leading the Caravan of Cargo
Trucks, came out of the vehicle wearing thick green fatigues and a military cap.

The Soldier on Camel’s back approached the cargo truck’s driver and went down from the
Camel’s saddle and walked on foot carrying his clipboard with papers on it.
''Security Clearance Please'' The Soldier asked.

The Driver went out of his Truck and met with the Soldier and shows his Identification card and
a Clipboard ''Here you go! It is just as the General ordered for delivery. They are all in blindfold,
for security measures as usual.''

Then the Security Soldier signs the papers on the clipboard. Meanwhile, The other Soldiers rode
quickly to take look at the back of the Cargo Trucks, peeking on its green curtains, confirming
that the cargo were indeed People in blindfolds.

''Carry on, you may proceed!'' The Security Soldier said.

The leading Security Soldier on Camel's back said to the Driver, confirming the cargo was all
clear to go on ahead, towards the Base without any hassle. The Soldier led his other companions
on Camel's back at their camp riding in a rush, hitting their Camels’ ass with their flexible metal
rods.

The Driver went back inside his Truck and once again started its engine and together with the
other cargo trucks, continued on their journey for another mile. Finally reaching their destination
that seems to be nowhere, there was simply nothing there to be seen at all, just empty sand and
space with a clear blue sky above, with no trace of a single cloud. Suddenly there was a mild
tremor that shook the ground. Some distance away from the Trucks, piles of sands were
immediately bursting into the air like huge Geysers the dust was piling around the area falling on
top of the Trucks that look as if it were burying it with Sand that was piling around.

As the bursting of dust in the air stopped, it revealed a vast Octagonal metal flooring that has
now been dug up and there was an inclination around it like a crater. The leading Cargo Truck
proceeded to go somewhere in the middle of the vast flooring as the other trucks followed. When
The Trucks were all on the flooring it began to sink slowly, it appears to be a platform elevator
as vast as a parking lot. As they descended on the Elevator, there was another transparent
Octagon door above them that closed. Sand was once again being blown on top of the closed
door to cover the Octagon Entrance above the surface from whence they came. The Elevator
platform carrying the Trucks continued going down through the Elevator Tunnel. The Elevator's
underground tunnel had many rows of vertical white lights from every side. For about an hour
they had finally reached their destination the octagon elevator platform stopped and a huge
Elevator door that was like on a Hangar in front of the Trucks opened, as the Cargo Trucks
continued to drive through a new tunnel. It was all bright of a sudden as a whole new world was
revealed underground, filled with many beaming lights coming from a huge Base. It was like a
city underground, above the city was like that of a cave but was vast and enormous over a mile
high from the flooring of the Military Base.

Beams of lights, came from the City-like Military Base, it was actually a Huge Crater that had
been constructed like an underground cave. The Cargo Trucks went for another mile on the road
of the Base, heading onwards and made many turns over the structure of the underground City.
There were many Hangars on an Airport surrounding the Base. The Cargo Trucks finally reached
the Main Structure of the Military Base. The Main Structure is a fortress like facility, it had a
huge metallic Door, that opened slowly with groups of military guards staring on the left and on
the right, allowing the Cargo Trucks to come inside the Huge Base’ mega structure. The Cargo
Trucks continued to enter the base and a mass of jugging military soldiers in their green fatigues
passed by. The Cargo Trucks stopped at a certain point where many other cargo trucks were
parked. The Drivers of the Trucks came out and met with soldiers, while the people at the back
stay seated.

A Military officer wearing a highly decorated military uniform with a matching green cap and a
scientist wearing the usual long white laboratory coat came to check on the Cargo. They both
looked inside the back of the cargo trucks and searched through the curtains and saw all the
people seating on two rows, facing each other blind folded. There were twenty people on each of
the cargo trucks blindfolded in the same way, many soldiers then came forward and led them out
of the Trucks and removed all their blindfolds. The captives were all Scientists.

''Are we being kidnapped?’’

‘’Where are we? What do you people want?’’

The Captive Scientists commented.

'Well, Surprise! Welcome to our Base, this is where you will all work from now on.'' The
Colonel greeted them all as they were made to lineup about face, in one row. He ordered them
with a tone of his commanding authority as if he was speaking to Soldiers.

The Scientists did not respond in confusion.

''That's Sir! Yes Sir! Remember you are under military premises, you all must treat Military
Officers here like they were also your superiors, Understand?'' The Colonel said in a
commanding tone.

''Sir… Yes, sir!?'' The Captive Scientists responded.

''The Head Scientist of this Base will brief every single one of you, is that understood?''

''Sir yes Sir!!!''

A Scientist wearing a white lab coat came next to the Colonel.

''You can leave your post now, Colonel Lazarus, I can handle this now, carry on.'' said the
Scientist.

''Who are you to order me around Crox! '' The Colonel said and seemed to feel insulted.
''Well, as far as I am concerned I am just as important as you are, you could have been under me,
if you were in the same field as I am. You could take me as being the equal of General Mchagen
in my position for speaking out loud!'' The Scientist bragged to the Colonel.

''I can't stand you being placed in such a position by General Mchagen. I just hope you don't
corrupt them just as you do to your test subjects.'' Colonel Lazarus said to Dr. Crox as he
immediately left as two soldiers infollowed him behind.

''Well now, you are not in dreamland anymore, this is all real. You are not all being kidnapped,
but given a privilege. I am Dr. Crox. Head of all the Scientists here in this Base on all fields of
top secret scientific research, you all have been chosen because you are the finest among all the
scientists in your fields. You will get paid twice as much from where you all were working
before. You will only know what you needed to know and there are restrictions here, you can
only do what you are allowed to do and you are not allowed to go anywhere else beyond the
place you were assigned. Guards will always watch you where ever you may be and guide you to
where you want to go. There is no place for emotional attachment to test subjects here, whatever
the research will require as a sacrifice, we are just here to do our job.'' Dr. Crox explained to
them as he walked by and glared at each of the new recruits.

After being briefed, all the newly arrived captive scientists were all dismissed by Dr. Crox and
were guided by the soldiers to their respective places to work according to their field, as other
scientists who were working there introduced them to the staff and touring them to different
laboratories in separate groups. The Laboratories inside the Military Base were in the different
fields of Science and Technology, focused mainly on illegal or restricted Scientific Experiments.
The Facilities are all well equipped with everything the Scientists may need for research. Each
Laboratory had different levels of top secret research, and even goes a hundred feet underground.
There is also a restricted laboratory in the middle of all the other laboratories which holds the
Secret of the base, for why it was built in the first place. It was a hundred feet deep further
beyond underground.

Dr. Strife went to his private laboratory to check on the progress of his private experiment and
met with his partner, who was an experienced Scientist and as good as he is, or even better than
him. He never considered her as his partner out of his arrogance and pride, being the head of all
the head scientists in all fields on the base, which was an equivalent to General Mchagen's
position and military Authority. Dr. Strife’s private lab was one huge room for testing, test
subjects. There were floating Animals that were inside, rows of cylindrical Aquariums
surrounding the walls of his private laboratory with rectangular consoles with glowing square
buttons of unknown purposes in front of each one. There were many cages of different kinds of
small animals on a huge table which were being used as test subjects for the experiment they
were conducting. Some of them are rabid and some are harmless looking, yet already mutated in
different ways by Dr. Crox. Rabbits and cats were barking like dogs and some chirping were like
birds. Twisted Oddities, it is nature being messed up at its own worst nightmares.
''Rabbits, just like Hamsters and Guinea Pigs are good test subjects, they are so disposable, if one
dies on the experiment, you just get another one and you’re ready to go.'' Dr. Crox said to his
female partner scientist Dr. Zarah who was with him in his private lab.

Dr. Zarah had a long red pig-tailed hair two long locks of hair, like an antenna pointed behind
her head. She wore special reading glasses of her own invention. She is beautiful and not as mad
of a Scientist like Dr. Crox, is. She is a brilliant Scientist, while Strife was a man obsessed only
in his work.

''How about our human test subjects, that we inject with our Mutagen Serums Doctor? Are they
really that disposable too?'' Dr. Zarah questioned him.

A Mutagen Serum is an agent that allows mutation to take place on a living organism's Genes
where hereditary information is stored like a computer program. The Special Mutagen Serum Dr.
Crox and Dr. Zarah made, served as an agent and catalyst that allows a mutation containing
different immunities to develop. It is either a medicine, a cure and a permanent immunity to
many sickness and diseases. Like a virus but doing the other way around and adapting
automatically against new strains of viruses. The Experiments of Dr. Crox was only known to
the researchers on the base, that the greedy General only wants to be reserved for his soldiers’
treatment. The Mutagen Serums were on a Vile, encased on a silver square casing lying on top of
a silver table, where many cages of test subjects like Rabbit's, hamsters and other type of
Rodents were. It has different colored liquids on test tubes. Dr. Zarah and Dr. Crox are inside a
private laboratory, which was still big enough to conduct their private research.

Dr. Zarah and Crox were standing and arguing for a time on the Laboratory. Dr. Strife put both
his hands on Dr. Zarah’s shoulders.

''Listen Zarah. They have embraced their fate from being criminals and instant volunteers, it was
their doing that led them here in the first place, in order to participate in this great experiment
and make themselves of use. I will not be responsible for their deaths, it has already been
decided, it was because of their crimes they committed, that gave them the life sentence that they
deserved.'' He then removes his hands from her shoulders.

''How come we scientists here on the Base also deserve to be called doctors anyway? We do have
real Doctors here that are even turning into mad scientists, considering the people outside this
base. It’s such a shame that these are only reserved for Soldiers. All we do here is make weapons
out of life and manipulate its natural balance. This is not healing or curing at all, our job should
be aimed for the benefit of people in all race and standing.'' Zarah replied.

''We are not Doctors remember, we are SCIENTISTS! Have I not personally briefed you when
you were taken to this Base for many years now? We are just here to do research, make
experiments and gain results, confined only for the benefit of the Military. We are called Doctors
here because General Mchagen believes what he asked us to do, is healing and curing in a way,
to modify his military force to broader their capabilities and getting rid of human weaknesses,
which can already be considered a cure for him.
If you want to protest, then go ahead meet with General Mchagen. As if he would even care and
listen to your protests. We are here to do our jobs, it's a done deal. We have been doing this for
years, have you not learned anything yet. We are not responsible for possible casualties, their
fates has been sealed and we are not responsible for the possible loss of their lives, they are
criminals not innocent civilians!'' He explains to her.

Zarah walked around and took a look at the modified Animals and cages not minding too stare at
Crox, while talking. ''Don't ever forget I was the one that convince you to do an experiment that
is not using humans as test subjects. Yet we seem to fail using it on those animal subjects.''

''I told you, it would have been more successful, if we make the necessary sacrifices and use it on
human test subjects, instead of being afraid of taking significant Scientific risks. That's why we
are here going nowhere, playing with your pets. There are more results in our human test
subjects that can significantly show broader results.'' Dr. Crox tries to convince her.

Zarah turned to look at Crox with a serious face. ''I don't want to end up being like you. I heard
General Mchagen had already asked for a replacement for your position, seeing that you were
not working anymore on the “Great Discovery’’ that led to the construction of this very base
twenty years ago. He mentioned to give your final work before you are relieved from your Job.
He wants you to make a weapon to test on some who were known to be a threat rebel force in
some country and who were disagreeing with the General's corrupted ways. He was planning to
put the responsibility of the success of the mission in your name to do something for him for the
last time.''

''What?! See what you made me do! It's all because of this Idea of yours! When I am suppose to
be producing more results on my experiments'' He shouted at her.

‘’Don't be such a hypocrite Crox, You were also completely obsessed with this idea.'' Zarah
made it clear to him as she stared at him.

''How come I was not informed about all this?'' He asked.

''You still don't feel responsible Doctor? Rumors do spread around the Base, the guards, soldiers
and high ranking officers can't even keep their mouth shut. I don't want to work here anymore,
it’s pointless, if you want to join me in resignation, I am sure you will not take responsibility for
the development of that life threatening research and you are about to be replaced by force.'' She
said.

''Well, all thanks to you! I am now losing my job, although I might have found out sooner or later
anyway. But this is going out of hand and absurd. I won't allow that General to force me to
entrust my research to someone else on the great discovery. Which I have been trying to solve
for twenty years, I can't leave it to some Amateur, he just found from somewhere. He even wants
me to take responsibility on which was truly a product of his own corrupt mind and I have been
working for him for years, he can't dispose of me just like that!'' Crox argued and was
disappointed and kept walking back and forth in confusion.
''So, did he also he found you from somewhere in the same way?'' Zarah asks.

Crox pulled a chair near him and sat on it, while Xarah still standing with hands on the pockets
of her lab coat, staring at him in the eye.

''I don't think so! He did not found me, I am the one who came to this Desert and firstly found
out about the great discovery, which I can't tell you about. I am a Scientist just like you, as a
Geneticist and an Astronomer as you are a Physicist and a Geneticist. I always dreamed some
day that there would be some other structures of life I could manipulate beyond this planet of
ours. I have already experimented with all the insects and animals found all over the world. I
was the one who firstly saw that falling meteor on my observatory in the middle of Metherin
forest a distant away from that annoying Circus.

I saw that huge meteor which was attempted to be destroyed by the military before it hit the
atmosphere with a Laser that fires unto space, but was only scratched a bit. While I was star
gazing for falling meteors that may contain possible alien life from micro-organisms. I found out
the exact location of that meteor, that fell on the desert and I rode with my Jeep as fast as I can,
but the military immediately arrived after an hour with General Mchagen, saying that it was
already military property and almost arrested me. My occupation allowed me to have the right to
conduct my research on that Meteor. Thus founding this base together with the General.''

''The Great Discovery, you mean that colorful Glowing Rings made out of Symbols?'' Zarah
surprised him.

''How did you know about all that?! He stood up from his chair and went close to her.

''You never had a clearance to pass through the levels of the restricted laboratory facility a
hundred feet below. The only way to know that, is going to the General's office another hundred
feet underground and looking at the transparent wall at his office, that he is obsessed staring at
and can't turn his eyes away from.''

''I saw some Photographs with Top Secret documents, that you carelessly threw in the garbage
can of your office, without shredding them first, you also forgot to lock your door. I saw a
picture of that hovering Glowing Globe of Rings of Symbols. I know there was something eerie
about it by just looking at the picture. So you can't even crack the code to decipher it, am I
right?'' She said to him, knowing a lot and surprising him as if she knew about it all along.

''What?! You knew that much just by searching on my trash can?’’

Crox went on to explain. ‘’The Alien's technology is confusing just as it is to understand. There
seems to be no way of getting a way to touch it in the first place to learn anything at all. All it
was is a hologram of some sort with no projections from any device ever found. It was more like
a Ghost of Symbolic Codes of some sort, as if it was in a different dimension, perhaps it is being
transmitted somewhere outside space or in this planet by the Aliens hiding somewhere. Like I
said it is just there, you can see but not touch. Enough with the Great Discovery, I think I need to
pay the General a visit and you are coming with me. I must stop that General from making me
take the responsibility under my name.''

Zarah followed him with her stare as he moves back and forth in worry. ''It's surprising to hear
that from you, who never cared that much about your test subjects like they were nothing but a
disposable necessity. Anyway you made a good decision Doctor, I knew there was still some
humanity left in you after all this years. But I still feel that both of you have something in
common.''

Crox stopped moving and stared at her and says. ''Please don't speak to me about kindness. We
were never Medical Doctors in the first place, I have always been a Scientist and a Researcher,
that is all I should care about, don't ever compare me to him at all.''

''Well, what could be worst? At least you agreed with me on something for quite some time now.
I hope this private research we have worked on, will not go to General Mchagen.'' She said to
him.

Crox went to the table close by, and took a vile with a clear liquid on it, he held it on his hand
and stared at it close to his face. ''This Special Mutagen Serum is the only thing that shows, I am
not like him and will surely be famous around the world and earn me the pay I truly deserve. I
just hope you are not a squealer, you may be a kind hearted woman but I don't know if I could
even trust you on this, this is my prized possession. This Special Mutagen Serum is the only
thing I have left to be proud of, if that General really removes me from this Base like I was some
Toy he had grown up from.''

Zarah moves close to him and stares at what he was holding and said to him ''You mean the
experiment we have been working on?'' I hope you don't use that Special Mutagen Serum on any
Human Being yet, that stuff is an unstable immunization. I don't want to know how it will turn
out, if it is used on a Human Subject, like we could do it with animals. We already tested it with
our Animal Subjects, But of no avail to Adult Humans to make it work properly, because it was
not stable enough, don't even try using that on a Human Being yet. I am more than just your
partner Doctor. We worked on this in equal terms. But it’s your own responsibility whatever
you’re planning to do with that. Perhaps with a criminal subject, I suppose.''

''I already have! But the test subjects are not suitable Containers. They all fell ill a day after the
dosage of the Special Mutagen Serum. They were not stable enough as usual. The Serum was too
fragile for their Adult Genes to make any properly fitted Mutated Reaction.'' Crox explained.

Dr. Xara was surprised. ''What?! You did not even tell me? You truly are becoming a Mad
Scientist by profession, totally misguided and reckless. I already know where you're going
through all this conclusions, so don't even try doing things without your colleague's opinions first
or else you will be no different from the General himself. I will be finding the same kind of cures
on natures natural medicine rather with this mutagen serum idea we developed, I would rather
start from scrap.''
''I will take my chances no matter what the risks are, this is the ''Miracle of Science'' anyone can
be a suitable volunteer, even as a Sacrificial Hero to human kind for helping in developing this
Mutagen Serum. He said with such intent and he placed the vile back to a silver square casing
with other serums on it.

''Surely, you would not dare on trying to use that on an innocent, who is not done a single crime
to deserve a life sentence against their will.'' She says to him looking at him with a concern on
her face.

He looks at her. ''Consider it as a heroic deed, which they did not choose by their own will, but
they have been chosen by us who have more wisdom to know what being a hero really is.
Consider it as a special life insurance, a privilege from Science that is there to answer for them.''

''You are totally misguided, Crox. I will try to have my own research for cures instead of these
specialized mutation for immunities, I will use plants using the same ideas with opposite of what
you’re doing and instead of sacrificing a single human life and finding a counter to your reckless
experiments.''

''That is impossible! You are going to that with herbs? I hope you don't use it to make people
grow leaves and branches on their heads. Well, good luck on your research Zarah!'' He said to
her, took the casing with viles, placing it in his pocket and turns away from her.

She follows him behind and continued to talk. ''This is for people waiting for a cure without
mutating them. I earned enough by doing so, even if it is going to be for free. A form of Herbal
Medicine for a cure for various sickness and mutative diseases, might take some time to produce,
but without the risky mutation process. But it will be safer than using an animal or a human
being as a vessel for unnatural or even twisted enhancements, like they were just containers as
you refer them to be.''

Crox turns around facing her. ''Are you kidding, Just for Free? You can't possibly make a living
out of that!''

''It is how I want to devote my work, something that you can't seem to understand, being
obsessed in your work for years like it was going to make a difference for the benefit of
Humanity.'' She said.

‘’Fine, do as you wish.’’ He said to her.

Afterwards, they made their final tests on the other Mutagen Serums. The two Scientists then
proceeded to go through the elevator leading to the restricted laboratory facility. Dr. Zarah never
bothered to care about the restricted laboratory facility and Dr. Crox kept on bragging about it,
until they arrived at the elevator leading to the facility. There was a console on the right side of
the transparent elevator.
Crox used his Keycard I.D. which was tied with a thin silver rope around his neck. The keycard
I.D. on its front had his photo and information of his position, it also had a barcode at the back
with his finger prints and signature. He slid the Keycard into the slot vertically on the left side of
the console and there was a small transparent tray that suddenly appeared from the right side of
the console, at the same time he had slid the card it sounded with a beep. The Keycard I.D. was
flexible and thin, which was also very sharp.

Crox gave a tiny cut to his index finger with it, and he squeezed his finger and an amount of his
blood dripped on the small tray which suddenly had a green beam of light going back and forth
on it, and it automatically went back inside the console.

There was a small rectangular screen that reads ''Access Granted'' which had a green glow. The
door of the Elevator opened and they both went inside and he then pressed a series of code from
the buttons on another console inside the Elevator. The Two Scientists entered the Elevator and
descended to the hundred feet restricted level of the underground facility.
 CHAPTER TWO

Crox and Zarah were descending from the transparent cylindrical elevator, as they
descended it Revealed many Scientists at work on different mutated creatures and then the
elevator came through some dark walls with long lights lighting the way deeper below, after
finally reaching the lowest level of the restricted facility, where the Base of the Crater and the
General's office can be found. Zarah and Crox proceeded to walk towards the office of the
General. They walked from long hallways from left to right and then straight ahead. The Facility
had more Soldiers than Scientists Guarding compared to the non-restricted facilities a hundred
feet above.

They finally saw the half opened door of the General's office, so they went inside without
permission, but the Office had no light and was a little bit dark. The General was in front of them
away from his desk facing a transparent wall made of bullet proof glass. Through the transparent
wall, it reveals what appears to be a Globe of Glowing colorful Rings of Symbols, hovering
above the very Base of the Crater. The symbols were formed in the formation of a Globe of rings
of colorful symbols. General Mchagen knew the Scientists were coming. He had his two hands
on his back staring at the Globe of Rings made out of Symbols, through the glass wall.

''I have been expecting you both!'' The General said to them while they were behind his back.
He did not even try to look at them at all. Zarah closed the door behind them, there were lights
on the ceiling but it was all off, as the General always wanted it to be. The Crater’s Base in front
of him was filled with many strong lights above the Ceiling, so it was not necessary to turn the
lights on the office, giving him a sort of Moonlight Effect.

There appears to be a sort of huge insect floating in front of the transparent glass wall, before the
General. It was a creature made out of the colorful Glowing Symbols. It was like a dragonfly but
with six wings and seven feet long segments. It suddenly passed through the transparent wall and
came towards Zarah. Crox stared at the creature spiraling over Zarah's Body like a snake but was
not constricting her.

''What is this Crox?'' She asks.

Crox walked slowly while Zarah was behind him ''You are lucky to experience this magical
event, these creatures were obviously made out of those Symbols coming from those Rings of
Symbols from their respective rings, that's why the rings are missing some of its symbols. This
only happens once a month and they go back as Symbols at the Gaps they came from on the
Globe of Rings of Symbols, returning as part of the rings.''

The Creature of Symbols was flapping its six wings and wrapped its segments around Zarah's
body and what appears to be its head, facing her face.
''Hello there.....'' She said to it.
There are other Creatures made of the Symbols around the Base of the Crater, some were like
canines chasing one another and some were like flying sting rays which were high above flying
and gliding. These creatures only move around the Laboratories of the facility and do not startle
Scientists but are fond with them. The creature left Zarah and passed through Crox’s chest
heading towards the transparent wall to go back to its home.

''I hate it when it does that!'' Crox commented.

Crox then thought why they came there in the first place and confronted the General. ''What is
the meaning of this General?! How could you find me a replacement and force me to do a dirty
work in your name when I have been working with you for years? We founded this Base
remember!''

The General faces them. ''Enjoying the Show Doctors? Well, it is about time I put some sense in
your questions Dr. Crox! Twenty years ago, I could have you arrested, but I resisted since you
were of use to me. But I don't seem to see any more progress coming from you, being away from
this research for quite some time now.''

Mchagen and Strife's relationship was not of colleagues or partners, but the two were only
together, because of the great interest that they have from one another, having their own hidden
agendas towards one another to satisfy their own goals.

''Go ahead! You both don't seem to be producing anything useful anymore, stop wasting my time
and leave as soon as possible. Just remember I have people watching you where ever you may
be, don't think you both have escaped me yet. Replacements have now been prepared for both
your positions, effective immediately!'' The General said to them with no remorse.

The Door of the Dark Office of the General opened suddenly, as the light from outside brighten
up the room. A Scientist with a dark colored skin with long braided hair with piercings on his
ears and on his eyebrows, with deep green eyes, came inside without knocking on the door and
greeted them all of a sudden.

''Hell-O! Good Doc-tors, you both could be the ones that need to be relieved for obvious
reasons.''

''Who are you?!'' Zarah asks.

''So you’re replacing me with some kind of Circus Freak?'' Crox said to the General.

''Not a freak Strife but a Genius! He is Dr. Kraven Blackstone a scientist with multiple fields of
research. A Geneticist, Biologist, Physicist, Linguistic and a Computer Hacker, Just the person I
need for this research beyond the capabilities the two of you combined.''

''He can't possibly be a Genius in all those fields he might have flaws on some of them.'' Zarah
exclaimed.
''Can't accept that I am a Genius all the way my Lady?'' Dr. Kraven came very close looking at
her in the eyes with his very round glowing green eyes as the door was closed behind by a
soldier. His eyes were actually a set of eyes similar of a cat with a slit pupil.

''You actually mutated your own eyes didn't you?'' Crox said.

''Listen Man, you're Mutagen Serum are Old News, I can choose which part of my body to
mutate with the help of my Molecular Mutagen Implants, I could modify anyone with Animal
Imbued Genetic enhancements without affecting the other body parts like you did, Man.

The General said to him braggingly ''Hear that Crox? He can control Genetic Mutations and
Manipulate them that much, all you did was mixed Genes and Chemicals like a playful child in
your Laboratory.''

''I think we should have learned to control mutation like he did, that would have been a good
advantage in our research Crox but to experiment on himself. I don’t think that’s right.'' Zarah
was intrigued of Dr. Kraven’s work yet disgusted.

''Who are you siding with anyway Zarah? We don't need someone like him to take control of our
research. He is doing the unthinkable, even I would not dare turn myself into one of my own test
subjects.'' Crox said.

''Scared Man! That is why you can never achieve the Level I have attained, you are afraid to feel
what your test subjects are experiencing just as you are a Co-ward.''

''Why you freak! I was here before you even came, how dare you, disrespect me!'' Crox said
gesturing hands in anger and staring with much hate on Dr. Kraven.

Two soldiers immediately heard the shouting and rush to towards the General's Office and came
to check out what was happening inside.

''Is there anything wrong General?! The Soldier asked.

''Please escort this two refuse, outside of the Base. I do not want to see them here anymore!
Make sure they receive no special departure'' The General ordered.

Crox and Zarah were taken by the soldiers, taking them both out of the office while Dr. Kraven
and General Mchagen laughed at them. Zarah was just silent all the time and even felt relieved to
be able to leave the Base without being confined for the rest of her life working there.

''You will regret this Mchagen!’’ Strife shouted and was moving aggressively, giving the soldier
holding him a hard time to constraint him.

''See you Man!'' Dr. Kraven teased him.

Crox shouts ''I won't forget this Mchagen!!!''

''Sure you won't, I want you to remember this moment.''

A Soldier closed the door behind Zarah and Crox who were both forced to leave the General’s
office. Dr. Crox and Dr. Zarah were forced to resign immediately and escorted out by the
soldiers, allowing them to pack their things. They were guarded on their quarters waiting on
them to pack their belongings, Zarah had many huge pictures of her animal modification
experiments on her room and stared at a huge grey wolf for a moment and then took all the
things she needed and placed it inside a small waist bag.

Dr. Crox's room was filled with many sorts of microscopes and test tubes, like it was another
laboratory. Under his desk attached by a magnet, he took the silver square metallic case of his
precious Mutagen Serums and placed it in his pocket as he left his room. Dr. Crox and Dr. Xarah
were led outside the base after packing and made them wear thick white clothing and cowls
covering their faces. The Two Scientists were led out into the Surface from deep underground
and unto the Vast Desert and they were given their respective Camels to travel by themselves on
their own. They both mounted on the Camels, Zarah wearing her reading glasses was now like
Shades, slowly darkened with a Violet tint and there were digital numbers calculating the
distance of the desert's expanse on its view.

''Finally! Fate has its twist and turns eh? Let us see how you use your brilliant mind to survive
the journey through the desert into Metherin City, Crox!'' Col. Lazarus mocks him.

''I hope you will be a part of my experiments and be one of my test subjects someday Lazarus!''
Crox exclaimed.

''Don't count on it! I hope we never meet again Mad Scientist!''

The Colonel said to him as he took out his hand gun and began to shoot on the ground where the
Camels were standing making them ran wildly with fear across the desert, as he with the other
soldiers laughed at them while seeing them leave on the wildly running Camels.

Crox had hard time riding the Camel ‘’Oh!! I can’t get hold of this animal!’’

''Don't try to rely on me Strife. I am sure your man enough to survive this. It's more a relief now
that I am far away from the Base, not being stuck with a guilty conscience working for that
General for the rest of my life.'' Zarah told Crox while they both rode the Camels running fast.

''I never rode a Camel before! You sure know, how to ride one Zarah.'' Strife was trying hard to
keep his balance on the Camel which was wildly running and out of his control.

''I rode horses, it’s pretty much the same, you will get use to it somehow.’’

''Sorry, I am not a Circus Freak! I am not enjoying this like you do, that General did not even
escort us like we were nothing but rejects.''
''Well, don't expect any special treatment. I am sure he allowed us to go free, because he could
have already known our plans from the beginning.'' Zarah commented.

''What did you say?'' Crox asks her.

''I am not surprise that was truly his intention, they could have monitored us in the not so private
laboratory in the first place with hidden cameras seeing what we are doing and to listen to all our
conversations. You should know that among all people in that Base.'’

''So, are you saying we are still under his control?!'' he asks.

''Absolutely, just playing with us on the palm of his hands, just waiting for the right time, until
we are successful in our research then he will take what he believes belongs to him, whether you
like it or not. Let's continue to pursue our research anyway even though it will be pointless when
they confiscate our work, but I will make sure they won't get it without a fight.'' Zarah made her
decision to continue her own research.

''Fine! All I care about is my research with the Mutagen Serum to be complete, by finding a
suitable candidate and lucky test subject.'' He said.

''I am not hoping that you know what you're doing, if ever something goes wrong I will make
sure I take out whatever fire you start.'' She said.

The Camels they rode in got tired of running, and stopped all of a sudden, throwing Crox
forward, who was not holding on tight and was sent flying, landing on the desert ground, rolling
onward making trails of clouds of dust on the high sand dunes. He stopped rolling and lay down
exhausted, looking at the blinding sun on the clear blue sky. Zarah was able to hold her Camel in
place and went down from it, to take a look at him.

''What just happened?''

''I am not sure myself. It looks like we are not going to make it out of this desert alive.''

The Camel Zarah rode on suddenly fainted and fell to the ground. Zarah looked behind and took
pity of the animal and went close to it, knelt and touched its head. ‘’Oh, you poor thing…’’

‘’Zarah how about me? Don’t waste your time on that animal, it will die anyway.’’

‘’In your dreams Crox, get up and don’t think I will be carrying your corpse.’’

Crox got up and cleared his clothes of sand, the Camels eventually died from exhaustion and
dehydration. Zara and Crox continued their journey through the vast desert. The Journey was
almost without end, they were walking through the windy and dusty Desert plains exhausted.
The wind was blowing stronger than before. They both saw a sand storm behind them, quickly
heading their way. They look towards the coming sandstorm.
‘’This is just bad, if it’s not the heat that’s going to kill us. This Desert will bury us alive.’’ Crox
said to her in loss of hope.

‘’Let’s run for it!’’ Zarah shouted.

Zarah ran immediately and Crox followed behind her running, the Sandstorm eventually reached
them as they were running for their lives. They both were running at the same speed but the
storm was gaining on them.

The Sandstorm got them both buried under the sands, not a trace of their bodies surfaced. The
Sandstorm had passed by and dust still blowing. A traveler appeared riding a white horse it had a
sled behind, attached from its saddle. The traveler is covered with thick clothing made of animal
skin and had a cowl over the head. The traveler appears to be a Man. A Wolf was also following
beside the Horse. Then the Wolf suddenly stopped and started sniffing the air and the traveler
stopped his horse from proceeding looking back at his canine companion.

‘’What is it?’’ The Man asked the animal.

It barked aloud at him and ran at a distance. The Man rode with his horse again and followed the
wolf that ran fast towards a distance and it started to sniff around the ground. The Wolf then
hurriedly digs with its two front feet, as piles of sand was thrown on the air. The Man started to
position the sled towards the spot where it was digging. The Wolf was able to uncover Dr.
Xarah’s body and pulled her out of the sands by biting her clothes.

‘’What do you got there? Oh, a woman.’’ The man checked if she was alive and took her to the
sled pulled by the horse. The Wolf started to sniff again and digs on another place close by and
uncovered Dr. Crox’s body.

The Man saw the wolf digging again at the distance. ‘’You got another one? Good work boy!’’

The Wolf pulled Dr. Strife from his clothes and took him to The Man, he checked for signs of
life on the two people and they were still breathing, but unconscious. He carried and placed the
two on the sled and ties them. He rode away with the two bodies on the sled riding the horse and
the Wolf ran and followed beside him.

The Traveler took the two Scientists to his hideout located somewhere on the Forest of
Metherin, on a Cave. He sat on his huge log stump and was cooking his favorite rabbit meat stew
with vegetables on a pot with a furnace of burnt wood and coals below. Dr. Crox and Zarah were
laying on a separate matt made of straw inside the Cave. Zarah awoken from a dripping of water
on the cave ceiling, her hair was loose, she layed staring at the ceiling and turned her head to her
right and saw Crox who was also laid there still asleep, she was surprised they survived and was
found by somebody on such a desolate place that no one would dare travel or snoop around.
Zarah sat on the straw Matt with her legs crossed between the other and saw the man cooking his
meal.

''Who are you?'' She asked sitting while in front of the man who was cooking his pot of Rabbit
Stew.

''So how was your sleep? I am a nomad of this forest and who you people might be?'' The man
said.

''We are Scientists who once worked at the Military Base on the Desert.''

''A Base, I don't see any Base there.’’

''It’s a more of a myth really, no one needs to know where it is located for now, it is a very
complicated story. What is your name mister?''

''Just call me Nate.''

Zarah and Crox’s thick clothing was already gone, Zarah was wearing a brown thick vest
covering a black leather shirt with long sleeves reaching to her wrist and long black fitted leather
pants.

''If you worry about your white wrappings, I already burned them to make fire.'' Nate said.

''Thank you so much for saving our lives with the kind of work we did on that base, I am not sure
if we deserve to be help by someone as kind as you are.''

''It’s all right! I saved many people on that horrific Desert. I found you people worthy of interest
since you both wore those clothing similar from those Patroling Soldiers on Camel's back. I am
cooking herbs with this stew.’’

''Interesting Mr. Nate I am surprised that you know much about herbs. I always wanted to study
herbal medicine, instead of using synthetic made drugs to cure illnesses, but a medicine that have
no such side effects or allergic reactions. Some drugs are not exactly medicine but manipulative
agents for certain uses, hope some herbs have those to avoid side effects that could be harmful to
certain people you know.

''I was a sort of Scientist myself you know but it was just a hobby for me. I got curious of this
Legendary Herbal Medicine used by aboriginal people. I recorded on my little pocket book,
every single one of them, their locations and their use.

''Great to hear that some people still do aim for seeking cures! Do you have this Book right
now?''

''I don’t trust you yet.'' He said in honesty.

''I will take any test you might want me to take, I am a Scientist after all and this is what I have
always wanted to learn about.''

''Good! I see your willingness, but first can we trust your friend there?''

Zarah then stared at the unconscious Crox laying beside her.

''No He is not worth it, trust me he did horrible experiments on people on that Base. Please take
him to a hospital in Metherin City. I promise not to betray your trust, I will be waiting for your
return ''

''Well, the food here, are rabbits and hedgehogs, unless you are a vegetarian, you could have the
vegetables and the herbs in stew.'' Nate offered her.

''I think I'll pass. I did worst things to those poor critters for a while now. I will stick with
vegetables and herbs.''

Nate left Zarah on the cave with the huge wolf lying on the floor of the cave to watch over her. It
laid its huge head on the floor, It stared at her and stood on its four feet suddenly and was
standing six feet tall and five feet wide walking slowly towards her and growling, and its teeth
grinding.

''Hey! It can't be, is that you Quicksilver?!'' Zarah seemed to recognize the animal.

The Grey Wolf was surprised and stopped growling and recognized her face and the sound of her
voice and smelled her familiar scent, it went quickly towards and licked her all over. It howled
very loud echoing on the cave passages, and was wagging its tail like a tamed dog.

''It is you!'' The Huge Wolf was licking her on the face. ''I finally met one of my own
experiments that never failed me even for once. I am glad you were okay after escaping from the
Base all by yourself and don't worry about those soldiers you harmed by accident they were up to
no good anyway.

Creator and Creation met once again, Quicksilver was Zarah's best Experiment for Animal
Genetic Enhancements she did for the General. She worked on many animals but the Wolf was
her best friend not only a mere test subject. The Wolf escaped extermination since the General
found no such use for such a beast that can’t devour a sacrificial soldier for testing his abilities.
Zarah only wanted it to be tested on a training room full of artificially made targets but the
General wanted a vicious kill on the spot that Zarah refused and the Wolf made a wise run for its
own life and managed to escape the Base.

Nate arrived at the Metherin General Hospital and took Crox to the emergency room, but left
him there all by himself with the nurses. He woke up and was surprised being on the hospital and
no sign of Zarah, He stood up but the nurses stopped him.
''Where is Zarah? I have a companion with me, where is she?!''

''Sorry Mister, but you were brought here by a man who did not tell us his name, he told us he
found you from somewhere that is the only thing we know.’’ A nurse said.

''I never heard of a man, I have a Woman with me did a Military personnel brought me here?''

''Sorry, that is all we know, you were all alone.''

''That General might have spared me and left Zarah to die on that Desert. Well it does make
sense. She and her herbal dreams are now buried in sand together with her for good.''

Beside his bed at the emergency room, there was another bed with a boy wearing Sports Guards
beside him. With a bleeding broken leg, but he does not appear to be worried or ailing from his
terrible injury.

''Hey Mister, What do you think about my fracture, serious isn't it.''

''Why are you still speaking to me in that condition of yours, have you gone Mad?''

''I am an Extreme Sports Boarder, well, in the not so distant future!''

Strife nodded his head sideways to the boy.

''Another Day Dreamer like Zarah, that is what you get for dreaming when your awake. It’s time
to wake up to reality boy, look what you did to yourself. You’re just another loser waiting to face
obvious humiliation.''

''No way I am giving up my dream, this is just part of becoming an Extreme Sports Superstar! By
the way, who's this Zarah Mister?''

Crox laughed on his bed ''Ha-Ha-Ha, She is a loser like you, a dreamer like you. She is gone
now, buried somewhere with her hopeless dreams.''

The Nurses and a Doctor came to the boy and he was injected with anesthetics from a syringe on
his leg to remove the pain. The Doctor observed his leg. The Boys parents arrived at the scene.

''We can fix this fracture Mr. and Mrs. Zodiac, but he won't be able to Skate Board or do
anything athletic for two years, if his injuries would be allowed to completely heal.''

''What two years? That's just horrible!''

''Listen to the doctor's advice Travis, he knows what's best for you!'' his mother said while
stroking his hair.

''Thank you Doctor.’’ The father said.

The Doctor Explains ''Yes, his leg will be casted and put back in place in the usual procedure.''

His stretcher bed was then taken to the operating room, his parents went with him. Crox lay on
his bed thinking of his next move, he took out from his pocket a silver square box, and opened it.
It contained the different kinds of Mutagen Serums, one caught his attention the transparent vile
containing his experimental serum. After a week he had recovered from his injuries and went to
the superior of the hospital, asking for a place to stay and work. Who helped him eventually and
his profession caught the attention of the Chief of Medicine and hired him. They were at the
office talking to each other.

''Welcome aboard Dr. Crox!''

''Thank you! I will make sure your hospital benefits my research.''

''I'll be expecting that from you, Doctor.''

A Young Lady came by the office looking for the chief, an E.M.T. Trainee.

''Hello Sir! I am Austra Foster, I am here as you requested.

''Good just here on time.’’ The Chief said.

Dr. Crox I want you to meet Ms. Austra Foster, she is an exceptional E.M.T trainee. Austra, this
is Dr. Crox'' Chief Feldon introduced them to each other

''Nice to meet you, doctor!'' She extended her arm and open hand to shake with him but he
refused.

''Foster? Ever heard of Dr. Zarah?''

Austra was surprised hearing her cousin's name.

''She is my cousin! You know her? How did you meet her? She's been missing for quite some
time now. Do you know what happened to her or where she went?''

''She is actually my subordinate on a Military Base we both worked, working under me. I am
sorry to say this but she was just gone, she could have been caught by a sandstorm or something
and may have been buried alive.''

''I don't believe you!'' Austra said in disbelief and left The Office. ‘’Excuse me, Chief.’’

‘'Shame on you Crox, you can't speak to anyone like that!’’

''Sorry Sir! I just can't let any emotional attachments affect my focus on my work. I worked in
that Base and that’s how things truly are, if you get emotions affect your work then you end up
losing it. '' Crox explained.
''Well your'e not in that base anymore, where not mechanics fixing machines Crox! Patients are
living human beings not your test subjects.'' Feldon made it clear to him.

''I understand...'' Crox says and did not really mean what he said.

Crox was not really that concerned to patients as always and was feeling at peace the way he
calls his current situation thinking that he had already escaped General Mchagen, little did he
know that somewhere in time he will eventually work under the General once again.

Nate came back to his Secret Cave through the Water Falls and found Zarah and His Wolf and
was surprised. ''That's strange you seem to have a thing with animals huh. His name is Thunder
Strike'' He said.

''Not really, I knew him before he was born. Actually he is my experiment and it truly is a good
thing you found him, his real name is Quick Silver.'' She said.

''Really?! I don't see any leash on him with a name on it, when I found him on the forest.'' Nate
said.

''Thank you for taking care of him, I am glad he did not fell on the wrong hands or turned wild
all by himself.''

''Don't mention it at all. it was fate that gathered us all together for a great purpose.'' Nate said.

''What do you mean by that?'' She asked stroking the huge head of her pet.

''That is something you need to prove to me in order for me to answer your question. First I need
to earn you trust by becoming my apprentice and then I will give you my book.

Twenty years later, Dr. Crox was now working for a long time at the Metherin General Hospital,
but he was not the type of doctor who speaks to anyone that much even to doctors around the
hospital. Dr. Zarah supporting protest against manipulation of Human Genes in secret and
protecting criminals from becoming test subjects and to remain judged according to the
sentenced given to them. Zarah continued her research and made a lot of medicine that cured a
lot of once incurable diseases with her herbal medicine research, but she sent it to hospitals
anonymously sending files of her findings she had discovered on her private research. She
practiced her profession as a natural healer for quite some time already.
 CHAPTER THREE

Many months passed, somewhere on the Country-Side. A very special event was about to
take place. A Group of Black Cars ascends a high Spiral-Mountain-Road with an open view of
the vast Ocean. The Road had ''5 feet'' high railings on the edges to keep cars from nearing the
edge. The Cars were heading towards a huge hundred year old Church with four towering Bell
Towers that is ''50 feet'' high with four Grey Stone Statues on top, attached around its roof tops
resembled huge Angels with out-stretched Wings.

All of its faces were facing the ground below, clinging on the towers with its two arms and feet.
The Group of Cars Ascended through the High Mountain Road, they were all decorated with
white flower wreaths and garlands placed on its hood on the front and at the back above its trunk.
They rode cautiously, rising through the Mountain's Spiraling Cliff Road which were hundreds
of feet above sea level and towards another curvy road leading straight to the Peak of the
Mountain, which was actually Cliff. In a matter of minutes they finally arrived at the Summit
where the Huge Church stood and they all parked on the wide parking lot, located at the back of
the Church.

The View of the Cliff from the wide parking lot behind the Church was spectacular. It was the
highest point of the Mountain in which the peak was a Cliff, beyond it was already the Ocean
below. Some people wearing their best clothing were leaning on the Steel Fences with a Screen,
at the edge of the Cliff. Both Men and Women and some Children were viewing the beautiful
scenery. The Screen Fences were twenty feet high on all the edges of the Cliff.

The Sight-Seers were all viewing the vast Ocean, the flying Seagulls, Cruise Ships sailing away
and fisher Men boats can be seen so tiny, from such a view from a great height. The wind was
blowing strong; the skies were clearly blue with groups of low lying clouds moving very fast.
The Clouds almost touched the highest point of the Church, since the peak of the Mountain top is
where the Church Stands. The Mountain was cut in half from an Earthquake many hundred years
ago and the parking lot.

Somewhere below the Mountain, there was a man in a Tuxedo riding a flying Sports Board,
climbing high up into the Steep Church Road. He wore a Black Helmet and wore matching black
Sports Guards on his legs and elbows, he also had gloves covering his hands, but his fingers
were free. His Flying Sports Board was long and thick. It was a Shiny-Black Metallic Board with
an engine beneath at the back with four small Jet-like boosters, emitting blasts of short tubes of
blue flames. That made the board hover, six feet above the ground. The Man had specialized
boots which was part leather and part metallic, it had sensors on it. That detects familiar
movements from the Rider's Feet. The Sensors then simultaneously scans the pressures and
movements on the feet and legs, in order to predict the maneuver that is going to be performed
by the Rider. The Board is magnetic and follows where the boots are, no matter how far,
whenever the rider jumps away from it, both boots and board sticks together either way, allowing
the Rider to use it like any other Sports Board in order to perform desired stunts and maneuvers.
It allows him to jump away from it and to stick his boots on the Board once again very tightly
with a very strong magnetic attraction.

It was obviously, no ordinary Sports Board and with the Special Boots that he had. It was only
built for Extreme Sports Boarders. It was illegal for public use of transportation since it was still
dangerous for obvious reasons. It requires you to have a high ranking ''Extreme Sports Boarder
License'' to obtain one.

The hovering Sports Board Rider finally arrived at the Summit of the Mountain high Cliff in
front of the huge Church and amazed many people around as they looked upon him, while he
arrived with such an eye-catching entrance. There were loud clapping, the children noticed and
went close to him, looking at his Sports Gear and at his Sports Board. The Rider's name was
Travis Zodiac, a young man in his Mid-Thirty's and was the Groom. Travis slowly stopped in
front of the Church's entrance hovering from his Sports Board. His Sports Board’s engine died
slowly as he turned a small dial on a console located on his belt, in place of a buckle.

The Sports Board went down on the ground very gently. Travis took off his helmet with the
Wings on his helmet both flapping a bit. He stepped down from the Sports Board and Greeted
the Kids and saw his father coming close to him too.

''Hello Kids! Sorry but the Show’s over!'' Travis said to the children and Other children touching
his board and his Sports Gear.

''Hey kids, don’t touch that thing, it will explode!'' Travis's father said to the children as he came
towards him.

''No, it won't!'' A boy said knowing that he was lying.

''That does not make sense at all!’’Another Boy said.

''Yes! It will!’’ Travis’s father tried to convince them.

''No! It won’t... your lying Mister!’’ A Little Girl said.

Some women came close to the Children around Travis.

''This is no time to play!''

''Kids come back here!''

''Come inside the Church and take your seats!''

The Mothers called on their children.

''Oh man! Why do adults have to have all the fun while we are just here to sit around.'' A Boy
said in disappointment as he walked back towards the Church with their mothers.

''What a Bloody Marvelous arrival Travis!'' His best man and sports rival Guiles said to him and
Shook his hands. He was delighted to meet his Sport's Rival about to get married.

''Hey! You’re early than me as always?'' Travis said.

''Come on, pal! This is your big day, I have to be.'' Guiles said.

''Making a show again with your Sports Board?! I guess an old habit does not get out of style.''
The Sister of the Bride said to Travis.

''It has a name I call it the ''Wing Zero'' as in ''No Wings''. I'll try to do a completely different
performance next time Kaithlyn, or should I call you ‘’Sister’’.'' Travis said to her.

The Two men stood still on their place, in front the Stair of the Church, while the Woman stood
near them. ''Wait, not quite yet... Until you and my Sister actually get married. Remember I am
still watching your every move from a distance when you least expect it.'' She said to him.

''Okay! You can continue your surveillance on me from a distance.'' Travis said to her.

''Stop joking around, you were just taking advantage of her innocence, City Man!'' Kaithlyn said
and pointing out to him what she truly feels, since she and her sister came from the Farmlands
and thought of people on the City were all arrogant and proud.

''Sorry, if I did, It was because of Magic that we fell in love with each other, it was not my fault!''
Travis said and gesturing his palms open and raising his shoulders, showing to her that it was not
his fault.

''Magic? A Curse is a better word for it. There have been a lot more attractive people out there
that fit to become her husband, than you could ever be.'' She insulted him.

''Well, I don't know how to break the curse, maybe you could find out before it's too late Kaith.''
Travis joked not minding her words at all.

''Ohhh!!! You Show off!'' She was irritated with him with a look of disappointment on her face
and she quickly went up the stairs and inside the Church.

She was Kaithlyn Godwing, Sister of the Bride Cola Zealous. She likes to wear gowns a lot and
she was very old fashioned, she wore a hat with a blue plum feather and her hair was blond and
tied with two pink ribbons on the back of her head forming like a braided heart.

Meanwhile, the bride was still on her Pick-Up truck driven by her father who was a Farmer and
her mother was a flower seller. Cola and her mother were at the back seat. Cola Zealous was the
Bride about to get married to Travis the Groom, her future husband. The Pick-Up Truck had
some of her male relatives on the back and did not mind riding in such a way. While her sister
Kaithlyn got earlier on a different ride with her husband, since they had their own Car.

''That's an early Wedding Gift Cola!'' her mother told her and was smiling at her.

''Travis always likes to make surprises on the wrong times and at the wrong places. The same
way, we met on that fateful day.'' She said.

Cola looked at the Gift box sent by Travis, it was wrapped in a shiny pink and silver stripes
wrapper, with a ribbon and a card on it. She reads the caption on the Card that said:

''To my Sweet Corn-Cub, Cola!

My Bride to Be, Here is a Special Something!

Just in case you need some Butter''

''What a Corny joke!'' Cola said.

There was a second page on the small greeting Card that reads:

''That was the joke! It's Corny! Got it?''

''He really is not even trying.'' Her mother said.

''Well, at least he had some twisted humor Munchkin!'' Her father said to her while driving.

''Not funny at all! I heard better jokes than this.'' Cola said.

She opened the Gift Wrappings and opened the Box. It contained a Pink Helmet with small white
wings on both sides, with matching pink knee and arm guards, used for protection in Sports just
like Travis had worn.

There was a paper placed above it, with a caption: ''Wear this, after our wedding.''

At the back of the Pick Up the guys asked; ''Are we there yet?!''

''Stop complaining! We are already there, go down and push the truck. Cola's father said to them.

They all went down and pushed the truck behind, until they walked up on the steep inclination of
the Mountain and was pushing as hard as they can. But it was getting harder to push as they went
up hill, the truck had an old engine and was not even built for climbing a mountain high Cliff.
After a matter of time, they finally reached the Church above and the Men were all worn out
from pushing the truck and rested somewhere outside the Church.

''Look People! The Bride has finally arrived!'' A Man in Tuxedo announced to a crowd of invited
guests who were all outside waiting for the Bride's arrival as he saw the Pick-Up Truck arriving.
Cola knew what Travis's Gift was for, she came out of the door of the Truck with her mother,
lifting the long trailing dress of her beautiful white gown behind her. It was Sparkling with
reflective Ornaments that were like small mirrors that reflects different colors. Some locks of her
hair were braided around her head and two long locks were loose behind with small blue
butterfly ornaments on the middle, that were purposely flapping its wings whenever she moved.
She had a short embroidered transparent veil and some hair clips, were on her head too, made of
clear sparkling glass crystals shaped like tiny flower garlands.

Her Wedding Gown did not have any sleeves, but she had some Guantess. She was stunningly
beautiful, the men were staring at her like they were dreaming and the women were jealous at the
sight of her, wishing they were as beautiful as her when their wedding day comes.

The Crowd outside were clapping upon Cola and her mother, as they continued to walk quickly
towards an extended room on the side of the Church to prepare. The time already came so fast,
after the procession of the others before her on the aisle. Cola was already marching holding, a
beautiful bouquet of flowers on her left hand and her father escorting her with her right arm
wrapped around his. The Piano player began to play the wedding march on the right side of the
altar and some choir boys and girls were singing their vocals. Travis was stunned at the sight of
her, she was extremely beautiful and gracefully walking on the aisle, she was like an angel
walking on water. Cola was escorted by her father and was handed to Travis and she came close
to him and looked at him with a gentle smile on her face.

''Who are you?! Where is Cola?'' Travis joked as they both held on to each other with their arms
wrapped over the other on their side.

''It's me your friendly Ghost! No, It's me of course! The Angel that you shot and fell down from
heaven, I broke my wings but I don't think I would ever want to leave this Hell with you, I am so
inflamed with our love.'' Cola said to Travis with a smile with a veil covering her face.

The People sitting on the front bench near them laughed.

''Well, at least that made sense.'' Kaithlyn agreed with what her sister said.

The Priest was in front of Cola and Travis as they faced each other in holy matrimony, they were
both asked to exchange their vows and wore their wedding rings on each other’s hands and made
their personal promise to each other. The Couple kissed and their relatives and guests were all
clapping aloud inside the Church.

The Young Couple got married earlier that day. The Church bell rang it's bells continuously from
the High Bell Towers and the confetti of white flower petals were falling gently like Snow,
thrown by some people from the top of the bell tower and those who where on an extended ledge
above the Church's entrance. After some many photo shoots of the Bride and The Groom with
their family and relatives. The Groom carried his happy wife in his arms, stepping through the
ground flooded with white flower petals and descending the steps on the stairs, of the Church
and the Newly Wed Couple's families and relatives were applauding them.

''Congratulations on the Newly Weds!!!''

Everyone was clapping loudly, some flower girls kept throwing flower petals on the couple and
was following them as the Groom descended the stairs of the church and stepped cautiously,
carrying his beautiful Bride on his arms.

''Hey flower Girls! Stop showering us, it could make me slip.'' Travis said to them.

''Okay!!!'' They responded at the same time. The little girls left, running around and throwing
flower petals on some of their playmates and giggling.

''Hey! Wait you guys The bride is suppose to throw the bouquet high into the air, so that whoever
gets it will have a good marriage next time.''

‘’Come on Travis and Cola’’, the Bride's cousin, who was one of the Bride's maid called on
them.

''All right!'' Travis stopped descending the stairs and then he let go of Cola, his Beautiful Bride
who was still carrying her bouquet of flowers.

Travis had a short Black Hair but a little spiky, he looks descent in his Tuxedo while Cola wore
her beautiful Wedding Gown. Her long straight blond hair was reaching her waist and was gently
moving in the swift wind and the sun was making it appear like it was glowing. Her simple white
gown was long enough, trailing behind her as she ascended the steps of the Church's stairs, once
more. Cola, finally reached the top of the stairs and prepared to throw her bouquet of flowers.
She looked at the bridesmaids with a smile they were all excited and waiting for her to throw the
bouquet of flowers.

Cola turned her back on them and threw the bouquet of flowers towards her back and the bride's
maids made a chase for it and jumped as high as they could to reach for it first. Some of them
accidentally bumped on each other and one was about to catch it, but another pulled her dress
and they both fell down on the ground. Some laughed at them and some older women felt
ashamed moving their heads sideways. Only one Bride's made was able to take the Bouquet.

Travis descended the steps again, lend his hand to Cola and both of them waved their goodbyes
to their relatives and families, in turn said their goodbyes to the couple. Travis was an Olympian,
the Games, where all kinds of extreme sports is in a form of a world competition and considered
to be a new kind of Sports. While Cola was a fashion model for magazines of all sorts and a
famous brand of clothing, both of them were successful on their profession although it did not
make them rich and famous. The long thick black Sports board of Travis was already parked by
somebody in front of them and then, he turned the dial on the small console on the middle of his
belt, which made the Sports Board start its engine with a humming sound similar. The four
engine boosters at the back of the Sports board began to release some heat, visible, but were like
transparent ripples in the air.

Travis's father came to them and gave them both their Helmets and Sports Guards to wear.
Travis wore his black helmet and sports guards while Cola wore her matching pink helmet and
Sports Guards. ''Remember Travis never to let her go, ever, understand?!''

''Yes Dad, were already married anyway.’’ Travis said to his father.

''That's not what I meant! I mean it's still dangerous. There is no need for you to show off to your
wife, always keep controllable speed and never lose your grip on her even for a second
understand?!''

''I understand.'' Travis said.

Cola kissed her Father and Mother in Law, on the cheek and hugged them tightly. She also did
the same to her own Parents, to her older sister, and to her nephew and niece, she punched her
brother in Law, with her left fist on his left shoulder ''Ouch! Your one good puncher Cola!'' He
said to her.

Travis stepped on the long wide Sports Board once again, its small Jet engine started to burn
with tube of yellowish and red flames with a turn on the dial on his belt. He wore his helmet with
ornaments of two white wings on it's sides like ears, it had springs, which appeared flapping
whenever he moved. Which Cola also had but was colored pink, she wore it on her head without
removing her beautiful veil. The sound from the four round booster pipes of the board began to
release a bluish flame and its engine sounded louder like an airplanes engine, but was not that
loud. Travis asked for Cola's hand and allowed her to stand above the Sports board . She carried
her once again on his arms.

''Best Wishes to both of you!!''

''Don't forget the Reception is at the Cruise Ship!''

Some of their relatives said to the Newly Wed Couple.

''We won’t forget, right Travis?'' Cola asked.

''Yeah that's right we will get there in time!'' Travis said.

''Make sure you do, City Man!'' Kaithlyn said to him standing beside her husband Roth.

The Newly Wed couple made their final wave goodbye ''Hold on me tightly Cola'' Travis
reminded her, As the Skateboard began to speed away, the Sports board rode extremely fast
away from the Church, speeding downwards the high mountain, bursting the pile of petals round
and round into the air, which were on the road. The Sport's Board drove downhill hovering on
the roads with ease, since it need not use the road on the Mountain. Travis was jumping high and
twisting his board from left to right with style for exhibition and dusts was trailing at the back,
from the strong force of the boosters on the Sports Board. The Newly Wed couple was enjoying
their trip speeding downward the mountain. They can see from afar on both sides of the
mountain on their left and on their right the view of the Ocean that was now sparkling from the
beautiful sun, it was windy and the heat was just right.

''Travis this is such a rush!'' She smiles with enjoyment like riding on a Roller Coaster Ride.

''Just don't lose your grip on me!'' He said.

Cola was enjoying the speed, as the winds blew strong on her long blond hair and piles of dusts
were bursting in the air behind them.

''I told ya, but this speed is nothing compared to an actual race on the Arena. Don't worry I won't
lose my grip just don't move a lot and just look around the scenery.'' He said.

They came quickly riding down the spiral mountain road, its edges with many railings and a
view of the Ocean below. As they descended around the Mountain, they finally came to the
Base. Straight ahead was now a straight road leading towards the Forest which was a one way
road, they continue to speed up through the forest road and piles of leaves on the road bursted
into the air and dusts were trailing behind them. The Forest Road was not cemented, but a dusty
ground, It was quite a long road and the Trees were very tall and wide on the left and on the
right. The Forest on the State of Metherin was an Ecological Reserve for different Species of
Unique Animals, a very beautiful Rainforest and yet still unexplored. Beams of Sunlight passed
through the speeding couple on the Sports Board, it was all like spotlights that protruded from
the leafless parts of the Trees' Big- Leafy- Branches, serving as an almost complete shade from
the Sun.

The Trees were so wide in arches forming the shady artificial roof from its huge extended
branches and tons of huge leaves forming clouds of shade above of brown and green, it was
Autumn, the leaves were piling on the road, many leaves were falling from many feet high above
from the ground. Different colored Birds were flying above and passing by, in front of them
heading towards where they came from. Cola looked at them and pointed them to Travis and she
followed her view of the birds turning her head behind. There were huge Butterflies as big as
bats with its unique colorful patterns on its wings, flying across the road circling in loops from
one side of the road to the other. They were not huge moths but actual giant butterflies only
found in Metherin Forest. There were many sounds of chirping birds on The Trees as they rode
through the long dusty road filled with leaves. The Road appeared straight but was actually
curving from left to right unnoticed and had hills which was rising and descending, but they were
hovering with the Sports Board, so it was not a bumpy ride for them.
''This is thrilling Travis!'' Cola said to him with a long smile on her face as they face each other.

''This is a special day of course it is our Marriage, look at that beautiful Waterfall!'' He pointed to
her and she looked straight at it and was delighted to see its very clear sparkling falls.

There was a Waterfall in the forest which was a hundred feet high above a lake below it, quite
close in view next to the road. The Waterfalls pours down gently on a very still lake with lotuses
and water lilies floating on its surface. Few Trees were covering their view, with a clear glimpse
of the Waterfalls. It had a loud yet soothing sound, rushing drops of large gallons of water falls
gently on the wide lake. The Waterfall was wide like a wall made of water, stretching for many
meters and it does not overflow, since there was an underground cave passageway that leads
directly to the Ocean, through tunnels under the still Lake.

The Sports Board was really fast and it was still on normal speed, the forest road was really long,
for about a mile. After some time, they have arrived at the end of the Forest Road, they came
towards one huge Wooden and Squeaking hundred year old Bridge with a wild River
underneath, which was quite deep below, since they were still on a high hill. They stopped for a
while at the Bridge and parked the Sports Board and Travis let go of Cola, he laid the Sports
Board on the ground near the right side of the bridge, while they went sightseeing on the left
side. Cola and Travis looked at the morning sun and saw huge Tuna Fishes jumping on the
river's rapids.

''Look at those Tuna jumping around, like they were greeting us.'' Travis said as he stared at her.

''I wish they really are doing that. This looks so Romantic Travis, I knew things would turn out
just right.'' Cola said to him, while leaning her arms on the beam on the edge of the bridge
looking at the beautiful morning sun with a sparkling sight of the crystal clear river below.

Travis removed her helmet and also his own placing it on top of the Sports board which was
hovering four feet above ground. He looked at her once again, moved her head with his hand
gently, so that she would face him. She look at him in silence, he Stared at her face and stroked
her hair, touched her right cheek and looked straight into her brilliant blue eyes.

''Cola, you look more beautiful with this scenery around us, you looked like a real angel even
without wings on your back. You are already flying around inside my head.'' He said.

Cola's long blond hair appeared glowing once again from the direct morning sunlight. She was
so beautiful but she never thought to herself that she was. Cola turned her face back to look at the
sun again and looked a bit at Travis with a quick turn of her head.

''I am still just a Farmer's daughter and modeling was the reason that got me into the city,
remember. '' She said with modesty as she kept looking at the Sun rising.
Cola was discovered during a harvest festival that had a fashion show which took place at her
father's wide farm land. Model's came from the City wearing farmer clothes and rodeo costumes.
She was wearing her usual outfit, almost like the models' but it was her daily wear. Someone
dragged her in and thought she was one of the models there.

They asked her to pose around and liked it a lot and said that she was a natural. They were
surprised that she was not one of their models, so she got hired to become a model herself. At
first she was like an alien when she arrived at the City, there were lots of things she did not
know, especially it was Metherin City, but she quickly learned a lot in time eventually even
though she did not study in School at all, but learned on her own with all the chance she had.

''They sure did find their Gold Nugget!'' He said.

She turned her head and faced Travis. ''Speaking of Gold, The only thing that looks like Gold
there is Corn, Lot's of E'm! Or is it my hair again you were referring to.''

''No Silly, I mean you were the treasure and even the living Goldmine they found coincidentally
in the least of places, they could expect.'' He said to her.

Cola stared at Travis and look at him in the face ''What living Goldmine!? Don't Exaggerate that
much please, I only got liked, because of my looks and it always comes to that.'' She said
seriously. She continued to speak : ''Travis, I know my sister does not like you that much, but she
will surely get use to you someday... I hope.''

''I am not sure if she actually would ever forgive me for marrying you, in the first place, Kaithlyn
said she would be watching me from a distance.''

''That's a good thing don't you think, you got some people to watch over you.''

'' I do have those people all right, those I have owed money from, their hunting me down.''

''Well, I will pay your debts for you Travis, if you want.''

''Wait I'll pay my own debts, I have a competition to attend to and will surely earn enough.''

''Don't take it all to yourself okay? I will give you something from what I earned.'' She said.

Travis and Cola stared at each other and kissed for a minute while the Sun was lighting them
both and then stared at each other with much affection and hugged. After wards they both wore
their helmets and got on the Sports Board once again and went onwards to Metherin City, Travis
wanted to go to their newly bought home on the Suburban House on the City. Travis lifted Cola
on his arms again and they left with a sudden zoom on the Sports Board as the little wings on
their helmets were flapping from the movement and the force of the wind.
 CHAPTER FOUR

The Newly Weds Were both having the time of their lives, Travis and Cola had reached
the City in a matter of minutes speeding away on the Sports Board. They were moving quite fast
on the streets. They amazed lots of passerby's on the streets hovering and moving fast with their
Sport's Board.

They were moving quite fast on the streets and a Police Car hiding in an Alley saw them beyond
the speed limit and it began to chase them, lighting its urgency lights and making a loud alarming
sound. Newspapers on the streets were blown into the air and on- lookers were amazed as Travis
and Cola sped away and the Police started the chase. Travis saw that they were being chased and
he went to an Alley with a Dead End.

''I have a trick to show you Cola, were going to climb up that wall, just hang on tight okay?''

''Okay Travis, Just don't ever let me go.''

''Sure Cupcake! I will always keep you close to me at all times.''

Travis made the Sports Board climb the Alley's Dead End Wall vertically and disappeared from
view which surprised the cops chasing them. The police officers stopped the car suddenly facing
the dead end of the alley. The officers both went out of their police car end stood puzzled staring
at the wall.

''Who were those Newly Weds?!'' A huge officer spoke with a loud voice.

''I'll be damned, that couple sure had an adventurous wedding day all right!'' The other officer
said.

''Rein, should we report this to the other on patrol?!'' The other officer said to his huge partner.

''I never saw such a Sports Board that they had rode on and I don't know how to give them a
speeding ticket. Yes Brad, we do need to report this incident, about our pursuit. They can harm
people including themselves, if they got reckless on the streets.'' Officer Reinhart said to his
partner Officer Bradford.

Police Officer Reinhart and Bradford both went back inside their car and rode back on the streets
finding a way around the alley that Travis made an escape from.

''News Flash! There is an unidentified hovering Sports Boarder on a Tuxedo with black hair
carrying a long Blond haired Woman wearing a Wedding gown, hovering and speeding away
somewhere in the streets. They both have a helmet with little moving wings. The Groom has a
black Sports Gear while the bride has pink. I'll send you all photos and a video that was caught
on our police car's surveillance.''
Reinhart used the receiver attached to the Police Car's console where there is a monitor, a
computer, a radio receiver attached. He was informing the other police officers on patrol at the
Capital City of Metherin with the same name. There was a camera above the Dashboard that can
shoot both video and pictures which is saved on the computer and can immediately be directed to
the other Police cars with the same equipment. Reinhart operated his computer and on its
monitor lots of criminal profiles began to search possible identifications about the couple with
complete information and current status.

''We hear you Rein, are they really married or this is just another scheme of some sort? You
know like bank robbers in masks or the bride was kidnapped by an ex-lover seeking revenge.'' A
Police Officer on patrol responded to Reinhart riding his way on the streets also had a partner
with him.

Reinhart once again used his radio receiver. ''We don't know for sure where did they come from
or what they were up to if they truly were a real couple, we will never know until we caught
them on their tracks!''
''Agreed''

The Respondent Officer replied to Reinhart.

Meanwhile, Travis was trying to head towards the highway tunnel, the Sports board was rushing
in high speed turning from curve to curve, left to right, surprising lots of people. Travis did not
abide by the rules he was not suppose to use it on public places or even for transportation. He did
not tell Cola, he was eager to make their wedding as romantic as possible in his way. The
respondent officer that Reinhart asked for back up saw Travis and Cola just passed by in front of
him and started to chase him. Travis noticed the police car on his side and made the Board go
faster as a Police chase began.

''What do you know? We got a positive I.D. Reinhart! They are heading towards the Tunnel.''
The respondent police informed Reinhart through his receiver.

''Ok! We'll cut their tracks on the other end of the tunnel!'' Reinhart replied.

As Travis and Cola sped through a cross road, the Police Car pursued the couple and started to
make its siren sound louder with flashes from its urgency lights, making cars give way for the
pursuit of the Police. They reached on the road far away from the buildings and was on the wide
highway, the tunnel was already in view. Travis sped through the tunnel without hesitation
''Hang on Cola, this is going to be a bumpy ride.''

Travis head towards the highway tunnel, the Sports Board was rushing in high speed turning
from curve to curve, left to right, surprising lots of people. Travis made his Sports Board climb
the right side of the tunnel wall as they entered it, until they were on the roof of the tunnel
hanging upside down and making the cars driving through the tunnel stare with amazement.
Travis was carrying Cola and below her were numerous cars speeding on the tunnel.
''What are they doing?'' One of the driver looking at them high above.

''A Circus stunt here? They got to be kidding!''

''That's quite dangerous, hope he get his license taken.''

Some passengers on the bus said about them and the driver stared above.

''Whaaa! Travis how could you!!!'' She shouted

''This is a neat trick Cola, I never tried this before!'' Travis said.

''Reinhart, they just made some sort of Circus act here at the tunnel, Driver's caught their
attention.'' The Police officer reported to Reinhart.

''Well, let's all meet at the end of the road and cut their tracks.'' Reinhart replied.

The Drivers and passengers alike on the tunnel were all pointing and staring at the couple.

''Hey! You people Crazy or What!? Get down from there!!!'' A Truck Driver shouted at them
looking at the Tunnel's Ceiling with some lights on and there were also some long bars of lights
on the sides.

The Tunnel was very long and was heading deeper underground with many cars moving at
controlled speed, the Tunnel was getting a bit darker and made the long bar of white lights look
brighter. There was also curves from left and right and a sort of slight hills rising and
descending. Finally there was a sudden curve to the right and that part of the tunnel was like an
aquarium with many deep sea creatures and marine life in view, it was somewhere near the
Ocean. There was some curve turns too and sometimes straight, although people need to
maintain speed and their time to sight-see on the Aquarium tunnel is very limited.

Travis allowed Cola to touch the Glass wall of the Tunnel on the left when it was a straight turn
and they were hovering on the Sports Board making drivers and passengers alike envy them.
Cola touched the clear glass tunnel wall and her fingers sliding on the way.

''This is so beautiful Travis, this tunnel is a Romantic place to drive through. The only problem is
we are not allowed to stop for a longer glance at a time.''

The Tunnel was very long and was heading deeper underground with many cars moving at
controlled speed, the Tunnel was getting a bit darker and made the long bar of white lights look
brighter. There are also curves from left and right and a sort of slight hills rising and descending.
Finally there was a sudden curve to the right and that part of the tunnel was like an aquarium
with many deep sea creatures and marine life in view, it was somewhere near the Ocean.
There was some curve turns too and sometimes straight, although people need to maintain speed
and their time to sight-see on the Aquarium tunnel is very limited. Travis allowed Cola to touch
the Glass wall of the Tunnel on the left when it was a straight turn and they were hovering on the
Sports Board making drivers and passengers alike envy them. Cola touched the clear glass tunnel
wall and her fingers sliding on the way.

''This is so beautiful Travis, this tunnel is a romantic place to drive through. The only problem is
we are not allowed to stop for a longer glance at a time.''

There was a huge whale which passed by above the clear tunnel and made the motorists look in
awe. There were many marine animals swimming here and there. The Underwater animals can
be seen on the glass wall. Travis moved the Sports board on the right, over taking through many
cars. For many minutes the transparent tunnel was turned into a spiral tube rising above, but was
finished in a matter of minutes.

There were many schools of fish moving outside the tunnel and some sharks swimming so close
by amazed the motorists. But the view was already at its end. The Tunnel became concrete walls
again and was inclining straight already. Travis went faster on their sports board, turning the dial
on his belt and was spiraling round and round the tunnel while moving forward. Travis saw the
end of the tunnel and made his board move down and back to the road safe and sound. They
passed through and outside the tunnel, while speeding on the road, they notice, a Parade of
Circus performers with a banner in front passing by, in front of them. Written on the banner says
''Vestro Legacy Circus Grand Opening!''

Cola and Travis were startled to see Policemen ahead of them, outside their cars and the sirens of
the many Police Cars were all flashing red and blue. They were all waiting for them and were
blocking the road towards the Toll Gate they were walking closely towards the Couple closing
in.

Travis stopped at the Toll Gate and let down Cola.

''Kneel down!!! And place both of your hands above your head!!! Now!!! A Police Officer
shouted very loud at them. Many officers came slowly walking towards them.

The Couple did what they were told, but Travis turned a button on the console of his belt and the
Sport's Board started and quickly blasted off into the sky like a Rocket. The Police Officers made
many round of shots on the thing but it was too fast and Officer Reinhart and Bradford ran
quickly to cuff them both, taking their hands at their backs and cuffing them tightly.

''It's wise of you to make your Speedy Toy, go home by itself to avoid being confiscated, worry
more about losing your license in using that thing Pal!'' Bradford said to Travis.

The Policemen Reinhart and Bradford took them to their car and the other Police Officers
clapped at the Duo. The Couple was arrested and left with the Police Car and the other Police
vehicles followed. The People on the Toll Booth returned to their respective Booths and the
metal hurdles, were removed by the Police and vehicles were allowed to continue through the
Toll Gate. The Couple were taken by the Officers to the station for questioning, both of them
totally felt bad about their Unfortunate Misadventure. The Police Car continue to drive through
the highway and people were from inside their cars were looking at the couple in handcuffs on
the back seat.

''Well, that was one hell of a ride you two got yourselves into.'' Reinhart said.

''Well Officers, it’s all Travis's fault in the first place, doing that reckless trick.'' Cola said.

''Don't blame me Cola were on this together right?''

''Stop blabbing about, you love birds, you both need some explaining to do!'' Bradford said to
them looking through the screen behind at the passenger seat were the couple was.

''Let's just deal with this problem on the station all right! Reinhart said.

While driving on the Police Car, they notice a Parade of Circus performers carrying a banner in
front, passing by. Written on the banner says ''Vestro Legacy Circus Grand Opening!''. There
were two Acrobats tumbling and people in stilts, and there was also a huge man in a cage dressed
in a Cave Man costume with one eye, growling at people riding on their cars. Some were
laughing and some children were scared. Lots of other people with deformities in cages were on
display on the cages. Like bearded children and people with long necks. The cages were being
pulled by many midgets through heavy chains in wheeled carts. There also people blowing fire
on their mouths and clowns riding a top a gigantic ball.

''Look at those guys. What a bunch of freaks!'' Bradford said.

''Hey Brad, Remember what you told me about your past. Don't you feel bad about them.''
Reinhart said.

''That's the point they are freaks of nature like I was before when I was a kid.'' Bradford said.

''No, I mean being teased like a big ape or something, you must feel like them right.''

''Yeah, I guess. I don't know what it feels like being in a human zoo like that, and they seem to
like their job unless they are forced to work there without pay.'' Bradford said.

''This is so inhuman! I want to put a stop to this outrage!'' Cola said furiously looking at the
passing Circus performers feeling pity at the sight of them.

''What are you going to do Cola, pose on circus outfits and model for these people'' Travis teased
her.
''Shame on you Travis! These are people who should be treated equally like ordinary human
beings.’’

''It’s obvious Cola, they are not cool like us. Let's face it were not in their place so why worry so
much for them, we are already on this situation.

Cola got mad at what Travis just said ''Yeah right! It’s all your fault in the first place. Think
about having a child of your own turning into one of them.'' She said.

''I don't think that's even possible! Look at us we are ever so normal or even beyond that!'' Travis
bragged and was really arrogant.

Bradford looked at Travis behind ''Well, what do we have here, hearing such airy words for
someone who looks like a bum on the streets, wearing a nice tuxedo.'' He said to him.

''Don't sound so arrogant, you are even fortunate you have such a beautiful saintly bride, I am not
even sure how you met.'' Reinhart said to Travis while driving.

Travis felt ashamed of himself ''Well, we did met by accident on that fateful day!''

Bradford had a smile on his face ''Why am I not surprise?! It’s obvious you were on an accident
when you both met right?! He said.

''Well, it was an accident all right, but we did get to know each other at that time, I never met
anyone as naive as me. So I call it the ''The Destiny of Uncharted Fates''. Cola said.

Reinhart, driving the police car was surprise of Cola saying such a catchy word ''Wow! Is that a
title from a movie? I hope that is not going to become a low budget production.'' He said.

They soon arrived at the Police Station and confirmed they were a real couple and was escorted
by Reinhart and Bradford to their house that they just bought.

Travis's flying Sports Board was returned to the extreme Sports Arena that Travis's team mates
and mechanics took care for a while, when he allowed it to return by turning the dial on his belt
earlier before, so that it won't get confiscated by the Police. The Extreme Sports Arena is not just
a race, its an obstacle course. But his License was forfeit because of his reckless actions
impressing his bride with a spectacle and the people on the city. So he will just be a mere Skate
Boarder once again competing for minor Extreme sports Games, no longer qualified for the
Olympic Extreme Sports and Guiles his rival was shocked of the News. Reinhart and Bradford
finally rode the couple with their Police car to their New Home at the Neighborhood found at the
very center of Metherin City.

The Police Officers and The Newly Wed Couple rode the Police Car with the urgency lights
turned off, they came to the neighborhood somewhere at the Heart of Metherin City. The Two
Officers went out of the Car with the couple and had a look around the Neighborhood, it was a
suburban housing. There were trees on each side of the road. The trees were also high shedding
their green and brown leaves on a beautiful morning. There were people there doing their thing
outside their houses, gardening, watering the plants, kids playing here and there. There were
many green lawns and fences from house to house and there were dogs walking with their
owners on the sidewalks.

They all went out of the Car and had a look around.

''So this is the home you bought, nice place to start a family all right, just good enough.'' Reinhart
said.

''Cola this is the house I bought for us, I hope it's not that cheap looking it has a side yard and a
backyard and had an underground workshop.

''It’s good enough Travis! We can start a family here indeed I lived in a farm for so long. It’s
time for me to see some changes living here from now on, just as long it’s not haunted or
anything.'' Cola agreed.

They went to the backyard with an underground basement and went through a trap door and with
a spiral staircase that leads ten feet deep underground. Cola was looking from corner to corner
and she looked around the basement which was two rooms wide. Travis, Reinhart and Cola
checked the basement and find it very cold and full of cob-webs, it had huge five square glass
ceilings above allowing sunlight to naturally light some parts of the room.

''Wow! This is some basement, all right. This could be a good entertainment pad or playground
for your future children. Reinhart said.

''So Cola, What do you think about the place?'' Travis asked.

Travis held Cola beside him ''It's all right Officer Reinhart, all seems to be fine here.

''That seems to be the case, all right I guess, it’s time for us to leave this very cold and eerie
place, remember you are not alone, that depends on how it means to you.'' Reinhart said

''What are you talking about?'' Travis asked.

Reinhart turned to walk away from the couple and suddenly he bumped on something huge on a
shadowy part of the huge room leading to the spiral staircase. Scaring him suddenly ''AHHH!'' he
fell on the ground. ''What on earth is that?''

The huge figure on the shadows started to laugh ''ha-ha-ha!'' with a very loud voice. ''Reinhart
you scaredy cat!'' Bradford went closer and revealed it was him. Travis and Cola laughed at him.

Reinhart stood up ''You did startle me there Brad’’

''Admit it Rein, you were scared!'' Bradford said.

''Yeah! Yeah!'' Reinhart said standing up and stroking his uniform from the dusts on the ground
of the underground basement.

There was loud sounds of car horns above the surface ''Oh! I forgot a truck mover of your things
and relatives of the couple are waiting outside.’’

''Thanks Brad! We were expecting them to arrive.'' Cola said.

They all left the empty basement back to the surface and closed the trapdoor and secured its lock.
Some relatives saw them leave from the trapdoor and were walking at the side-yard of their
house and Kaithlyn saw them and she went close to them.

What were you both doing down there Travis?'' Kaithlyn asked him with suspicion.

''It's none of your business Kaihtlyn!'' He replied.

''Well, It's is my business everything around my Sister is my world!''

''Sorry Sis, but I'm part of Travis world now not just yours.'' Cola said.

''It's not going change anything now that they're married Kaith, I am the one you have now in
your own private world.'' Roth said walking closely.

''Hey, you guys I saw you flying with that Sports Board on the City Streets.'' Roth, Kaithlyn's
husband said to them seeing their adventurous ride.

''Cola, we need to hurry to the Cruise Ship, we don't want the Bride and Groom to be late, don't
we?'' Kaithlyn reminded her sister.

''Come on lets all go into the House, pack up your things and go to the Reception. It’s on a
Cruise Ship remember we have to go to the Pier in time, everyone one's already there waiting for
the Bride and the Groom. Why did you both go here, first Travis?'' Roth said.

''Here take the keys, I just wanted to show Cola this house I found before, we have to move our
things here as soon as possible.'' Travis threw the keys of the house to Roth and he caught it by
his right hand

Roth and Kaithlyn came inside the house, while Travis and Cola remained outside. Travis signed
the clip board given by one of the Movers to check everything was delivered completely. Then
they closed the back of the truck and left, while the two Police Officers said their farewell to the
couple and also left in a hurry. Travis and Cola went inside the house and fixed all their
belongings in place with the help of their brother and sister in law and after wards the two couple
went to the Reception all together riding one car, belonging to the Godwings and left hurriedly
for the Reception.
 CHAPTER FIVE

For many minutes of riding through the City streets of Metherin, the Godwings' and the
Zodiacs' reached the Pier riding in one car and entered through a wide ramp leading to the Cruise
Ship's vehicle entrance, where many cars were all parked. The Wedding Reception was taking
place on the Ship above the passenger decks which also served as very wide space for
recreational area, with lots of tables and musicians playing with their classical instruments on the
stage. The Elevated Decks where only for the Ships restaurants. There were many people at the
Reception, together with the passengers and the Newly Wed Couple's relatives, greeting them
''Congratulations on the Newly Weds!''

The Crowd all cheered and clapped giving their loud applause.

The Reception took place at the Cruise Ship, there were long decorated tables with white cloths
and flower garlands on the mantle. Countless food prepared everywhere by the many Waiters. It
was close to afternoon, there were many white themed decorations, bouquets and white linen
cloths hanging all over tents where people dine. The Sun was already high above the sky, the
winds still blew quite strong. Cola and Travis went up to the stage with a tent, the guests and
relatives started to hit their glasses with their spoons and the couple kissed. They all cheered the
couple, Travis's father came up to the stage with a glass of wine on hand, he raised his left hand
holding the wineglass and holding a microphone on his right.

''To the Newly Wed Couple! For a Good and Happy Marriage and for Prosperity for the rest of
their Lives! ''

Travis's father announced to the crowd. The people sitting and standing around cheered their
wineglasses on each other and the others clapped all together. Travis's father and the Couple
went down from the stage and the musicians began playing their music and a wedding singer
sang a song.

Travis and Cola went to a long table where their parents were seated next to them and took their
own places in the middle, which was reserved for the Bride and Groom. The table was covered
with white cloth with flower garlands of different colors on the edges.

''So you guys planning to have children already?'' Roth's father came close to the table.

Travis was confused ''Us?'' He looked at Cola

''Travis don't look at me, you are the one being asked.''

''Anytime!'' He said.

Their parents and others on the table laughed.

''Thank you so much Mr. Godwing, we never expected this, it has even surpassed our dream
wedding!'' Cola said with much Gratitude.

''It's all right, Your Family now! I want to spend my wealth at least to those closely related to my
Family.'' Mr. Godwing generously welcomed them.

Mr. Morton Godwing was a wealthy plantation owner near the wide farmlands of Metherin. He
is obviously known for his charity and generosity, but he was not just giving away to just anyone
but makes sure it will last, by giving jobs to lots of people who can't find work. His wife died a
long time ago and raised Roth as a single parent, his workers loved him so much and are grateful
for being a part of his company.

There was a Chef with a tall fluffy hat and a red ribbon on her neck who came and was pushing a
table with four wheels where a five foot white wedding cake stood on top, with flower garlands
of different colors on the borders of each round layers with thick icing. There were two white
Swans forming together on top forming a heart rather than the usual Newly Wed Couple figure.
There were five round layers of Cake. The waiters placed many sticks of sparkler candles on the
top and on each layer. Cola and Travis were immediately called to cut the cake, Travis got their
plates and Cola was given the cake cutter.

They both posed smiling in front of the camera holding their share of cake on their plates and
Kaithlyn took a photo of them and they returned to their seats. Kaithlyn continued to take photos
of the couple and their relatives. There were many children from the wedding before and was
cutting the cake and licking the icing with their fingers and some of them took the sparklers to
play with, while others placed it on his cake.

Momentarily, there was a loud announcement from the Captain on the bridge of the Ship.

''MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!

TO THE NEWLY WEDS AND THE PASSENGERS OF THIS SHIP! THERE ARE
DOLPHINS SHOWING OFF NEARBY, IF YOU WOULD LOOK AT THAT!

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEWLY WED COUPLE! THIS IS WHAT I HAD FOR

THEM AND EVERYBODY ELSE ON THIS SPECIAL DAY!''

Passengers of the Cruise Ship, all clapped. Many people immediately went to the railings on the
edges of the ship and saw the dolphins showing off their stunts, flipping, jumping and turning on
the waters.

Cola took Travis's hand and they both went to the front edge of the ship, the children and the
other people came to look at the Dolphins jumping high in groups a few feet above the Ocean.
The Dolphins appear to be circling the Cruise ship and doing some stunts like swimming
backwards, jumping around and squeaked.
''Cool! Look them go!'' A Mother holding her daughter pointed to the Dolphins.

''Hey! Dolphin come here!'' A boy called to it and it did came, the boy threw a fish that were in
pales that the sailors placed near the crowd who was watching and it caught it with precision on
its mouth. The crowd clapped and began to throw their own fish at the Dolphins of their choice.

Cola threw her fish at the farthest front of the ocean and the Dolphin swam backward and caught
the fish by mouth ''They're Good Travis!'' Travis began to throw two fishes at the same time on
different directions.

''Hey! Mister that's not fair'' A Boy said.

Travis smiled ''That is a test kid, let see if they are really that good!''

The fishes Travis threw landed on the water and suddenly two dolphins suddenly jumped from
underwater and held the fishes he threw on their mouths and started squeaking looking at Travis,
as if they were teasing him and squeaking a lot.

When all the fishes were all thrown and the pales were all empty The Dolphins formed together
in one group and began to jump around, spinning on the air, one by one and by sequence of two
and as a group.

''ALL RIGHT SHOWS OVER PEOPLE! IT'S TIME TO SAY GOOD-BYE TO THEM.''

The Captain announced on the loud echoing speakers placed around the Cruise Ship.

The Children waved at the Dolphins who were are all swimming backwards and heading away
towards the back of the Ship ''Goodbye Dolphins! Goodbye!'' The children shouted while
waving. They had this communicator attached on their backs allowing them to be called when
there is a need for rescue, it can call them from many miles away. The crowd went back to their
respective places and continued eating and drinking on the tables. Roth came close to Travis and
asked him to go see the Captain of the ship, and they both went looking for him, While Kaithlyn
and Cola spoke to each other as they sat on their Chairs.

Cola’s niece came and greeted her ''Hello Aunt Cola!'' The Little Girl was wearing her Pink
Gown and had her beautiful blond pony-tailed Hair tied with a Blue Ribbon.

''Kylie where is your Brother? Kaithyln asked her Daughter.

''He just disappeared, He told me he was going to meet this Girl who needs his help.'' Kylie said.

Kaithlyn got worried and says: ''Now he's meeting with a Girl already at his Age.''

''Te-he-he-he'' Kylie giggled.

''Kaith, that girl might just be her friend, don't be so strict.'' Cola said.
''Let's all find your Brother and your Father with Aunt Cola.'' She said to her Daughter.

Kaithlyn carried her daughter above her arms and they went looking for little Kyle and to find
their missing Husbands.

Roth and Travis proceeded to meet the Captain and were both led to the Captain's Cabin by the
Sailors they met on the way. The Cabin was huge and its walls had half-cut logs resembling an
old cabin. It had many decorations related to ships and paintings about voyages from long ago on
the left and on the right.

There was a huge anchor on the wall, and a four layered cabinet with glass doors containing
small ships of different sorts, and below was displayed many unrolled scrolls which were
actually ancient navigational maps. There was a Globe of Golden Spherical Rings on the
Captains desk with three layers, one over the other, Rotating. It seem to rotate slowly when it is
moved and it appears to have been moved by the Captain himself very recently, it was on the
right side corner of his desk with other tiny sculptures of ancient beasts of folklore.

And on the left was a Quill dipped on an ink and beside it, was an hour glass that was on the
open mouth of a Golden Skull. The sands inside the hour glass seemed to have just started
dripping on its tiny granules, there was also a picture frame facing the Captain's chair. The right
side of the wall was full of bookcases that contained many thick books about navigation and
traveling guides and survival on the Ocean.

The Cabin was on the top end section of the Cruise Ship, the Captain was looking through the
vast Ocean beyond and holding a Golden antique Telescope with an embossed carving of a
Dragon spiraling around its tube. He was rolling it on his hands, he wore the usual whitish
Captain's Cap and a highly decorated Uniform. He had a side burns but had no beard, his eyes
appear to be lonely and thinking about something or someone he had lost a long time ago.

''Sir! We have these two people looking for you.'' A Sailor said and the Captain turned on his
back to look at them in surprise for their unexpected arrival.

''Well, if it isn't the Groom himself! Please come in!'' The Captain said.

The Sailors left Roth and Travis with the Captain and closed the door behind them very gently.

There were four wooden chairs with intricate carvings facing in front of the Captain's desk in
which the desk also had such stylish carvings it appears to be very expensive. The two were
invited by the Captain to sit down. The Captain went to his desk and seated, he open a drawer on
his table and placed the telescope on a box made of leather with a Silver Galleon Ship image on
its top cover.

''Well, it’s nice to meet you Captain!'' Travis said and shook his hand and so did Roth.

''I am Captain Hephyon Yates, what brings you here?''

Travis was not saying a word for a moment and Roth introduced themselves ''As you already,
know here is the Groom Travis Zodiac and I am his brother in law, Roth Godwing. We are just
here to know more about you and you did make a great show using those trained Dolphins out
there.''

''Those are not really ours, they are from the Navy. Trained for rescue operations and are also
trained for entertaining the military who are on patrol on the Oceans. I was able to hire the
trainers, since I heard there was a Wedding reception on this Ship. They do cost a lot but it will
be a good attraction for the passengers at the same time and I thought this was the perfect time
for that.

''That was a Good Gimmick Captain Yates that would surely attract passengers to travel with
your Cruise Ship.'' Travis complimented him.

The Captain nodded ''We really do need those trained Dolphins at any point in time, you will
never know when an unexpected disaster can strike on the vast Oceans, sometimes peaceful in its
stillness and sometimes savage when the weather is no longer pleasant.''

''I Apologize Sir.'' Travis said silently.

Roth was a bit shy about his question and yet he continued to ask about it ''Sir! What about your
family, do you miss them sometimes, when you travel and spend your time here at the Ocean?''

The Captain was silent for a moment and spoke ''I lost my wife many years ago giving birth to
my only child and daughter, when the last Ship I was Captain on, capsized from the storm that
had terrifying lightning strikes which destroyed the Entire Ship and killed several people.

The Cruise Ship was broken in three parts and sank quickly, many passengers did survive but
some were not so lucky, including the crew. Before the last part of the Ship sank I held to my
daughter around my arms as tight as I can and jumped on to the Ocean with frightening gigantic
waves. It was raining so hard and the visibility was so low, we got separated at the Ocean when a
lightning struck me at the back and began to lose consciousness very quickly.

Then I eventually passed out. After wards some of the Sailors on an inflatable Raft, found me
half conscious holding into some floating objects, I only saw them in blur and lighting their
search lamps on me and pulled me out of the waters but the rain was still hard. The winds
blowing strong and I saw some people clinging on barrels of wine and other floating objects,
some of them being struck by lightning and everywhere else the lightning struck wildly. I can't
see my daughter anymore and fell on my back, instantly falling into a very deep sleep on the
inflatable raft. I truly regret resting and falling asleep on that raft. I could have swam back with
my remaining will, searching for her, even if I died finding her.''
Roth and Travis was surprised and was silent for a moment ''Were sorry about that Captain, that
is very sad to hear and I could never know how it feels like to lose your family one after the
other.'' Roth said.

''Thank you for your Condolences, I have always tried to let them go and pretend that their souls
have already fleeted on flying ships above the sky, like that on the Ocean, there could be a place
for them to be together.'' The Captain said sadly to them.

The Three Men were silent for a minute and The Captain remembered something ''There was
surely something strange about that storm, there were countless lightning strikes. It seems so
unnatural, but maybe that sort does rarely occur.'' Captain Yates said with wonder.

"Sometimes we do blame nature when we face those kind of disasters, either we somehow have
something to do with it or not, but things just happen and we have to move on and not give up on
ourselves, because we have already could have lost those we hold dearly breaking us to pieces
inside. Losing our selves will only make things worst beyond lost, drifting us away from a
chance to start over or submerge us with loneliness or guilt.'' Roth said.

The Captain looked at Roth and nodded, agreeing to what he said ''That is true, but I will always
never forget and will always remember those horrible memories like I was losing them every
single day. But I can only can think of accepting, that they have already made their journey back
home in my heart, where I will always have them present with me at all times.''

Captain Yates then took the Picture frame in front of him and stared at it, it was a picture of him
and his wife and there was a cut out picture in the middle of their little Daughter, wearing her
favorite Red Sailor Girl Dress, she had Green Eyes and her Hair was blue. Captain Yates had
tears flowing on his eyes and the two men felt sad about it, so they asked to leave him for the
moment.

''I think we should be going now Captain.'' Travis said to him and stood up from his seat and
Roth did the same, knowing that the Captain needs some time alone.

''Wait!'' Yates suddenly said in tearful eyes. He opened his drawer once again and took the
leather box containing the Small Golden Telescope. ''Here Travis, take this. I gave this to my
daughter as present on her birthday before she got lost. When you have a child of your own,
whether a boy or a girl, I want you to give it as a present.'' He offered the box standing with both
his hands giving it to Travis.

''I can't accept this Sir!'' Travis said.

Roth whispered in Travis's right ear:

''Travis just accept it, or else he won't be able to move on, holding only to that thing. I think he
wants you to gain something from it worth cherishing, just like he did with his daughter. He
expects you to do the same thing with your future child.''

Travis agreed ''Thank you Captain! I am most honored to receive such an awesome present, I
will certainly give it to my first child, when I do have one someday.''

''Thank you, I hope you and your Wife may have many healthy children of your own and become
lucky for having you as Parents.'' Yates said to him, before they left. Travis and Roth left the
Cabin with a time well spent with the Captain

Kaithlyn with her daughter and her sister Cola were searching for their Husbands. They were
looking inside the ship searching for them, but they only spotted the boy on a hallway on the first
deck of rooms for sailors and naval engineers, he was talking to a little girl.

''Look at him Mommy, talking to Vanessa again?'' Kylie said to her and pointed at her little
brother and had a look of honesty in her cute little eyes.

Cola went walked away from her sister and went close to Kyle, her little nephew who was three
years old, four years younger than his older sister. Cola bent her waist and looked down at the
little girl. I am Kyle's aunt'' Then she looked back at Kaithlyn and Kylie and was pointing at
them. ''That is my Sister my Niece, are you lost where are your parents?''

'' I’m Vanessa, I lost my parents a long time ago and got taken care of in the orphanage.'' The
little girl said.

She then kissed Kyle on the cheeks that surprised Cola and Kylie.

''Mommy! Vanessa kissed Kyle on the cheek.'' Kylie whispered to her mother Kaithlyn.

Kaithlyn got irritated ''Stop this right now!’’

Cola took Kyle by the hand and gave him to Kaithlyn who hold his hand, while carrying Kylie
on the other, ‘’Cola please keep them out of that girl okay?''

Kaithlyn went close to Kyle carrying her little daughter and took her son's hand from Cola.

''Oh, Mom why?'' Kyle said.

''No Girlfriends at your age understand!'' Kaithlyn said angrily.

''All right Kaithlyn, if you say so. Whatever you say, just go back to your room with the kids, I
will find our lost Husbands.'' Cola said.
Kaithlyn went to their room on the first class deck and Cola proceeded looking for their
husbands. Travis was carrying the small chest, he was staring at the silver ship on its cover. As
he descended with Roth on the metallic steps of the stairs on the left as there was also another
one on the right, that was leading up to the Captain's Cabin. There were some Sailor's following
them behind them on the stairs and was surprised to see Travis carrying a box.

''Well, that is so lucky of you, to be given the Captain's most precious gift. It was his present for
his daughter's birthday. He spent some precious time with her playing with that Telescope.'' One
of the Sailor's said behind their back, Travis heard what he said and looked behind him.

''Now that makes me think more of returning it, than taking it home with me. But I think I will
keep it as he requested'. Travis said.

''Hey you okay? It’s a nice view is it not?'' Roth said.

Travis saw on one of the round windows, showing the view of the vast ocean and noticed sea
gulls flying high and approaching, while he was stepping down the stairs. He stopped looking
through the window and thought deeply about if he could ever plan to have a child with Cola.

Cola was looking for Travis and Roth and saw them walking down the stairs. She met with them
and walked with them together with some Sailors following them behind.

''Hey! Travis where you guys have been, looking over for the both of you.''

''We get to meet the good Captain, Cola. He gave Travis a present for your future child which
was her daughter's priced possession.'' Roth said.

Cola was amazed and saw the Gift on Travis, ''That is too Good of him to even give us such a
precious memory of his daughter.''

'’He is just your average Loving Captain and Father to her Daughter and a Husband to his wife
who passed away a long time ago.’’ Roth said.

''Kaith, went with the kids in their room, did you just mentioned her daughter?''

‘’I want to personally thank the Captain.’’ Cola said.

Another Sailor went to the Captain and told him everything. Travis and Roth left Cola and they
went to the Newly Weds room specially prepared with a king size bed with many white cloths
hanging on its four poles on the four corners. Roth left him alone still thinking deeply about the
Gift and Cola proceeded to meet with Captain Yates, she opened the door and Yates was
expecting her.
 ''Well what do you know? Here comes the bride.'' Yates thought to himself. She was asked to
take her seat and The Captain also sat on his seat.

‘’Hello Captain, thank you for the Gift you gave for me and my husband.’’ Cola said.

Yates smiles and said ‘’It’s all right I had enough and cherished that Gift I had a memory of my
daughter a long time ago.

‘’What happened, to your daughter Captain, did something happen to her?’’ She asks.

‘’I lost her a long time ago from a tragedy.’’ He said.

Captain Yates told her the story for a while and Cola got felt sad.

‘’I am sorry to hear about that, Captain.’’ Cola said with a sad tone on her voice.

‘’It’s all right dear, you don’t have to concern yourself with me.’’ He said.

Cola left the Captain and said her good bye.

Cola walked down the Steel Stairs with her head faced down with sadness on her eyes.

Cola saw Vanessa watching her as she walked down the stairs.

‘’Vanessa what are you doing here?’’ Cola said while walking down.

‘’My father was once a Captain too, so I came here if I could see the Captain.’’ Vanessa said to
Cola watching as she steps down.

‘’Really? I could ask for the Captain to meet with you if you want.’’ Cola said.

Cola finished stepping down the stairs and gets close to Vanessa standing close by.

‘’I have been riding Cruise Ships Miss Cola, hoping to find my father.’’ Vanessa said.

Cola stroke Vanessa head and said ‘’Oh, darling. I didn’t know your father was a Captain.’’

‘’I want to meet the Captain.’’ Vanessa said with eagerness.

‘’Sure I’ll take you to him.’’ Cola said and accompanied the child walking up the stairs once
more and reaching the Captains room.

Cola opened the door of the Captain’s room and Vanessa went inside with her.

‘’Captain, someone here wants to meet you.’’

Captain Yates was surprised and saw Cola with a little girl. There was a sudden look of disbelief
on the Captain’s face.
Vanessa looked at the Captain’s face and recognized him.

‘’Daddy! Daddy! ’’ Vanessa said in gladness.

‘’Vanessa is that really you?!’’ He said.

Captain Yates came close to take a closer look at her. But Vanessa immediately ran towards him
and gave him a hug.

Yates touched her cheek and took a look at her face.

‘’It is you.’’ Yates hugged Vanessa tightly.

Yates had tears on his eyes. ‘’I thought that I have lost you for good.’’

Vanessa told how she survived some time ago and was taken to an orphanage.

‘’Oh what a surprising reunion Captain’’ Cola said.

‘’Thank you Cola, I never thought a closure would finally come to this.’’ Yates said.

Time came by so quickly and the Newly Wed Couple and their relatives gave their thanks to the
Captain of the Ship. They all went away as the Cruise Ship headed towards the Sunset and
disappearing over the Horizon. Everyone else went home through cars while Cola and Travis
went to the long end of the Pier where no ships were docking, staring at the Sunset. The Couple
were both sitting beside each other and Travis was embracing Cola behind.

''Cola, I wonder when do you want us to have a Child of our own?''

''Why? We don't even have our Honey Moon yet, you're in such a hurry. If it has something to do
with the Telescope that Captain Yates gave you, it can wait.'' Cola said.

Travis showed the Small Chest containing the Telescope to her and opened it, he took the
Telescope and gave it to her. Cola tried to look through the Telescope, seeing many Ships and
fisherman's boats sailing through the beautiful morning horizon of the Ocean. She looked around
with it at some places from left to right and saw the Cruise Ship of Captain Hephyon Yates from
afar.

''Cola, it's such a nice view, Romantic isn't it.?''

''Yeah.'' She returned the Telescope on the Small Chest and closed it.

''It was good for the Captain to once again be able to see the truth and accept that his daughter
died years ago, thanks to you, he is finally at peace.'' Travis said.
She leaned her head on Travis's shoulders and they stared at each other and kissed. Cola and
Travis had their time viewing the Sun Set and wore their shoes and stood up, their hands around
each other’s waists and walked slowly.

''You’re always better than those fictional characters you portray on those Magazines Cola''
Travis commented.

Finally reaching the Pier's wide parking lot, Travis and Cola called a Taxi Cab and called on it.
They went straight home to their house. They watched T.V. together all afternoon, sitting on the
Couch eating Popcorn and drinking Soda.
 CHAPTER SIX

Many months later, Dr. Crox was walking on the hallway of the hospital and had caught
his eyes on a young couple somewhere in their thirties looking at their baby through an ultra
sound and decided to check on them peeking on the open door. He called on the Doctor after he
was finished talking to the couple and led him somewhere in the hallway convincing him to
inject a serum on the mother in which he was told to be an immunity shot for the baby and not to
tell about him.

The Doctor went back to the room and met with the Couple.

''All right, A Doctor gave me this, it's an immunity shot for your child. He did not want to tell his
name or anything about him.'' The Doctor said.

''Well, that is one secretive Colleague you have there, Dr. Craig, giving without taking credit of it
at all. We are truly lucky for having such an accommodating hospital.'' The father said.

''I am so happy were going to be parents soon, and we will finally be a family.'' The mother said.

''Please tell the Good Doctor we are grateful and thankful to him, for providing a free immunity
for our awesome child!'' The father said.

''Of course, I will tell him when I meet with him sometime.'' Dr. Craig assured him.

The Doctor administered the transparent liquid serum on the woman without anyone one of them
being aware, that what was believed to be an immunity shot was actually the Mutagen Serum
and it was just like any other shot. The Doctor went out the room after the shot was administered,
he tried to look for Dr. Crox to tell him the parents were grateful for the immunity shot he has
offered, but he was no longer there eventually.

The Parents went home without any problem. They did not know it was the Mutagen Serum
developed by Dr. Crox and Zarah that was thought to be an immunity shot for the unborn child.
There were no visible side effects on the mother, but they did not know there was already a
mutation taking place on the child in her womb for the following months before the child's
expected birth.

Dr. Craig during the night of the same day went to the parking lot of the hospital, as he tried to
use his keys to open the door of his car. Suddenly, someone stabbed him on the back of his neck
with a Syringe and gave him a complete dose of its liquid content. The poor doctor fell on the
ground unconscious without knowing who or what hit him, he fell on the ground and someone
with black shoes and a long white coat was standing before him ''Sorry Dr. Craig, but you did
your purpose quite well.''

The Mysterious Person and attacker of the good doctor placed his unconscious corpse on the
right seat of his own car, using his keys the hijacker drove him to another hospital's parking lot
and left him there until morning came until he woke up puzzled. Dr. Craig was surprised that he
did not remember where he had work or what was he doing there. Eventually he was hired at that
same hospital and did not remember anything back then, all he knew was that he was a Doctor
and other things before he got hired on the Metherin General Hospital, he worked there for years
and did not recollect or remember a single thing.

Dr. Crox was walking in the hospital's hallway one night and someone called him with a number,
he did not recognized on his cell phone, anonymously. ''Hello Doctor, I know what you did to
that poor Doctor back then.'' The mysterious caller said to himl. ''Who is this? How did you
know my Number? ''

''Scientists have their ways remember, Your Mutagen Serum sure did the trick, did it? A voice
that sounded like that of a robot said on his phone saying things that only he should know about.

''Are you working for General Mchagen or that freak Dr. Kraven?'' he asked.

''Neither, stay away from any patient you mad Scientist, don't try to do your experiments on
innocent patients although you seem to already have after kidnapping that Doctor!''

''Who are you?'' he asked. ''Your Dark past, I am nothing more than just a shadow to you!'' The
Stranger replied to him on the Phone.

Crox finally reached his car and he decided to delete all his contacts on the phone and placed the
cell phone beneath the wheel of his car and rode over it. The Phone was completely broken, he
threw the pieces of his broken cell phone in the trashcan nearby.

''Well Crox, I thought you would ever change after being left at this same Hospital twenty years
ago, I guess some things don't ever change at all.'' A Voice said to itself, from a distance on the
roof of the hospital and seeing him from afar.

Suddenly there was a very loud howl of a Wolf, Crox heard it and took a look at its direction and
saw a huge Wolf with the huge Full Moon behind it, standing on the top of a shed on the rooftop
of the Hospital. ''What in the world is that thing, doing there? He asked himself.

There was someone riding on top of the huge Wolf with glowing reflective glasses, but the
person was unrecognizable from afar. The person was cloaked and hooded.

Crox was surprised ''Who is that person?''

The Phantom rode the Wolf and ran from roof to roof on different buildings nearby the Hospital
and ran very fast and jumped very high. Crox went to his car and tried to pursue the Mystery
individual, on the road, but the Wolf and the rider disappeared from his sight in an instant, after
jumping towards the shadows.

''Lost the Scoundrel!'' Disappointed he slammed his right palm on the wheel of his car.
''Who was that person anyway? He seems to know about The General, Dr. Kraven and Dr. Craig.
Whoever that scoundrel is, certainly knows about my Mutagen Serum.

Crox was truly worried about his secrets and asked the Police to haunt for the person riding the
Wolf and about the whole incident, telling them false reconstructed stories of his own, making
the mysterious person appear like a terrorist, telling them that the accused was giving him death
threats.

The Police was on patrol for many weeks but did not find anyone, but eyewitnesses did saw a
person riding the Wolf and described with amateur sketches, said to jump from roof to roof and
disappeared into the shadows just as Crox witnessed. There were many paper fliers and poster
with high bounty rewards everywhere on the city but no one has come forward.

Some months had now passed. It was one foggy and Stormy Night at the Metherin City General
Hospital. Two Nurses and one Emergency Medical Technician were on the entrance of the
Emergency Room waiting for an ambulance. That went out to fetch a pregnant woman about to
give birth. It was not the ideal season nor was the right time for anyone to be lingering anywhere
else, since there was a storm. But an emergency is an emergency, no matter what condition or
situation it may be. That is what the public serving authorities are positioned and prepared for, to
serve civilians no matter how complicated the case may be for them to handle, since it was their
duty and it was obviously their job.

It was a dark stormy night. The mayor of the city had advice the citizens to stay at their homes
and not to travel to any place unless it’s really an emergency, because it was unsafe and
dangerous to go out in such a stormy weather. Public serving authorities, like the police, fire
departments and hospitals are prepared at their respected posts with strict attention, where and
when they are most needed. It was exactly midnight the rain was falling so hard on the city
streets making such a loud noise with huge droplets, as if it was hail that was falling. The rain
was very thick which produced a mist everywhere in the City, visibility became very low for
anyone to travel around the city.

Only a few people were outside on their automobiles driving through the flooded streets with
their bright head lights guiding the way through the misty roads. Meanwhile, at the Metherin
General Hospital, doctors and nurses were all filled with concern from doctors and nurses hoping
that the electricity would not go out. The constant flashes of frightful lightning and loud thunder,
made the lights all over the hospital to corrupt a couple of times. The nurses were worriedly
checking the patients who depended on medical machines as a support to extend their life,
especially those who are in intensive care and those patients in a comatose state depending on
such machines that had kept them alive for months or even years.

There was a generator prepared in times like these, just in case there was a black out. But it
should not be taken for granted since it was still a limited supply of electricity for the entire
hospital. The continuous lightning strikes and its loud thunder, startles everyone on the hospital
each time it occurs. The patients in the hospital are horribly disturbed by it and can’t sleep by
these series of unsettling disturbances. Some visiting relatives of the patients wonder how close
they were and where it had struck, The thunder storm is obviously not a normal one, it was a
phenomena with unknown causes which took place at the struck of midnight when the hard rain
began to pour all over the city.

The Rain does not seem to stop for it was in constant pour, the flooded streets are becoming
strong in current and the lightning strikes seems to remain constant as the rain itself all over the
city, without even ceasing a bit, even for a moment. The visiting relatives of the patients were all
on the lobby of the hospital's main entrance, sitting on many comfortable blue benches. There
were also children there, still awake past their bedtime and running around without showing any
sign of worry about the storm taking place. The flashes of lighting and loud thunder does not
seem to startle them, it was an exciting event for them without being aware how dangerous it
truly was. It was a wondrous sight for them, when they saw lightning hitting the rows of lamp
posts on the hospital's driveway continuously, as if it was only a fireworks display to them.

They were not afraid of the lightning, but even enjoyed the site of each strike without any fear.
Some doctors and nurses were standing up gathered in different groups, watching a thin-wide
rectangular Television Screen hanging on the left wide wall of the lobby. Where rows of benches
were filled with seated people faced about on the Huge Television Screen. The T.V. was
showing the local news, showing updates on the storm and revealing scenes from different parts
of the Country, were people are being evacuated from flooded rural sinking towns and landslides
wrecking houses. It was a sight of disaster in a time of great concern, helpless from an
unpredictable force of Nature.

There were some trees outside the hospital swaying from left to right by the strong force of the
wind. Some branches were falling, while the wind was making a loud whistling sound. Some
trees were already fallen on the ground and some were uprooted from the soil. The lamp posts on
the hospital's driveway was still being struck by lightning once in a while, it was some kind of
thunder storm that no one in the city or the whole country have ever experienced.

It surprised the Nurses who were outside the hospital's emergency room waiting for an
ambulance to arrive. They were all truly startled by the lightning and the loud thunder it makes,
being quite close in the distance. But they have to remain on their position, since it was their
duty. The Two Nurses outside with one Emergency Medical Technician with them. They were
worried that they themselves could be struck by one in any moment. The male nurse was Gabe
Browning who was thin with scrawny hair and the female nurse was Krystal Edison, a very
beautiful young woman with a long pig-tailed blonde hair that reached her waist. The E.M.T was
Austra Foster, a woman of her thirties with long straight red hair. They were all waiting for the
ambulance that is supposedly to take a pregnant woman to the hospital and they were hoping it
arrives as soon as possible. They were just outside the entrance of the Hospital's emergency
room, sheltered with an extended shed to cover them from the rain, they wore transparent long
raincoats and the strong whistling wind was blowing them wet with the hard pouring rain.

''It looks like the end of the world is taking place out here. It’s obviously becoming too
dangerous to go beyond the hospital. I just hope the people on the ambulance are not having that
much trouble driving on the streets with this horrible storm and the flood on the road, the current
is quite strong''. Austra said worriedly for both her apprentices and the woman about to give
birth.

''Well someone has to remove that fallen lamp post on the driveway, or else it will keep the
ambulance from entering the hospital.'' Gabe reminded them.

Suddenly through the foggy hard rain, the nurses were able to notice some red and blue lights,
recognizing it as something similar to the ambulance' urgency lights on the top of its roof.

''Hey! Look at those urgency lights, it seemed they are finally arriving!'' Krystal shouted with
gladness and felt so relieved and have forgotten her worry about the lightning strikes, just as it
suddenly stopped when the blue and red lights appeared.

''Finally! I thought it would take forever, come on help me lift that heavy lamp post! I guess we
have no choice but to move it anyway!'' Gabe said as he ran towards the drive way, heading
towards the fallen Lamp post on the flooded ground.

The vehicle finally came to the driveway, but it stopped with its two round bright front lights,
flashing on the eyes of the nurse as he covered his face with his two hands to keep it from
blinding his sight. It was not the ambulance as they first assumed but was a police car, with red
and blue urgency lights on top of its roof like the ambulance.

Gabe was already soaked in the hard rain and the bright lights, of the car was turned off. Its
occupants opened its doors and left the vehicle, closing it with a loud shut. The occupants were
two police officers wearing leathery black police uniforms and a matching police cap with a
badge on it, wearing their own transparent rain coats.

They were officers from the Metherin Police Department, one of them was tall and muscular,
while the other officer was also tough looking but not as tall. Both of them headed towards the
Nurse. Gabe was surprised to see the policemen, instead of the ambulance they were all waiting
for. The tall and muscular police officer walked quickly towards Gabe to check on him and the
fallen lamp post, on the hospital's driveway.

''It's okay little fellow, me and officer Reinhart can take it from here, save yourself some trouble,
go back to your friends back there and tell them, that we police officers are here to help.'' The
huge Officer said to him.

The officer that spoke to Gabe was a tall bearded man and had a muscular body like that of a
bear. The Nurse looked like a child before the tall brute man, and stared at him. Gabe was
frightened and fell backwards on the flooded ground of the driveway and moved quickly
backwards a short distance away from the huge police officer with the support of his arms and
feet, as he fearfully fixed his stare at the huge officer.

''What are you?!'' Gabe asked the huge officer and stared at how huge he was.

''What do you think, I am little fellow? Get going, go back to your friends, we can manage this.''
The huge officer told him in a huge but gentle voice.

Nurse Gabe was scared and stood up quickly running in fear towards his colleagues. He told
them that there was some sort of Giant that came out of the police car, he was scared at the
police officer and it annoyed his female colleagues since he was the man in their group.

''Calm down ! Be a man for God's sake! That is Bradford Gutenberg. When he was a kid a lot of
his peers runaway in fear because of his size, but he is no bully but a gentle giant. The other one
is Reinhart Stanfield who was a former soldier in the army and a Hero. They are the famed duo
of the Metherin Police Department.'' Austra said about them.

''Well, I never heard of them...'' Gabe said to her, still confused.

''It's the right time for you to get to know them.'' Austra said.

''I don't think I need any more introductions on them, especially on officer Bradford.'' Gabe said.

''Your annoying Gabe, be glad that the Police Officers are here to help us at a time like this, stop
acting like you have seen a Ghost.'' Krystal said to him.

The two Officers stared at them at the distance, as they stood standing still where the lamp post
lay on the soaked wet ground, a little flooded with four inches of water steaming everywhere on
the driveway. The rain was still in huge droplets hitting hard on the ground, the lightning strikes
has already stopped but there were still flashes of light and loud thunder over the distance, the
wind blowing heavily, whistling with a sound that is like the voice of a howling ghost in torment.

Bradford looked at the lamp post and lifted it with his two huge hands and had no trouble lifting
it, as if he was just carrying a tree branch and he placed it on the left corner of the hospital's drive
way, where rows of other lamp posts were still standing. They were surprised hoping that both of
the officers would carry it together, but it was not as they expected it to be. The lamp post was
thick and very long, that not one person can lift it by himself, it was truly heavy.

Gabe looked amazed with his eyes wide open ''What is He?'' He asked.

''Just your neighborhood cops, don't be like a frightful child and be grateful that they came, even
though they were not the ones we were waiting for.'' said Austra.

''Well, I think they should not have come, we already looked fine here before they even came.''
Gabe said.
''Really? You would have not been able to lift that heavy lamp post, even if we helped you.''
Krystal said.

''Go get them some coffee to drink Gabe, they sure need something warm to drink and they
deserve our welcome for coming here at the right time, we certainly do need their assistance.''
Austra said.

''Good enough for me.'' He said and he walked quickly to get the officers some warm coffee.

After taking away the lamp post on the driveway, the two officers came back inside their police
car and drove through the flooded driveway. They parked their car on the hospital's parking lot
and came out of it as they headed immediately to the emergency room's entrance were Austra
and Krystal were standing.

''Good evening...oh wait! It's past midnight already... So it's good morning Ma'am!'' Captain
Reinhart greeted Austria with a gesture, his cap on his chest.

''Good morning to you too Officers! Glad you both came at the right time when we needed you.''
Austria greeted them with a warm welcome.

''We are glad to be of service, it’s only our duty to patrol in any kind of weather, no matter how
dangerous the situation might be. Because it is the time we are needed the most.'' Officer
Reinhart replied.

''Both of you do match the description of what people said about the two of you being, the
admirable Duo of Metherin Police Force. Both of you do have good hearts patrolling in a time
like this.'' Austra praise them and smiled at them.

''Likewise, you and your colleagues were brave enough to stay outside the hospital, knowing
those lightning strikes could hit anywhere without warning.'' Reinhart complemented them.

''It’s our duty to be of service too, you know. We do have something in common in our fields in
the first place. It’s a good idea for us to cooperate in times like these.'' Austra said.

''Well! It’s been a long time the three of you had stood there, perhaps we can take your place!''
Officer Bradford said to them.

''Not necessary, it is our duty and position to assist the arrival of the patient, both of your
assistance could be of help to us, if you may.'' Austra said.

The officers wore back their caps on their heads and Gabe came back carrying two hot cups of
coffee, he gave it to the officers as they took it from his shaking hands.

''Here you go Officers, I hope this will warm your cold bodies.''

''Thank you! This will surely hit the spot, this truly is one cold Stormy Night.'' Reinhart said.
''Well, It’s a quite a big surprise, the frequent lightning strikes have finally stopped the same time
both of you arrived. Your arrival sure does mean something good. But then again, the rain is still
pouring quite hard in this time pass midnight. Hope the ambulance comes here as soon as
possible, the mother and the baby may still be in good hands if ever the birthing takes place
inside the ambulance. The E.M.T.'s there with them are Austra's apprentices, they are more than
capable of assuring the safety and care of both the mother and the child. '' Krystal said to the
Officers assured everything is under control.

''Well, I am sure everything will be all right. I got my top trained men there to take care of
everything just as Krystal said. I believe in my students, this is the right time for them to
experience a real time emergency situation.'' Austra said.

''We will all stay here then!'' Bradford said with his usual big voice.

''All of us will anticipate the Ambulance's arrival right here. Your apprentices as you said, could
handle the situation they are now facing, wherever they may be. Let's just hope for the best and
wait here while waiting for their arrival'' Reinhart said to Austra.

''You can count on that officer Reinhart, I have my best men to handle the situation at hand.''
Austra assured The Police Officer. It has been an hour ever since the ambulance left and it had
been an hour since they stood outside the hospital, waiting for its arrival.

Meanwhile, on the Streets of the City, an Ambulance was rushing through the three feet deep
flooded street, on the way to the hospital. The roads were very slippery and the current of the
river made by the flooding was against the direction of the Ambulance, making it hard to drive
through the streets. The Ambulance occupied a pregnant woman with her husband and two
E.M.T's that were Austra's apprentices, including a driver. Suddenly without warning a very
close lightning struck the road in front of the Ambulance just meters away which startled the
driver and he almost stepped on the breaks. The Ambulance just passed through a smoke caused
by the impact of the lightning on the flooded ground where it had struck and saw it in a glimpse
of a second.

''Yeah! That was truly breathe taking, I don't know what could have happened if we got hit by
that one. Though, it’s nothing compared to the frequent lightning strikes earlier before. The lamp
posts on the roads were being struck many times by it, it was a scary sight I never saw anything
like that in my whole life and the clouds seems to be very dark and low lying as if it would fall to
the ground, something does seem different about this storm.'' An E.M.T beside the driver named
Jack Philips said.

''Well, what is more important right now is to hurry to the hospital, but the current of this river-
like flood on the streets is really tough to drive against.'' The Driver said.

''Are you all doing fine back there?'' Jack turned to look at the back of the Ambulance and he
asks to check on the people who were also patiently waiting their arrival to the hospital.
''All is well here! Both the mother and the child seem to be in good health and condition. Good
thing I also had an ultra sound machine here in the Ambulance for many good reasons and
purposes.'' Another E.M.T named Gregory Harrison said to Jack that everything was okay.

Jack and Gregory was Austra's apprentices, Gregory was sitting on a bench on the back of the
Ambulance beside the husband of the pregnant woman, she was lying on a stretcher bed with
some medical apparatus attach to her to monitor both her and the child's condition, while the
husband was holding the hand of his wife tightly, together with hers.

''Well! That is good to hear, I just hope we arrive at the hospital as soon as possible. It’s all right
if the birthing of the child takes place here, I am sure you could manage back there Gregory. Our
Senior Austra did train us properly right? Jack said.

The Ambulance was fully equipped with many medical apparatus, first aid kits and medicines.
Complete with a stock of supplies, completely stocked for applying first aid to patients with
different ailments and sickness.

''Yeah That's right! But it is still necessary to continue to the hospital obviously, we need to get
there as soon as possible, either way, the birthing takes place here or when we arrive there.''
Gregory said to Jack.

''I think we are almost there at last, just tell the parents to hang in there!'' Jack said.

''All right we are now arriving at the hospital!'' Gregory said to the parents and tried to assure
them.

''Don't worry everything will be fine now Mr. and Mrs. Zodiac, we are about to arrive at the
Hospital.'' Gregory assured them.

''Thank you for assuring us Gregory, we totally appreciate everything you have done, all the way
from our house through this terrible storm. We don't know what we could have done without you
and your brave colleagues coming to our aid.'' The husband told Greg with so much gratitude.

''Don't mention it, it’s just our duty no matter how worst the situation can become. Your Child do
have some sort of condition, though I don't want to call it a deformity but we sure will never
know until he is born'' Gregory said to him.

The Parents of the child were both worried not just about the birth of the child about to take
place, but there was truly something different about the child. They now know it’s a boy with the
help of the ultra sound machine. But there was this concern about him that gave a lot of
discussion and raised a lot of questions between the parents and Gregory.

''Oh Travis...I feel so scared and worried, not just because this is the first time I am about to give
birth, but the condition of our child bothers me so much.'' The Pregnant Woman told her
husband, very worried as she held tightly to his hand, while his two hands held it.
''Don't worry too much Cola, I am sure it is nothing that serious, it could be anything temporary.
I am sure he will be a very special boy when he comes out normal, just like us. Be strong for the
both of us okay, we have people here assuring us that everything will be just fine.'' Travis
assured his wife.

''I'm still worried, what if his peers despises him, because of his strange appearance? I don't know
how could, he grow up like other normal children if he had such a condition?''

''I told you Cola, we still don't know yet! So it would not matter right now, what we need to
consider, is how fortunate we are right now in this time of a terrible storm compared to others
not us lucky as us. We will face this together all right? Whatever condition he may have, we still
must allow him to grow up, just like other children.'' Travis comforted his wife.

''We will endure this together Travis. Our son will be born and we will become glad and happy
parents, no matter what he appears to be when he comes out to this world.'' Cola said.

''Right! That's the spirit!'' Travis said.

''All right! We are finally arriving at the hospital!'' Jack said to them all.

''Finally!'' Gregory replied.

The Rain finally started to turn into little droplets and not falling as hard as before, when the
ambulance finally arrived at the Hospital's driveway. The Nurses together with Austra were all
clapping with loud applause as the Ambulance appeared to their view, driving smoothly on the
flooded Drive way, moving towards them finally making its way through.
 CHAPTER SEVEN

In the mean time Back in the Emergency Room, Austra, Jack and Gregory where
discussing the condition of the Child. While Cola lay down in Bed and was being prepared for
the operating room and Travis was close to him, Krystal and Gabe were making the preparations
with other nurses.

''You did a good job guys, for taking the patient to the hospital safely, I am proud of you both.''
Austra praised both Jack and Gregory.

''Well, you did teach us everything we know Austra, you were just a good mentor to us and we
did all that you have taught us and trained us well in our field.'' Jack said.

''Don't be too modest, you and Gregory did learn on your own with real time experience, I was
just guiding you along the way, I was once just like you before.''

''Don't be too modest yourself Austra, we did learned a lot from your training with us that we
should prioritize the welfare of the patients well being both physically and emotionally, rather
than just doing the job right. You’re a good mentor, we could have not handled without your
guidance.

''Well, about the Child, what do you think you saw in the Ultrasound?'' Austra asked.

''When I saw it at first, I did not know what to say to the parents. I was holding back a little to
break the news to them, because they may feel bad about it. I could not lie to them of course, I
told them as early as possible even though they would feel more worried. I thought it was best to
tell them what was happening so that they can truly prepare themselves rather than surprising
them when the child is already born.'' Gregory explained.

''You made the right decision, I am proud of you Gregory for being able to handle the situation
and thinking first before you make your own decisions to anticipate possible concerns that might
complicate the situation in the future.'' Austra praised him.

''Hey! How about me? I also assisted here.'' Jack said.

''Well, you will surely have your turn, not all of us have to be heroes in one day you know, all
played an important part no matter how little it is you have done, consider it significant.'' Austra
said to Jack.

''Thank you Ms. Foster for considering my efforts, I am sure I will have my chance to shine and
become like you someday.'' Jack said.
''No, you don't want to be me, just be yourself instead, our paths may be similar, but we are in a
whole different road. So follow your own road instead and make a name for yourself.'' Austra
said.

''As you say Ms. Foster I am sure, together with all my colleagues, we can work as a team aiming
with our own different goals in life. Speaking of life, I wonder what will become of that child
with a strange condition as seen on the Ultra Sound I hope it’s nothing that worst. Jack said.

''The Child about to be born is still going to be special, even though he have such a condition,
since he got parents who remained strong and hopeful for him for now. I just hope they could
accept whatever his condition might be especially when it is a permanent one when he is finally
born. I have witness these kinds of cases when I was just training for the E.M.T, the deformed
and disfigured children being rejected by their own parents who can't accept them because of
their unacceptable appearance.

You could not just judge the way the parents feel, it is a completely unexpected challenge for
them whether to keep the child or give it for adoption, others might even just allow them to rest
for good. So that they will no longer suffer the pain of living in their freakish condition, Most
will surely take a long time to accept it, that their child is not normal, it is love that will always
be the strength and comfort they could ever have, to accept their child no matter what he comes
out to be with whatever condition he may have. '' Austra told them with much hope for the child.

''We need to support the parents as much as we can, we can't simply do our job and just watch
them deal with it on their own, they need our support, but it is indeed part of our duty to help the
patients in their healing process for both ailments of the body or the challenges in life, they are
undertaking. Gregory said.

''I can foresee that you will be a very good E.M.T Gregory, it seems that you have been learning
more than I have taught you on the field.'' Austra said.

''I don't think I am that good yet Ms. Foster there is a lot of things I need to experience before I
could be compared with you, I can't depend only on how much I succeed on my job, but first-
hand experience in the worst case scenarios is still what I need in order to be a real professional
like you, not that I want something bad to happen to anyone. But it could help me become a
better professional by character not just by my skills or the amount of success I achieve.''
Gregory said.

''You will sure get there when the time is right, the same with you Jack.'' She said.

''Yes Ma'am!'' Gregory and Jack responded.

''All right everyone, everything is set up, let's go to the emergency room!'' Krystal said to the
other nurses and surgeons at the emergency room.
''Let's Just focus on our own work right now, I am sure they will be fine.'' Krystal assured him.

The Surgeons and Nurses took Cola towards the operating room on a stretcher bed while her
husband Travis was with her still holding her hands. They were rushing towards the operating
room and some patients strolling outside stared at them with wonder.

''Cola, Remember what we agreed upon, be strong for the both of us and our son.'' Travis
reminded her, holding both her hands with his.

''Yes, but I still feel worried.'' She said.

''Let us put our trust on the good Doctors and nurses here okay?'' he said.

''All right I'll do my best to make sure he comes out fine.'' she said.

''Okay, Just remember everything will be fine, just as long we are together on this.''

Travis was allowed to wear the same clothing that the Surgeons wore at the Operating Room.
The Surgeons and Nurses took Cola towards the operating room on a stretcher bed while her
husband Travis was with her still holding her hands. They were rushing towards the operating
room and some patients strolling outside stared at them.

''Cola, Remember what we agreed upon, be strong for the both of us and our son.'' Travis
reminded her.

''Yes.'' She said.

''What!?'' Travis was surprised that A Doctor suddenly kept him from following.

Travis lost his grip on Cola's cold hand and was left behind, just as the others continued on inside
the operating room as the door shut in his surprise, that he could not believe what just happened.

''I am sorry Mr. Zodiac but you can't follow, this is a special case. I am sure you have heard
about your child's current condition, I am afraid you have to stay behind.'' The doctor said to
him.

''Well I know there is something wrong with him, sure there is something special about it, it is
the birth of my Son!'' Travis shouted.

''Doctor... whoever you are!'' Travis said angrily and disappointed.

''This is hospital rules sir! Please just follow my instructions and everything will be fine. Just as
you said you just need to trust the doctors and nurses to do their job, right?'' the doctor said.

''Get out of the way!'' Travis pushed the Doctor aside and quickly headed towards the operating
room.
Bradford and Reinhart saw everything and ran so fast to the door of the operating room and
blocked Travis' way, before he could get near it.

''Excuse me sir! But I am afraid you are going to have to trust the Good Doctor there, I am sure
everything will be fine. We don't want to cause any trouble do we? ''Reinhart said, while he
extended his arm with an open palm of his hand asking Travis to stay put from where he was.

''Wait a minute aren't you Travis Zodiac, the one we arrested before with his unfortunate bride,
Cola.'' Bradford said to Travis who recognized him.

''Well, just my luck, I never expected to run into you Officers again!''

Bradford remembered their encounter ''Well if it isn't the bum himself once again, fate has
twisted our destinies again huh? What do you call that? '’

''Well you got a nice memory play, back there Brad, Get out of the way! I must see my family in
there!'' Travis said and kept forcing his way in but they were blocking his way.

''Travis, I know you want to see Cola bear your child, but I am afraid we can't let you pass this
point. Just think what would, she think of you, if she knew you were acting this way.'' Reinhart
said to him.

''Calm down okay? Just follow the Doctor's advice and come with us instead.'' Bradford said to
him but Travis continued to slip through the two officers. But Bradford pushed him back with his
huge hands back to where he was standing.

''Hey! What on earth are you anyway!'' Travis said to Bradford as he suddenly launched a quick
fist on his huge face, but he was too tall and his fist was caught by Reinhart's quick hand.

''All right sir, I need to ask you to calm down and come with us!'' Reinhart said.

Suddenly something struck Travis at his lower back and he fell down to the hospital floor
instantly. His vision began to spin around and he had eventually fallen asleep on the floor.

Behind him was the doctor, who had a syringe in his left hand and it was completely empty.
Using the entire dose of what was once inside of it to Travis.

''Hey! What did you just do to him! Everything was already under control'' Reinhart said.

''I am sorry officers, but this is the only way to calm him down for good, I don't think he would
have followed you both anyway. This is better than cuffing his hands, no more unnecessary
movements for him.

''I think that's going way too far Doctor, as if you did not trust our ability to control the situation.''
Bradford said.
''I will do all the means necessary to handle things around this hospital to apply the rules myself
if I have to, There are rules here in the hospital too, you know. '' The doctor said.

''Rules?! You sound so strict, I guess you have a high position here doctor!'' Reinhart said.

''Yes, I am the head Doctor of Genetics, you should call me a Scientist to be exact.'' the Doctor
bragged at him.

''Still, what matters now, is to take him to a vacant room until he gets conscious again, I am sure
he will be upset of what you just did doctor.'' Reinhart said.

''It's Dr. Crox, anyway. I am a Geneticist who takes care of special cases like that of the Child
going to be born right now.'' the Doctor introduced himself.

''Well I am guessing, this is not the first time you did this to a relative of a patient on the hospital,
we can sue you for this.'' Reinhart said.

''Do anything you want to me, I am just making sure, the rules of the hospital are abided
accordingly.'' Dr. Crox said to them.

Bradford took hold of Travis and carried him on his left shoulder, lifting him like he was just a
child.

''Well, your one strong guy Officer, you could also be of good interest to my research.''Crox said.

''Well count me out, I am not a freak, If that is what you mean! Now take us to a vacant room
with no patient occupying it!'' He said angrily at the doctor.

''Follow me!'' Dr. Crox said to him.

Reinhart followed him to find out what he was up to this time and to find out what he does at the
hospital.

The Dr. Crox of the Metherin General Hospital has finally appeared and showed what kind of
doctor he truly was and surprised the Police Officers of his decision to put Travis Zodiac to sleep
against his will just to enforce his strict interpretation of the hospital rules.

There were Patients and Nurses staring at them while they were walking at the hallway curious
of what just happened and saw what Dr. Crox just did.

''Well! What are you all staring at! The situation is now under control, mind your own business!''
The Doctor yelled at them. They all cleared the way and left.

''So this is what you call under control?'' Reinhart questioned him.

''You do your job officers and I will do mine, is that clear?'' Dr. Crox said to him.
''Well your one hell of a doctor, I guess I need to see what you’re working on.'' Reinhart curious
of how the doctor was acting and on what kind of hospital they were in.

They arrived at a vacant room and placed Travis at the bed, Bradford was left to watch over him
until he wakes up, just in case he does something uncalled for after being knocked out against his
own will after all.
 CHAPTER EIGHT

Reinhart followed doctor Crox on the hospital through an Elevator that was from the
ground floor going down through some stairs that looked like a fire exit located somewhere in
the hospital. The Elevator had a clear glass wall and door and Crox pressed a series of buttons
inside on the elevator console and they went down to the lower levels. Reinhart was surprised
that there were different levels of laboratories under the hospital with many doctors and
researchers present, working seriously. The elevator's transparent glass view allowed him to
observe through the different floors as it descended deeper underground.

''These are different levels of laboratories on the ground level, don't look shocked, we are the
only hospital who have this advantageous place for research that other hospitals don't have. They
research on possible new medicine and others focused on keeping organs for transplant
preserved in a frozen state, I work on the third ground level at the Genetics department and I am
the head of its division as I told you before.'' Crox explained to him.

''This sure is some kind of hospital.'' Reinhart said.

They arrived finally at the Genetics Laboratory and the transparent door of the elevator opened
revealing a huge medical facility filled with many Scientists and Geneticists. The Doctors
greeted Crox with respect like all was looking up to him. Reinhart saw something like many
deformed bodies of babies and tumors with growing teeth and eyeballs on jars and rectangular
touch screen, flat computer monitors showing disgusting diseases on the skin being analyzed and
studied by Scientists.

Crox led Reinhart to a long tight hallway with rows of huge cylindrical glasses filled with water
on both sides of the walls, what was inside of it were collection of bodies of people with
different kinds of deformities and oddities. Reinhart stared at one certain cell of the bodies which
contained a person with a Gigantic mutated Body even bigger than Bradford's floating inside the
huge capsule.

''Looks kind a like your partner, doesn't he?'' Crox teased him.

''Your some kind of a Mad Scientist yourself Doctor! My Partner is nothing like your collection!''
Reinart said to him in reply angrily, taking it as an insult to his friend.

Dr. Crox opened the Door to his Office and led Reinhart inside. There was a huge glass window
on the back of his office, were a certain deformed patient is strapped on a bed and being tested
by scientists applying drugs to the patient. Both of them got close to look through the window
and stared at what was being done to the patient.

''Look carefully officer, this is how we operate our magnificent research.'' Crox said.

The patient was strapped all over to keep him from moving. The drug given to him seemed to
make the patient act violently for a while until he fell asleep.
''I am not sure whether this hospital is a facility of some sort or what? That patient remind me of
what you did to that child's father and it does not look your treating them, they are more like lab
rats to me.'' Reinhart said with a feeling of something was way too wild going on.

''It’s for the patients’ own good, we need to have certain precautions to avoid the patients from
strangling one of our doctors, they are fortunate that they are even considered to be treated. We
need to take the necessary risk involved that is part of the procedure to find a cure.

''They are still human doctor, but I agree with your precautions, only I don't like people being
experimented against their own will and treated like lab rats.'' Reinhart said.

''You are so easy to judge, people like you only look at the surface and fail to see the great work
of our research. We do pay them and their families if something does go wrong and we only
accept volunteers. We are not smuggling freaks of nature, but good test subjects for medical
purposes.''

''I hope what you all are doing, is for the benefit of your patients not just for profit.'' Reinhart
said.

''You are like those protesters ignorantly mocking the benefits of our research with ungrateful
debates and protests, trying to stop our hard work which is really for all your sake. Our work is
still a job officer, just like yours and we do need to earn something for this, healing people is still
a business you know.'' Crox pointed out to him and tried to convince him that they were doing it
for the good of all.

''Well I do hope you do have a point, that you are doing this for all of us and those patients still
deserve some respect as a human being not abused like play things.'' he said.

''Everything is under control we are doing this for all of us!'' Crox said.

Suddenly an alarm sounded all over the Laboratory with flashing urgency lights on the ceiling as
a scientist immediately came to Crox's office and reported him the situation.

''Sir! Patient #013 has escaped his cell while he was taking the medicine you prescribed to him
and the poor doctors were all knocked out unconscious in the cell, he is presently roaming in the
whole Laboratory breaking things on the way and growling at the sight of the scientists and
security guards like a wild beast.’’

''You were saying!''

Reinhart immediately called Bradford on his walky-talky and gave him the directions to the
facility to come there at once.
''Seal all the entrance to the facility and asked the upper levels to do the same, we can't allow him
to escape to the above hospital area were normal patients are being treated.'' Crox ordered his
assistant Scientist.

''Yes sir!'' The Scientist replied and ran as far as he could asking help from the Security and other
Scientists.

''Normal patients? Why do they differ from any other patients all over the Hospital’' Reinhart
said.

''Don't you dare argue with me now officer, we are on an emergency situation!'' Crox shouted.

Reinhart heard Bradford speaking at his walky-talky asking for the security code that the doctor
used on the elevator for it, to open its doors.

''What was the security code you pressed on the panel on the Elevator Crox?!'' he asked.

''No way, your partner is coming in here too! You want him to meet his relatives?! No one goes
in and Nobody gets out understand!!!'' Crox insulted his partner again.

''Do your stuff Bradford!'' Reinhart said to him on his walky-talky.

''Understood! Good thing this elevator is only made of bullet proof glass, I have been breaking
through elevator doors and even walls before.'' Bradford said.

''CRASSSHH!!!'' With a loud breaking of glass, Bradford with all his might broke through the
whole glass door by charging his whole body into it. He clicked the button for the final level of
the ground floor that was towards the Genetic Research Laboratory Facility.

Reinhart ran with Crox to see a huge brute with his whole naked flesh flowing like mud all over
his body, he was as tall and bulky like Bradford. His flesh was constantly flowing with what
appears to be his own skin. The being had a disfigured flesh but had a proportional huge body
frame and it appears to be a male human being. He continued to break laboratory objects and
throwing scientists and doctors here and there to different places breaking glasses and tables
everywhere.

''Is this what your so called medicine did to this patient, I don't see any kind of side affect that
would result to this, what kind of treatment is this? Reinhart asks.

''What do you, know? You’re not even a doctor. What I did for him is different from my other
patients it's called molecular modification'' Crox said to him.

The Security Officers who were actually soldiers but had a uniform that resembled body guards
outfit, they started to shoot their pistols at the brute and the bullets were just all sticking and
sinking to his whole body like it was made of quicksand, but actually of flowing human flesh.
''Stop shooting you fools! Do not harm the test subject!'' Crox shouted at the security.

''Test subject, I thought they were your patients Crox!'' Reinhart said.

''He is not really one of my patients, but a willing volunteer from the military. I am a former
Scientist on a Military Base, my former employer General Mchagen funded my reasearch for
using genetically mutated genes from my patients in order to use it to enhance his soldiers
physical abilities for military combat.

He heard that I found out a way to control some of the mutations in my patients’ genes by using
radio active molecular reconstruction and he asked me to use it on his soldiers or else my career
was in big trouble. I thought of it only as an experiment, so there are complications and possible
unknown side effects like that.'' Crox told him all that he needed to explain to Reinhart.

''I thought you were the only one who was crazy and reckless enough to perform this kind of
experiments, that General sure is more twisted compared to you.'' Reinhart mocked him.

''I never wanted to do this research in the first place so don't mock me! I only did my part, he is
the one you need to press, I am just doing my job as a scientist and a doctor here.'' Crox said to
him.

''No matter who this General Mchagen is, I am sure I will find out and what is he planning to do,
using his own soldiers as experiments.'' Reinhart said.

The Brute made a very loud howl, which did not sound like someone yelling, it was more like a
growl of a beast than a human being. Reinhart immediately ran and had taken out his two hand
guns, on his sides and fired a number of shots at the brute while running, the bullets sinks to its
body as usual. He continued to ran towards the brute and jumped, stepping on the right shoulders
of the brute and jumped again landing at a distance behind it. He then took a thick metallic pole
he found lying on the floor and slammed it at the brute, swinging it quickly in sequence hitting
the sides of its body and thrusting the pole it at its back.

The brute was moved from its place for a little distance away from Reinhart. Then it turned on its
back facing Reinhart and gave him a cold glare, it looked at him like it was going to kill him like
a vicious predator. Reinhart tried to hit the brute with the pole again but it caught it with its hand
and pulled the pole towards itself, pulling Reinhart towards the brute, then lifting the Officer
while he was hanging on the pole and throwing him towards a table which broke in two as he fell
unconscious on the floor.

''Reinhart! I am here!'' What happened here? This is your doing, is it not Doctor Crox?!''
Bradford angrily asked the Scientist.

''Don't look at me, things just got out of hand around here so sudden, Look! Your’ partner got
knocked out pretty bad over there. ''Crox said.
Bradford quickly took Reinhart and carried him to a safe place away from the brute. He gave
Reinhart to the Security Officers and immediately run charging on the brute with brute force
sending both him and the brute towards a wall that was broken through another room of the
laboratory. Both of them got back up and the brute began to speak.

''Well, not bad for a Police Officer, are you like me, an evolved superior being, result of the
experimental enhancement of Doctor Crox?'' It said to him.

''So the Beastly Monstrosity can speak? Don't compare me to yourself Lab Rat, I am an all
natural Human Being compared to the monster like you have become. Bradford said.

The brute introduced himself to Bradford ''I am Colonel Lazarus''.

''So you even have a name, look what you did here, this does not look like a work of someone in
his sanity, considering you’re even a soldier that has no military discipline.'' Bradford said to
him.

''You don't understand do you? I have now reach the level beyond a mere human like you. I am
something more superiorly modified and capable of what you can only dream about.'' The
Colonel said.

''You call that body of yours Superior, you disgust me'' Bradford said.

''Come on and find out for yourself Amateur!'' Colonel Lazarus challenged him.

Bradford charged him again but was able to hold him back this time and he kicked Bradford
sending him to a wall that cracked with the impact of his huge body.

''You’re just another Circus Freak Officer!'' Lazarus insulted him.

Lazarus then carried a huge table attempting to throw at him, but Bradford saw a glass full of an
unknown liquid and he throw it into Lazarus and it did something to his body that made him
loose his grip on the huge table he tried lifting, attempting to throw at Bradford.

''AAHHH! What did you just do?!'' Lazarus was in pain and his whole body that was like mud
made out of thick skin, started to act differently and began bubbling all over with huge bubbles
popping from his sand like skin all over his whole body which was giving him so much pain and
he fell on the ground unconscious.

The Security Officers helped Bradford out and The Scientists quickly tried to clean up of what.

''That Colonel Lazarus has always been an experimental waste, Take his remains to a stasis, with
the molecular reconstructor rays in place, Crox said coldly, as if Colonel Lazarus was just a
broken glass.

''You did a Good Job officer!'' Crox praised Bradford.

''I won't forget the things you said back then, the hideous things and the monstrosity you just did
here. You mad Scientist!'' Bradford was shocked at what he saw and got angry at him.

''This is just a failed experiment you see, none of this ever took place understand? But things
now do seem under control, that includes yourself.'' Crox said to him.

''What did you say? Why you White coated...'' Bradford got very mad, but the many muscular
security officers held him tight on his arms and his legs almost carrying his heavy body, as Crox
immediately plunged an injection on the back of his neck with an unknown liquid and made him
loose consciousness very quickly draining all of his remaining strength.

ARGHHHH!!! ''Why you... Twisted Doctor....'' Bradford tried to reach Crox with his hand and
was released by the security officers who held him. He fell upon his knees and was able to grab
the Doctor's white coat but his hand slipped downward as he fell on the floor completely
unconscious.''

''Well, I hope I gave him enough dosage of that serum, enough to knocked him out, with the kind
of man he is. It will make him forget all that took place here. I will do the same to officer
Reinhart over there just in case he remembers something.'' Crox made them both forget with the
use of the unknown serum and returned them to the hospital were Travis was still unconscious.
 CHAPTER NINE

Bradford and Reinhart found themselves waking up in the morning seated on two chairs
in the Room with Travis still sleeping from the dosage that Crox injected him.

''What? Did we just sleep over night here?!'' Bradford asked in surprise.

''My head hurts so badly, I don't remember anything else, only that time when that doctor made
this man fall asleep with his syringe, maybe that doctor did the same thing to us, that bastard!.''
Reinhart was angry and was filled with questions.

Krystal came to the room and greeted them.

''Good morning officers! I see you have woken up already, here take these Hot Coffee, I have for
you both, to make give you a good wake up call.''

''Thank you Miss Krystal, All though, something sort of remind me of something important that
took place lately that I just don't remember.'' Reinhart said.

''Well, as far as I know a lot of good things took place last night before finding you both asleep. I
did not wake you both up, thinking you were both tired from your work. Austra and the others
took the lightning victims safely to the hospital and the child with a rare condition was finally
been born, he looks really cute although when the mother saw him she immediately fainted but
she's awake now with the baby in her arms. Maybe you should wake the father now I don't
understand why did he choose to sleep all night when he suppose to stay awake.'' Krystal told
them.

''All I remember is, a Doctor plunged a syringe that was filled with an unknown liquid on his
back which made him fall asleep.'' Reinhart told her.

''What!? I don't know any doctor who would do such a thing at this hospital, the only one doctor
I don't like here is Doctor Crox, he is like a ghost here nothing is much known about him, he is
just like a crazy person moving around the hospital pretending to be a doctor, he is a snobbish
person.

But he left just earlier this day and a lot of other Doctors that I don't often saw also left with
numerous covered packages of things I don't recognize, which looked like something from the
museum. That was after I saw the two of you sleeping in this room. There were soldiers in
uniform helping them out, they were very quick to pack their things and just left without saying
goodbye.'' She shared with them.
''What?! Soldiers in uniform? The Military came here? So we did miss a lot of things while we
were sleeping the whole time. I don't even know how we end up sleeping in the first place.
Bradford was so confused and felt he forgotten something very important that he can't recollect a
thing.

''That is really strange, I want to know what exactly happened before we slept, thinking about
sleeping never came up on my mind even for once, we were not that tired at all. Maybe that
doctor really did the same thing to us, but I don't think he could handle the two of us at the same
time, maybe he got help from others. I don't remember anything at all only waking up like this''
Reinhart said in confusion.

''That Doctor is truly twisted, I don't know what agenda he has, being involved with the Military.
I am not surprised, if he did also did that to both of you. She said.

''Whatever they were up to, it should be of our concern too, he took something valuable from us.
I will find out what this is about, but first the Commissioner might be waiting for us. Well, thank
you for your information nurse, we must report back to the police station, I think we have a lot of
explaining to do for the Commish.'' Reinhart said.

''Yeah let's get going, my body hurts a lot like I ran through a wall or something, that doctor will
surely pay if he did have anything to do with us sleeping against our will and losing our
memory.'' Bradford said angrily.

''We got some pain killers, I'll get you some Bradford.''

''Thank you Krystal, I think I need more than that.''

Reinhart woke the boy's father and they explained everything that happened and told him that the
doctor who put to him asleep have already left. Travis immediately went towards the room were
his wife and their child was. Reinhart left the room and Bradford waited for his pain killer from
Krystal.

Reinhart went to the lobby of the hospital and stood still, watching the wide television screen on
the wall, together with many other people seated on the long benches looking at the news of the
storm's aftermath. An old man named Helgard Vestro came close to him carrying a cane with an
ivory dragon on its handle, his body was terribly shaking all over as if he had a seizure.

''Good morning Officer! I am surprise you stayed here over night.'' Helgard greeted him.

''Are you all right old man? Are there any relatives with you right now?'' Reinhart asked.

''Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself Officer. I came to you to share with you
something important. I heard from those nurses last night, from what I heard there was a child
that had this rare condition, he is quite of interest and a source of gossip around the hospital
lately'' Helgard shared with him.
''Well, I am not a big fan of gossip, you do quite have sharp ears for your age.'' Reinart said.

''I sort of take care of these kind of children with special interest from where I come from, I was
wondering if the parents would not like to take care of him, I can accept him together with other
children like him. Helgard said to him that he was welcome to take custody of the child if the
parents don't accept him.

''So, you own an Orphanage or Something?'' he asked the old man curiously.

''Something like that, but I make them realize, how special they truly are with what they think of
as a curse is actually a blessing in disguise.

''I don't think these parents are like the ones you describe, besides it is still their child, they will
not just give him to anyone just because his different, even for any price anyone could offer.''
Reinhart replied.

''Well, then just let me know if they change their mind just contact me all right? '' He asked of
Reinhart and handed him his calling card as he we went away slowly and shaking.''

''I sure hope the Parents still keeps him anyway the way he is, thank you for your consideration
Mr. Helgard!'' Reinhart told the old man while he went away.

Meanwhile, Travis arrived at the room of his family. He was surprised to see what looked like a
stuffed animal beside his wife. He was surprised someone already came to visit them giving a
stuffed animal for a present.

''Good morning Cola! I told you everything was going to be okay, if only it were not for that
twisted doctor I could have been there for you while our child was born. I am sorry I was not
there for you at all.'' He said.

''Thank God! You finally awakened Travis, I have been worried about you too, our child may
appear different but he does still look cute like any other baby, I can't say that he looks like any
of us.'' she said.

''Where is our son is he in the Incubator? What is that stuffed animal you have there with you,
did anyone already come here to give you a present? he asked.

''No! Travis, this is our son!''

''What did you say?! You’re joking right? Am I still dreaming here?''

Travis was shocked and surprised, he could not believe his own eyes and thought it was only a
dream.

(''This can't be happening, wake up Travis!'') He pinches his skin very hard and it hurt him.
''Travis how could you?! You were the one who kept convincing me that whatever he may
appear to be, we will still take care of him just like any other child. Remember when we got
arrested I told you this could happen!''

''Sorry! I was just surprised I thought he was a stuffed animal, he does look cute though and not
like with those deformities you were worried about and saw on that parade before.''

Travis went close to the bed where his wife and son were resting, the child started to move. He
had long white hair and thick soft fur all over his body, but his body was still of a human child.
The child awoke and opened his eyes that surprised Tyler.

''I am worried Travis, How we will ever allow him to be with other children. If they saw him,
they will all tease him all his life and make fun of him. How could he ever have friends and grow
up normal just like them.'' She said worriedly with tears flowing gently from her eyes.''

''We will make him grow like other children all right And be the best parents he could ever have,
'' Travis said to Cola assuring the future of their child although he was not really sure himself.

The Door opened suddenly and Reinhart appeared before them.

''Oh! Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Zodiac! Well this such a surprise being the parents of a ...
well. A special child...

''None taken Officer Reinhart!'' Travis said.

''Welcome Officer Reinhart, Cola! Officer Reinhart watched over me, while I was sleeping, he
and his partner Officer Bradford did a good job.''

''My Partner is having a headache ache just like me and his body is in pain too. It's good to see
both of you are doing fine together with your child, just as I have always hoped for, it is still
surprising to see a child look like an animal of some kind, like a Bunny. Reinhart said.

''Thank you Reinhart for watching over my husband and please take a look at our beautiful Baby
Boy.'' She invited him to come closer to see their child.

Reinhart came nearer to take a closer look at the child and he observed that it was just like any
other healthy baby boy but with just a different appearance, like he was just in a Bunny Costume
for a play. He touched him and tickled him and the child smiled at him.

''I never saw anything like this before, how on earth could someone have this kind of condition?
Not to offend you both or anything.'' Reinhart said.

''We don't know either, this is just hard for us to accept at first, but we have no choice but to
accept him no matter what he came out to be.'' Travis said.
''By the way, there was an old man that came to me and he knew about the child's condition
offering help just in case you change your mind in taking care of him, he owns an Orphange.''
Reinhart said to them.

''Please tell the old man that we are grateful for his offer and concern for our child, but we
already have decided to keep him no matter how he appears to be. We are ready to face this
challenge as a family.'' Travis said.

''That's the greatest decision I have ever heard! I will just keep this contact card just in case
someone needs it, I will have to leave now.'' Reinhart left the room.

Reinhart and Bradford finally left the hospital and said their goodbyes to Austra, Krystal, Gabe
and the others.

The Child was born and he was different than any child that was ever born, he looked like a
Human Bunny, he had long hair and thick fur all over his skin. Cola and Travis was surprised to
see their child so different but they expected to see something worst, but for a time they were
able to accept it, not even the mother was able to sleep like anybody else, thinking deeply about
the child's strange condition, but still a part of them simply can't accept the way he is.

When morning came, The Nurses, and E.M.T's gave their Gifts and made a Birthday Party for
the baby boy, while they began to discuss the future of the child and kept them company.

''Happy Birthday!!!''

''Look at him he is so cute!'' Krystal said holding the child in her arms.

''Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Zodiac that Boy is lucky to have you as parents.'' Austra said to
them standing and staring at the Child Krystal was holding.

''Okay! Here's the Cake we made Krystal.'' Gabe came with a Cake with one lit candle which was
carved resembling a bunny standing up with its two pointed ears with the burning wick on top of
its head.

''Let's all wish together for him for a good future, okay all together now!'' Cola invited them all to
blow and make their own wishes for the baby boy.

They all blew the candle and made their wishes, the next thing to do was to give the baby a
name. The parents decided to name him Xero.

''Hello, Xero Zodiac! You look so cute!

''The Health of the boy is surprisingly in good condition! I am proud of you both for being good
parents to keep the child the way he is, I suggest you keep us informed while he is growing up,
so that we would know if there is something we should know concerning his health. Either when
he gets sick and find out if he has allergies or he reacts differently. It's important that we get
informed regularly since he has this condition'' Their family Doctor gladly announced to them.

''We will get you informed regularly, you can count on that!'' Travis said.

''Okay everyone please make your positions and let's get some photos for remembrance.'' Jack
placed the camera on a tall tripod and set in time to flash, they all made their poses close to the
parents and their child. The camera flashed and had a picture of them all. After a few days the
parents and their child left the Hospital and the group they have been with said their farewell to
them, waving with smiles and gave their best wishes.

A Taxi Cab came and Travis opened the Door for Cola and she went at the back seat with her
New Born child and Travis sat next to the driver, as the Nurses and E.M.T.'s continued to wave
goodbye.

While the Zodiacs were leaving Krystal saw a doctor in a car far away in the driveway and
recognized it was Doctor Crox, she ran to get close to his car as fast as he can but he closed his
windows and immediately drove very quickly leaving the hospital.

''You won't get away with this you twisted doctor!'' She shouted to him while driving away.

The group waved their goodbye at the Zodiac family as their cab leaves the hospital.

''Krystal what was that all about? Austra Asked.

''It's Crox! I have a feeling he has some interest on the Zodiac family, I will find out what it's
about soon enough and figure out what he is truly up to.

''If you want we could investigate on his records in the hospital, if you want to play detective if
you want to really dig anything about him.'' She adviced her.

''I will do just that and find out all I could know about him, whatever agenda he has been hiding.''
Krystal promised herself.

The Zodiac Family left towards their home and carried their new born infant with their love and
protection, but some threats already have appeared concerning the child.

Austra and Krystal found no records of Dr. Crox and not even his name, together with all his
colleagues was not recorder with any information not even their names existed, as if they never
even worked there in the first place.

''There is sure something going on here, I think we need to tell the Chief of Medicine about this
and ask him personally.'' Austra said to her.

''We will soon get to the bottom of this, even if the Chief himself is somehow involved in this
too.'' Krystal said to her and she seemed paranoid.
''Even if that was true Krystal we don't need to press on him or else our career would be in big
trouble, not that I don't want to fight for what is right, I am sure there is someone else outside the
hospital who is truly the head of the snake here. We need to focus on Crox's whereabouts first
and asked help from a private investigator or a detective'' Austra said.

''All right, we need to find more about Crox first but we need to go and ask the Chief without
pressing on him or else our career is at stake just as you said. Krystal said.

''Remember do not do things by yourself Krystal, keep me informed if you find anything else.
Don't try to play detective all by yourself or else you will be in big trouble.'' Austra reminded
her.

''I understand Austra, Let's go to the Chief first, then.''

 CHAPTER TEN

Austra and Krystal went to the Chief of Medicine's office in the hospital. They both went
to his office and tried to ask the Chief in person about the whereabouts of Dr. Crox. They went to
an Elevator and went to the top floor of the hospital and walked a long hallway with many
doctors and interns passing by. Austra was greeted by many for her reputation and serving there
for quite some time already. On their left side was a very long row of transparent window wall
with sunlight lighting up the hallway, the right side were the rooms of the other Doctor's Clinics,
over a distance away the door of the Chief of Medicine was closing to their view, his name and
position is written on the door.

Austra and Krystal reached the door and Austra knocked on the door and suddenly a voice told
them to come in which came from inside the room. As they opened the door and went inside the
office, Chief himself seated on a comfortable chair and his arms laid flat on his table. He had a
round built but not muscular, wearing a lab coat like the doctors. He was wearing glasses and
had a white mustache and very thin hair, indicating he is old enough and experience in his
position as the Chief of Medicine.

''Good morning Chief! We are here to ask you about Dr. Crox. It's me Austra Foster from the
E.M.T and with me is nurse Krystal Edison.'' Austra Greeted him.

''I understand, please take your seats Ladies, I can't stand just watching you standing there.''

''To be honest, I never like the way Dr. Crox's behavior, his reckless, all he thinks was his
profession. Is it not right to make sure the patients’ emotional welfare and insecurities be
considered.'' Krystal said boldly.

''Calm down Krystal, wait for the proper timing to say things like that.'' Austra whispered to her.

''I admire your honesty and courage to say that to me, you’re a nurse and your responsibilities
concerns the well fare of our patients both physically, emotionally and psychologically. About
Dr. Crox and his whereabouts, I would like to explain it to both of you, although I never intended
to tell anyone else. But it seems people will eventually ask questions about the matter and how
his colleagues left the hospital so suddenly.

I don't want the reputation of our hospital to be at stake from mere gossips and speculations, so I
intend that this will not reach the media, so I want you both to accept it, the way it is.'' Dr. Feldon
said to both of them.
''Are we hiding the truth Sir? Everyone deserve to know the truth right? We are not just your
workers here we are also your colleagues even though you have a position higher than any of us.
Krystal said.

''Ms. Krystal, it's not that I want to hide the truth from anyone I just don't want the issue to get
any bigger. Dr. Crox, do have an agenda and the elevator restricted only for Scientists and
Highly-Qualified Doctors, hides a secret too.

It goes three floors underground on this hospital, the underground floors are laboratories for
research on new medicine, for the storage and the modification of organs for transplant and
finally Dr. Crox's Laboratory, is for finding possible cures and control of inherited diseases,
deformities and all congenital conditions that was caused by mutations in the Genes.

As you know Genetics is the study of Genes, these Genes contain hereditary information, how
will a person grow and how he will look like in lay man's term and the scientist who studies them
are called Geneticists as you know and Cox is one of them. General Mchagen as we only know
him, was his first employer, he hired him before, as a scientist rather than a doctor, to cultivate
diseases as a form of weapon and enhancements for military purposes.

Crox resigned in his position as a scientist, because he did not allow the General to use his
research as a weapon to kill innocent people under his name and he did not want to be
responsible for their deaths, but he did allow experiments on criminals instead.

I accepted him here at the hospital years ago to share his scientific knowledge and allow his
research to continue for a better purpose. I allowed his idea to use the underground floors of the
hospital which was use to be the storage of medical supplies and equipment. To be used as
Laboratories for Developmental Medical Research.

Unfortunately the General sent his men in uniform to check on him, how he was doing and He
found out about Crox's own private research here at the hospital. Crox found a way to use
mutations by programming and manipulating the Genes itself, like a computer program by using
molecular radioactive mutation instead of using a mutagen which is just as illegal.

The General got his interest with his research and tried to use Crox's discovery as a tool to
modify his soldiers beyond human abilities and he threatened him with his life, Crox valued his
life still, even though he did not have a family of his own.

The General also threatened me on the phone, that if I ever talked about his corruption he would
tell the media about the laboratories we have and give it a bad image to close the hospital, so I
allowed Crox to continue whatever research the General asked him to do, for the time being.
Until something unexpected did go wrong, he has to leave the hospital with his colleagues and
his research, which he is conducting for the General.'' Dr. Feldon told the two of them the whole
story behind Dr. Crox and his Secret research and his connection with the infamous General
Mchagen.
''I guess, I now understand why Crox was that kind of a bossy Doctor and care less for patients
and was more into his research. But I still don't like him, he may be a scientist but that does not
mean he can also be a Good Doctor. Austra said.

''Very well'' said Krystal ''He is not fit to be a Doctor but a Mad Scientist.''

''Krystal, he just needs to be guided by someone like me. I am a surgeon, and I was once like him
before, more focused on the success of my career than thinking more about my patients’ way of
life. I always thought that if I had finished the job, all was already well but I was wrong. It was
like I left my patients with an ailment I was not able to heal or find a cure. They left the hospital
like they were just something I have to fix and waited to get paid for the job I have done.'' He
said to her.

''I think he needs more than just your guidance, I saw him leave the hospital together with his
colleagues and other doctors or maybe they were also scientists, taking with them their things
outside the back entrance of the hospital by cargo trucks. It was like their moving strange things
from the museum.

It was sometime after the newly arrived E.M.T.'s took the patients struck by lightning to the
emergency room. They were quick in packing their things, all right. There were indeed soldiers
helping them move, lots of people saw those men in uniform helping out and was worried what
could they, be doing there at such a time as if they were there for relief aid. I was surprised
myself to see those many military men in the hospital. They left like they were on a trip
somewhere and was on the rush, early in the morning when the storm subsided.'' Krystal said to
him.

''They all did left, because an incident did occur in the laboratory of Dr. Crox and they did leave
as I have agreed with the General to take his research to another location. Crox could be hiding
something else he also completely cleared the other laboratories for the research for new
medicine and the organ transplant research. The General could have ordered him to do so, It
could also be related to his work for military purpose once again. Its best they take them all away
and do their dirty work somewhere else, I never intended to stop them until they finally left the
hospital. Crox could have been a good scientist and a doctor with my guidance, if only the
General was not a part of his life. Chief Feldon said.

''Two officers who assisted us were put to sleep against their will. we believe Crox is behind that
too. I don't think I should try to side with him after all he has done.'' Austra said.

''Please give my apology to the officers and tell them all that I have told you both, so that it
would be clear for them and they would have a proper excuse in failing to return to the police
station in time to report to their Commissioner.'' He said.

''One more thing, it seems that Crox was also interested in the boy with a rare condition, I saw
him watching the parents and the child before they left, I tried to chase him but he immediately
left with his car, when he saw me coming after him.'' Krystal added.
''Truly he is up to something Krystal, What do you suggest sir?'' Austra asked.

''Just find ways to keep in touch with the family and be informed, I am not sure if he has another
agenda with the child. I hope he does not become ambitious like that General in any means.
Feldon said to them.

''We will do just that sir! We will make sure Crox does not get close to the child and his parents,
whatever reasons he may have or agenda he is hiding from us.'' Austra said.

''I will make sure he does not lay a hand on the boy or else he will get what's coming to him.''
Krystal swore to herself convinced and dedicated in protecting Xero.

''That is good to hear that you both care that much for the child and his family.'' Feldon said
convincingly.

''Thank you sir for spending this time with us telling us everything we needed to know, we will
be leaving now and do what you have asked, let’s go Krystal.''

''Good luck! Both of you have brighten up my day. Thank you for showing your concern for the
people in the hospital, the patients and all that is happening around lately. Feldon said to them.

Krystal and Austra was thankful that the Chief Feldon told them everything and they both left the
office enlightened, they were also happy to know that the Chief was that kind and felt that they
had a mission to keep the boy from falling in to the hands of Dr. Crox.

The two women Immediately went to the Metherin Police Department to inform Bradford and
Reinhart just as the director told them.

Back at the Metherin Police Department Bradford and Reinhart went to their commissioner to
report and explain about their many hours of absence and what happened to them at the hospital
and tried to convince him that they were telling entire truth and nothing but the truth.

''What did you two just saw there?! What kind of hospital is that anyway?! I can't believe both of
you was put to sleep by one doctor and the military was also involved in something on that
hospital? The part that child who looked liked a bunny add up to something out of science
fiction. It sounded like you just made this all up, as an excuse to cover up something.'' The
Commissioner was angry at the Officers, he was the one who ordered most of all the police
officers to patrol all over the city with the mayor's request.

''Sir! We told you the truth we are not making this all up, it is not a dream either.'' Bradford said.

''Commish, you must believe us we did not slack or just spend some time talking to people
abandoning our duties. We do have witnesses of our whereabouts earlier in the morning pass
midnight at the hospital. We met nurses an E.M.T's at that time. So we have an excuse to show
you that were telling the truth.'' Reinhart tried to convince the commissioner and he was
confident he could prove that they did not slack.

The Commissioner was Officer Stryke Meur a person deserving of his position with tons of
experiences in his field and was well known around the city, he was considered like a war hero.
He had taken down criminal organizations with his wits leading his fellow policemen in
apprehending them but with a brutal confrontation. He had white spiky hair. But not like an old
man. He had a muscular body and had a very manly voice.

Austra and Krystal finally arrived at the police station and went asking about the two officers and
an officer guided them to the Commissioner's office. Reinhart and Bradford were surprised to see
them and were relieved, since they needed their witnesses and they just came in the office on
time.

''Sir! We have these women asking to see Officer Bradford and Reinhart, a nurse and an E.M.T, I
hope it's not a bad time.'' An Officer entered the Commissioner’s Office accompanying Austra
and Krystal.

''They are the ones we told you about from the Metherin General Hospital, these are Austra
Foster and Krystal Edison.'' Reinhart introduced them to the Commissioner as he stood up from
his seat.

''It's all right Captain, the timing of their arrival is just right on schedule.

‘’Please take your seats ladies, welcome to the Metherin Police Department. I am Commissioner
Stryke Meur, may I ask you both to please clarify what just happened in that hospital where both
of you work, I want some sense in the story my officers here told me about. It sounded like
something coming out from a fairy tale.''

Austra and Krystal took their seats on the other chairs facing Bradford and Reinhart, which were
exactly in two rows on the left and the right in front of the commissioner's table.

''We were sent here by the Chief of Medicine, of our hospital to clarify everything about your
officers' whereabouts why they came back, only at this time to report to you.'' Austra said to the
Commissioner.

''It's good to hear that everything is going to be clarified, your Superior is truly wise for sending
you both to explain what my officers were talking about. I hope you both clarify everything that
took place in that hospital, I am not sure what to believe in, until you both tell me the whole
story.''

''Believe me Commissioner Stryke, I have experience and witness strange things. I also never
grew up from bed time story telling or fairy tales, my father did not believe such stories can help
me grow up, he believed it can only turn me into a delusional day dreamer. I never gave
considerations to possibilities beyond my understanding before and thought that I have known
and seen everything, but I was just ignorant, until I saw few parents having a child with a
condition that what you might see as a freak of nature. Some of them choose to keep them alive,
while some rejected their own child, for they look inhuman by appearance and only cared what
other people would say. It was love that made them accept their child the way he or she was. It
was not easy for anyone to accept it at first, but this shows what is more than what meets the eye,
not all things considered to be believable and natural should become a standard of reality.''
Austra tried to convince the Commissioner to have an open mind on things no matter how
unbelievable or laughable it seems to be.

''Wow! Thank you for sharing me your personal experience about this case, in revealing a great
lesson about life, but that does not explain everything about what's happening around that
hospital.'' Stryke said.

''What I am trying to tell you sir, is to have an open mind of things that you might even thought
of as a joke, until you have seen and experienced everything first hand and be humble enough to
consider possibilities beyond looking at the surface of anything as an unacceptable reality.''
Austra said.

''That is quite a deep wisdom you have Ms. Foster, Very well then, that is why we have you here
right now. Tell me the truth, what truly took place at that time my officers stayed in your hospital
and confirm what my officers did and what truly happened to them.'' The Commissioner
demanded of them.

Austra and Krytal told exactly what happened, from when the officers came and what the Chief
of Medicine of the hospital told them about Dr. Crox and General Mchagen. The Commissioner
was alarmed that the General would go way too far to achieve their reckless ambition and had
once again drag Dr.Crox into fullfilling his corrupt ways. But it was not clear if Crox must be
considered a willing accomplice, but his actions were obviously unethical for a doctor or even as
a scientist.

''I knew it! That Dr. Crox is behind it all, I truly am going to find him and make him pay for what
he did to us back there, he is no different from that General Mchagen and he was still willing to
work for him after what he has done to him. What is his difference with that guy anyway?''
Bradford spoke so convince of himself that Dr. Crox was behind everything that has been
happening and saw the doctor and the General being like the same tree bearing the same fruit.

''Calm down Brad, I feel the same way, but we still don't have enough evidence against them and
I don't think of barging in their territory like a one man army, without having a plan first and
following the necessary procedure we required to bring them to justice. Reinhart said.

''You're right Rein, I just can't accept what that twisted doctor did to us in that hospital. I want
our memory back even if I have to force Crox to bring it back inside my head.''Bradford said.

''All right, we do have a case to solve here, but we need to coordinate with the Military Police
and pay Dr. Crox and General Mchagen himself a visit wherever their military base is located
with the proper permissions. We can't just start suspecting them without the evidence we need,
even though we do have witnesses. We need proper coordination with the Military Police this
might even be, beyond our jurisdiction, we need help from higher a authority. We will just
conduct an investigation is that all clear for you all?''

''Yes Sir!!!'' Reinhart and Bradford responded.

''Thank you Commissioner! We will be coordinating with the police if we ever find anything that
would help in understanding more about the case.'' Austra said.

''We do appreciate your coordination Ms. Foster and Ms. Edison, we will give you updates on
our investigation if you would require it, we would be glad of service.'' The Commissioner said
to them.

''Likewise Commissioner, thank you for believing us and accepting us, as credible witnesses''
Austra said to him and was very relieved that the Commish had an open mind after all.

Austra and Krystal left the office of the commissioner feeling more enlightened and head back to
the hospital, while Bradford and Reinhart was allowed by the Commissioner to head home and
have a day off.

The two women arrived at the hospital and returned to their respective duties. On the hospital
everything appears just as they were, as they enter the main entrance of the hospital but there was
an air of silence.

''He is sort of like the chief Austra, just with an attitude, but he seems okay to me.'' Krystal said.

''You can see the difference Krystal, that is good observation, even though it is not a necessity in
our field of concern, nor we are investigators or detectives but we have to be like one sometimes.
The Military, Police and us in the Medical field have different views and roles, it is expected that
we are not that much alike but we can still coordinate together since we are in the same position
to serve civilians, not to place them under us like what Dr. Crox does to his patients like test
subjects.'' Austra told her.

''It's like were on a mission right now, I feel this rush in fighting for the truth and making sure
Dr. Crox and General Mchagen be brought to justice once and for all.'' Krystal said.

''Don't get carried away, we are still workers in this hospital not detectives.'' Austra reminded
her.

The Two Women had a feeling of contentment of being assured that the situation can be resolved
with an extra security for the boy.

The transparent doors of the entrance opened automatically before them, Gabe quickly came to
them and told them that something unusual took place in the hospital again. He met with the old
man who owned an orphanage somewhere in the middle of the woods beyond Metherin Park.
His son visited him and accompanied by people who wore weird clothing like those in the circus.
Gabe was frightened with them, he thought he was just having a nightmare while he was awake,
caught in the middle when he was with the old man giving him his prescribed medicine, when
they went in without knocking. He told Austra and Krystal what had happened in the room when
the weird people came.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Earlier that day, when Austra and Krystal left to visit the Metherin Police Station Gabe
was in the room of Mr. Helgard Vestro, a shaky old man and he was a hundred and ten years old,
which is apparent with his unshaved appearance. But to most people he does not look as being of
his age, because he reached such an age that is truly uncommon, he is thought to be somewhere
between eighty to ninethy years old. He had removed his shirt and was lying on his bed, his
weird cane beside it.

''Here you go Mr. Vestro, this is the prescription your doctor ask for me to administer.'' Gabe
said.

''Thank you, young man...''

Gabe was surprised to see Tatooes all over the body of the old man, the images appear to be a
huge wolf on his chest and many other scary figured creatures on the other parts of his upper
body. Gabe placed the tray with the different medicine capsules and a glass of water on the table
beside his bed.

''What nice Tatooes, you got there Grandpa.'' Gabe asked.

''They are not just called tatooes boy! This is an emblem of my rank as one of the founders of the
Black Raven Organization.'' He said to Gabe.

''I thought that you were an owner of an orphanage? What organization are you talking about?''

''That is none of your business mediocre, you focus on your own job.'' Helgard scolded him.

''Okay! I will not press you. Just please take your medicine Mr. Vestro.'' He said.

The Old Man quickly took all the different pills in one hand and swallowed it all at the same
time and drank some water, which surprised Gabe, as if he was going to take an overdose.

''Hey! That's not candy Mr. Vestro!'' Gabe shouted.

''You can call me Helgard, by the way it is a short for Hell Guard!!!''

''What?! What kind of name is that?!'' Gabe asked.

Suddenly the Door opened and what looks like a tall muscular man in pirate suit of some kind
came inside the room accompanied with other weird clothed characters in leather with some
bone ornaments on their clothing. They that had taken Gabe by surprise they all look like people
in the circus. The person with the Captain suit came close near the old man's bed and knelt down
and held the Helgard's left hand and allowed it to touch his forehead then Helgard placed his
hand on top of his head. Gabe could not move on the sight of these strange people and could not
speak standing still in one place.

''My Father, I have come here just as you told me to, what is thy bidding?'' The person with the
pirate suit said to the old man.

''My Son! I have good news for you, I have found a new member for your collection that is just
waiting to be fetched. But he is still but an offspring, I hope you watch over him and take him to
his true home when he comes of age.'' Helgard said to him.

''Yes, I will find him and take him home with us, when the time is ripe.'' He said.

''Look what we have here! Pretending that he does not exist in our midst.'' A Woman with long
wavy violet hair wearing black leather mask took notice of Gabe.

She was a very slim woman, wearing a black tight leathery suit with ornaments of small animal
skeletons as buttons locks on her clothing and as clippings on her hair. She had a short leather
shirt and skirt with crossed spinal cord bones as a belt on her waist.

''Wait! I just came here to give the old man his prescribed medicine.'' Gabe said shaking in fear.

''Don't be such a scared cat, but I do like felines and had quite a collection of strays on my trailer
back at the circus. Cat's are good predators you know, catching their prey before it even knows
what caught them by surprise, in sudden death'' She said.

(''Well at least, I know they do came from the circus, but I have never seen such a Circus which
had these kind of weirdos working there.'' Gabe thought to himself.)

''Violet! Stop playing around with this man like a little kitten!'' A huge man said.

''Shut your traps Cyclops! We just came here and it would be better to get to know our friend
taking good care of our master, before we head back to the Colloseum.'' She said to a tall
muscular man with the body bigger than Bradford, he wore a silver helmet on his head with a
crossed shaped red visor, it was glowing red like a reflector. He wore a thick brown furry animal
coat over his furry shirt and pants that were made from furry animal hide, he had boots that were
formerly a bears feet with sharp claws.

''He-he-he-he! I thought you changed Violet, but it seems you still consider to take interest in
simpletons like this one.'' A Midget together with them said to her laughing.

The midget had a crown on his head that has two poles on top with electricity emitting in
between, wearing a brown cloak which covered his whole body going down over his feet and a
cowl covering his mouth.
''It does not concern you Dwarf! So don't interrupt me.'' She said.

(''How did these people able to pass on the guards at the hospital's entrance?'') Gabe thought to
himself.

''We are leaving now father, I will keep my promise to get him at the appointed time and make
sure your legacy does not end.'' The person with the pirate suit said.

''I believe in your abilities, Wolfgard, find Officer Reinhart of the Metherin Police Department
find him, he is different from the other ones you already have. You will replace me and continue
my legacy when I go to the great beyond where all great Vestro's reside.

''And where could that be, in Hell? '' Gabe whispered.

Gabe was suddenly surprised that the huge person's face with a helmet was already staring so
close to his face. He was surprised the brute was facing him so closely all of a sudden.

''I heard that, you think that is funny, I will make you see hell in the flesh, if it requires me to do
so.'' The Brute said to him.

''Enough! We will now leave and return to the Colloseum.'' Wolfgang said to his companions.

''Pray that you don't see me again short stuff.'' The Brute said to Gabe.

All of them left the room and Gabe was able to breathe properly and was so relieved.

''They left at last! Well that some kind of family you got there.'' He said.

''That is not the proper word for it Boy! They are my Legacy. My son will soon take my place.''

''So you own an Orphanage, a Circus and a Colloseum. Oh, your quite a rich man Grandpa.''

''Something like that'' Helgard said silently as if he was hiding something.

Gabe left the Old Man in his rest and tried to check on the security guards and ask how did those
people get in the hospital without any suspicion in how weird they were dressed? He saw them in
positions as if they were about to run or grab something including other civilian men close to
them. But they cannot move or speak, they were completely paralyzed all over their bodies.
Crowd was gathered around and was amazed seeing them staying still like statues, there were
long silver needles on each of the back of their necks.

Gabe removed the long needles one after the other, until all of them was able to move again and
told them it was the girl with a violet hair quickly threw those needles while she was jumping
around them like an acrobat, stepping on their head and shoulders as she avoided their capture,
tumbling here and there. The other weird people came afterwards entering the hospital and no
one dared questioned them because their looks stunned all the many people in the lobby with
their presence.

''Well that was all that happened while you both were away.'' He said to Austra and Krystal.

''I guess we have more problems to handle than we thought Krystal, they appear to be like
criminals visiting their relative with such a dramatic entrance.'' Austra said.

''Another set of bothersome troublemakers like Crox and the General.''

Suddenly a nurse shouted and they all heard the loud yell from where they are. Gabe, Austra and
Krystal hurriedly ran towards the place where the nurse who shouted was. They saw that the old
man has just passed away and the doctor with some nurses tried to revive him, but it was too late.

''I don't think those Weirdos will be coming back for him after all they did, coming here in such
an entrance. I heard his conversation with his weird son that he was going to take his place soon,
so they knew about it.'' Gabe explained to them both.

''We need to report this to the Police Department Krystal, I will call immediately.'' Austra said
and left immediately to report the incident.

''I heard something about a collection, he was referring an addition to his son's collection and I
think they meant a person.'' Gabe said.

''Is that old man go by the name of Helgard Vestro!? Krystal asked.

''Yes, that was him.'' He answered.

''What?! That old man is what Reinhart spoke about before we left the police station, who wanted
to adopt little Xero, if their parents ever gave him up for adoption. I have a bad feeling about
this. I think he wants his son to take possession of the boy.

''He owned a Circus, a Colloseum and an Orphanage too, what a rich man!'' He said.

''Circus? That does ring a bell, I guess he wanted Xero to be one of his collection of people with
freak conditions working in slavery at the circus and he also mentioned a Colloseum? As if it did
not even get worst than it already is'' She said.

''It appears he died of a heart attack and old age, it is expected since he was two hundered and ten
years old after all.'' Helgard's doctor announced.

''What! A hunderd and ten years old? Gabe was surprised of hearing his exact age.

''I hope taking all those pills all at the same time did not trigger the heart attack doctor.'' Gabe
said.
''No! I don't believe that would trigger it, since I did sent you, to give it to him at the appointed
time and it does not make a difference if he did take the pills all together.'' The Doctor clarified.

''I already told the Captain at the Police Station by phone and he said he will be here with a
detective.'' Austra arrived and said to them.

''You won't believe it Austra, someone else also had an interest on Xero. The old man did not ask
him to be sent to an Orphanage but to a Circus, to join with other people with a condition similar
to his. She said to her.

''Oh My that does not sound right. We have to tell Reinhart and Bradford about this, they are on
leave right now, to rest for a while after the incident. I will just call and inform them about
everything.'' Austra said.

''I think we should not overdo it or else we will forget to rest, let's all go home Gabe, our shift is
over for now.'' Krystal invited Gabe to go home and take some rest.''

''Yeah! I have been through a lot myself, this whole day was sure is something else.'' He said.

The Two Nurses went back home, Krystal still having deep thoughts of her own when she
arrived after riding a Taxi Cab, while Gabe was also thinking about the weird characters he just
encountered and tried to clear his mind, walking on the park somewhere in the City.

He sat down on a bench and looked around him, looking at many tall buildings, seeing kids
throwing a plastic disc and catching it, a woman walking her huge dog in front of him and
suddenly when he looked at his right. A news paper sticks to his whole face ''Oof!'' He removed
the newspaper, He looked at its one page and saw the Vestro Legacy Circus being advertized.

At the Zodiac residence everything during that morning, the whole state was just dry and the
skies were clear with few clouds to be seen, the sky was entirely blue and almost cloudless, the
grounds were dry after such a stormy night.

Travis and Cola with their child arrived at home riding from the Taxi and took their Child home
to their house and put him in his wooden crib. Cola made him wear thick clothing all over his
body like any other mother would do for her Child. The Couple stood close by the crib and
stared at their Child and had a deep concern. ''I hope no mad Scientist is behind all this Travis.''
Cola said thinking of someone to blame.

''Well, I can only think of one Doctor who could have done this to our child if ever he was one. I
will give him ten times of the dose of my fists, if I ever she him again.'' Travis said angrily.

''Well, Cola. At least you can see how everything went. Those Nurses and E.M.T's was all
concerned for us, they sure are good people, including our Good Doctor. Travis said to his wife
giving light to the things that happened.
Cola took her son from the Crib and carried him on her arms. ‘’Xero, you will be safe here with
us and grow like other normal children, but only with some restrictions. You may look different,
but I know there is something special about you.''

''I am worried Travis, How we will ever allow him to be with other children like this. If they saw
him, they will all tease him all his life and make fun of him. How could he ever have friends and
grow up normal just like them.'' She said worriedly with tears flowing gently from her eyes and
kissing the child.''

''We will make him grow like other children all right! And we going to be the best parents he
could ever have, wait until he is ready to meet other people, when there is already a possible
treatment for his condition in the future.'' Travis said to Cola assuring the future of their Child
although he was not really sure himself.

People came to their house who heard about their child and the couple also had a child with them
and went inside.

The Zodiacs had a friendly neighbor, named Katya Xedvor and had a daughter the same day on a
different hospital on the same city. They paid the Zodiac Family a visit together with her
husband Peter Xedvor. They were both shocked at Xero's condition and thought how lucky he
was having his parents to accept him the way he was.

''Hello There! Xero Zodiac, I would like you to meet Zoe Xedvor.'' Katya held her little baby girl
and took her closer to meet him.

Zoe tried to reach his face with her little hands and she began to touch the hair on Xero's face and
had a cute smile on her face and was giggling.

''Ahh! They're so cute.'' Katya said.

''Wait! Let's take a picture of them both'' Travis went to get a Camera.

The two couple and their children had their first family picture, taken. The Xedvor's have to
leave for a mission in their work. To travel on different parts of the world for six years to study
animals while raising their daughter. The only good neighbor they had, left them, while the other
neighbor's were already on watch and saw the child and thought Xero was just wearing a
costume.

''Hey, look at that, their already putting the child in costume. It's not even Halloween, what were
they thinking.'' A neighbor whispered on his window with an unseen group with him.

The Xedvor's and the Zodiac's said their Goodbyes to each other.
Cola and Travis's Parents came to the house and heard the news, Kaithlyn was so furious at
Travis for putting such a terrifying curse on their child. They were all surprised and confused on
how did such a thing happen to such an innocent human being.

They all went to Xero's room and watched him lay still on the wooden crib.

''Travis!!! What on earth did you do this time? Now you put a terrifying curse on my nephew!''
Kaithlyn was furious at him.

''Kaithlyn! Don't blame Travis for this, your superstition is really making me mad. He could have
not have done this to his own son, shame on you!'' her mother said to her.

''Well, I always hear trouble whenever I hear his name they even decided to call him ''Xero'' like
a Loser.'' Kaithlyn said angrily but was actually worried about her sister and her nephew.

''Kaithlyn my Doll, This is not something they could have anticipated at all.'' Her father said.

Gregory called on the Phone and made a fascinating discovery from Xero's Blood test and Travis
was speaking to him on the Phone.

''Travis, your son, seem to have a complete Genetic Human Mutation. I don't think any sort of
gene on you and your wife could do that, or maybe an Immunity Shot would not do that before
birth either.''

''What! How is that Possible!'' Travis shouted at the Phone''

''I remember back, then there was a Doctor that provided us with a free immunity shot, we never
knew his name. Could it be that the immunity shot is the thing that turned Xero into this?'' Travis
figured something out.

Gregory was surprised ''No, Immunity shot here in the hospital can do such a thing. We only
have simple shots for certain diseases, not something that mutates people.''

''I wonder, who that Doctor was I need to find him!'' Travis said.

''No Such a Vaccine or Immunity shot ever existed that could do such a thing. Maybe your
Doctor knows who he was, what was his name?''

''His name was Dr. Craig, but I never saw him ever since, he administered that Immunity Shot.''

''Strange, I never get to meet any of them.'' Gregory said

''I knew there was something to this. It could have been Dr. Crox himself! I thought there was a
very Generous Doctor giving my wife that immunity shot for our son, sometimes some people
sound too good to be true, in the end. Dr. Craig was really nice to us though.'' Travis said.
''That could make some sense he was the only one mysterious enough in this hospital to do such
a thing.'' Gregory said. ''Okay, I will inform Austra and Krystal about that possibility, surely they
will get more pissed at him, hearing it.''

Travis broke the news about Dr. Crox to his family, while Gregory informed Austra and Krystal.

Kaithlyn looked so convinced ''I thought you were the only freaky person I know, to be able to
pull something as crazy as that. That twisted Mad Scientist! But how can we be sure it was him
who gave you that shot or it has nothing to do with the shot, just your darn Genes Travis.''
Kaithlyn accused him.

''Don’t blame that on me Kaith, I will surely make him pay, if ever he got something to do with
this, I kinda sort of remembered a Doctor in the past who was at the emergency room lying in
bed next to me, who was insulting me of my dream of becoming a Sports Boarder, I just hope
that wasn't him.'' Travis said.

''Did he have any Photo?'' Travis's mother said.

''None, not even a single snap shot of him was ever found, as I heard from the people who helped
us at the Hospital and who warned us about the threats on Xero. That is why he is some sort of
snake slithering away and hiding on the shadows. But surely I can describe his face to the police
station, if they’re artist are even that good enough to draw his hideous face.'' Travis said.

''I wonder who is more hideous looking, you or him.'' Kaithlyn told him.

Travis got irritated with her ''So! it always comes to that!'' He shouted.

They faced each other chest to chest while Kaithlyn tip-toped to reach the same level of his
height and had her fists on the sides of her waist. ''Oh God! I can't even stand to stare at your
ugly face.'' She said and went away from him.

''Oh, look at my Grandson!'' Travis's father raised his grandchild out of his wooden crib and held
him in his arms and was smiling back at him.

Kaithlyn took a close look at her nephew and kissed him on the cheek ''I hope that breaks your
curse your wicked father gave you, someday.''

Cola and Kaithlyn's mother sat down the sofa with her weeping daughter talking about Xero's
condition and she was flowing with tears.

''Dear, it’s not your fault, this is most really unfortunate, but you still have a son. You already did
good by keeping him and we will also be here for Xero.'' Her mother said to her seeing her
daughter's despair.
Cola grabbed a tissue that Travis gave to her and wiped her tears ''I don't know what did we ever
do to deserve this? I always thought of those Circus people and never teased them or anything
like that at all.'' She said.

''Of course you did not, it was never your fault nor Travis'.'' Her father placed his hand on her
shoulders.

Kylie and Kyle also went to the crib to play with their cousin. Travis's father had placed Xero
back inside his crib while the child tried to sleep again.

''Look at you, you're so Cute!'' Kylie strokes the fur on Xero's face.

''Kylie he does look like a Bunny, I wonder how do we play with him?'' Kyle told his sister.

''He is just some hours old we are going have to wait at least five years.'' Kylie said.

So the Zodiacs and their relatives decided to keep Xero safe from the public's eye, especially
from the neighbors' gossip and rumors that would eventually surround the child. It was better for
them to keep their child behind closed doors but they chose not to hide his appearance, people
would think he was just on a costume anyway, whenever they were going out.

He was then Home Schooled by Cola when he finally came of age after some years and in order
to avoid contact from other children since he can't play with them and he was obviously too
young and could even be too fragile. The Zodiac family, are now going to face many troubles,
but they would face it together no matter what happens. They decided to raise the child privately
but not secretly, since the neighbors will find out anyway and make their endless Gossips and
Rumors about the Child.

The Zodiac's are expecting to face the challenges in raising their child Normal and in Private,
thinking about what things might people say about them or their’ child. Xero's parents did not
try to cover up their child's condition or hide his appearance from the Public. They only thought
of just letting it be, not caring if people would stare at their Child with indifference.

They went to T.V. and Radio stations announcing their Child's very rare condition and the world
knew about it, asking help if any doctor would be there to help their Child.

''Please, anyone out there please help Xero!'' Cola said in tears.

There were risks involved, some people were even protesting to put an end to his misery while
others supported the Zodiacs in any way they can. Cola was quite famous now since she starred
successful roles on her modeling career.

A lot of debates were going on the News, television crews came to their House to learn more
about their Story. Cola and Travis already thought about and prepared a lot, about his education
and his future, in how a little bit complicated it will be for him to understand why can't he be like
other normal children at all and why does he have to live differently from them for the rest of his
life?

CHAPTER TWELVE

The Zodiac family, went to the Metherin Park and they entered deep into the Woods
walking for minutes until they reached the Circus. The Zodiacs were being greeted by strangers,
ever since the News about Xero was brought out, but some despises them as usual, thinking it
was just another publicity stunt, since his parents were famous, even though Doctors and
Scientists confirmed his condition to be Authentic. The Couple were happy to see Huge Tents
with different shows taking place one each one. There were loads of people the time they arrived,
there were people in long Legs which is actually on high stilts covered with their long stripe
colored pants, walking around and eating and blowing fire from the sticks they were juggling.

There were crowds of people moving around and children were enjoying running around all over
the place. Beyond the four huge tents and some huge halls, was a castle with many flames rising
from its towers like a spitting volcano and fireworks display's were on the Sky was of different
Colors and Sparkles, some were forming like planets with rings while the other smiling faces.
There were People in weird Costumes, who were all attendants to games and the entrance of
different halls. They went through the crowd coming from every corner, looking at food stands
everywhere and games of different kinds that gave prizes to the winner. But the Zodiac Family
only chose to check out the show on one of the Stadium size Tent.

The Zodiacs entered one of the Tents, there was a Wrestling Match which was about to Start,
Cola and Travis had bought their tickets from a booth. They were just in time to watch a show
about to take place. When they came inside the Tent with their Child, it was dark all over the
Huge Tent and they were finding their way to their Seats through the countless seated crowd. On
many ascending rows of hundreds of seats around the Tent, Some distance away from a Square
Stage in the center of the Tent, they were all waiting for the show to start. After a while of
searching for a free seat for them, The Zodiac Family finally obtained their seats somewhere at a
high level of the rows of ascending seats. Inside the Tent was like a Stadium, the seats for the
Audience is in Circumference, inside the Huge Tent with an elevated platform at the center
which was a Square Stage.

''I wonder what the show is about? '' Cola asked.

''It's the Cyclops who will wrestle with a Bear.'' Travis said to her.

''A Cyclops? So this is a Freak Show after all. What do you think Xero?'' Cola asked her son who
was now seated on her lap.

''Let's just seat back and watch the show and find out what happens.'' Travis said.
Suddenly, huge beams of Lights and Spotlights coming from above the tent lit the whole Tent.
There was an explosion on the center of the Stage and a shower of glittering Confetti come out of
the Explosion itself engulfing the stage with thick colorful smoke. Shadowy Figures were
emerging from the colorful Smoke, the figures were Two Women dressed like Clowns who
appear to be Twins. One was dressed in a Red Clown Costume while the other was in Blue, their
very long wavy violet hair reaching their waist.

The Two Women Clowns were announcers for the current show now taking place inside the
Tent. The Women stood on the Stage to present the show. On one side of the Tent, Some Midget
clowns emerged from the curtain opposite the entrance of the Tent. They came running towards
the Stage and began tumbling around the corners of the Stage to amuse the audience.

''Good Evening! Ladies and Gentleman! Welcome to the Metherin Vestro Legacy Circus!'' The
Twin Lady Clowns announced all at the same time with their microphones in hand, making a
pose side by side, one extended her right hand while the other her left with their palms open as a
gesture to present the show, which was already starting exactly on schedule as always.

''Well, this looks exciting! I wonder if the Cyclops does only have One Eye?'' Travis said.

The Four Midget Clowns on stage went all stopping at the same time at the edge of the Stage in
its four corners and began to back flip towards the twin women clowns who were both at the
center. The Midgets stopped around them facing the Audience and bowed down to the crowd
who were all shouting with excitement.

The Midgets then ran and went down the Stairs of the Stage and proceeds towards the Curtain
were they came from, which appears to be the Back Stage for the Performers.

''As you all been waiting for, this great show is about to start.'' The Lady Clown in Red said.

''Witness the spectacular battle between Man and Beast!'' The Lady Clown in Blue said.

''Release the Cyclops!!!'' The Two Lady Clowns shouted at the same time, both pointing to the
back stage curtain as the audience followed with their stare.

Figures appeared coming, out of the curtain, two midget clowns came outside. They seem to be
carrying a huge metallic chain on their shoulders the chains were straightened as if they were
pulling something heavy that cannot be seen. As the Midgets came closer to the Stage carrying
the long heavy burdens on their shoulders, a huge brute with one huge eye on his head appeared.
There were huge cuffs on both the Brute's arms where the chains were attached. The huge Man
began growling and shouting at the audience. The crowd shouted, as a Music usually heard in the
Circus began playing loud from the huge speakers on the top of the Tent.

When the midgets almost reach the Stairs of the Stage, the Cyclops stopped moving and the
Midgets faced him and kept pulling the metal chains as hard as they can.
The Cyclops made a loud cry and pulled the midgets towards himself. As they kept hold of the
Chains to restrain the Brute, they flew high in the air and fell to the ground and kept hold the
chains with their grip in a desperate attempt. The Cyclops spun his body round and round as the
midgets kept holding the chains was going round and round in the air. The Audience was
laughing and knew it was part of the show the Midget Clowns lost their grip on the Chains and
was thrown a distance away rolling on the dusty ground.

The Cyclops growled at them one after the other. The Midgets appear to be scared and ran away
going back through the Red Curtains. The Huge Brute stared at the Audience and kept shouting
and continued walking towards the Stage.

The Two announcers immediately ran and went to the center of the Stage. The Brute Cyclops
ascended its Stairs and went to the center still glaring and growling at the Audience angrily and
he flexes his bulging muscles on his body with huge veins appearing on it. He was a seven foot
tall Man.

''Woah! That huge Eye is real!!!'' Cola shouted.

The Cyclops heard Cola from a distance on the highest point of ascending seats and stretched his
arm and he pointed at little Xero, which she was carrying in her lap, his finger pointed at the kid
and rolled his one huge Eye in different directions to prove it was real eyes and not fake.

Travis why is that Bug-eyed Cyclops pointing at my son? '' Travis said and it made him feel
uneasy.

The Roof of the massive Circus tent had people near its Roof, high above. Standing on a
Platform with beams of Bridges high above where the huge lights and sound systems are being
operated. There was an elevator there parallel to the back stage curtain below, where they ride to
go way up there, one hundred feet above ground. The Tent was like half of a Stadium in size, a
Hundred feet in height, width and circumference. The Operators above, wore brown Robes like
they were Monks from a Monastery, they took care of the lighting and sound systems high
above. They saw everything that was happening below with their Binoculars from such a height
above ground.

They Focused the Spotlight on Xero .

''Look over there, it seems the Cyclops is challenging that little Child to come down.'' The Lady
Clown in Red announced to the audience.

''Is that monstrosity out of his mind? He is just a little Child.'' A Woman somewhere on the
Audience said.

''Hey why don't you pick on someone your own size you One-Eyed-Bug! '' Travis stood up on his
seat and shouted at the Cyclops.''
Another Spotlight was focused on Travis making the entire audience seated like them stared at
him and became completely silent, wondering who he was.

''Well people, someone stood up for the Child and will he take on the challenge Instead?!'' The
Lady Clown in Red excitedly announced to the Audience.

The Lady Clown in Blue quickly ran, went down from the stage and headed towards the Side-
Stairs of the rising levels of Seats. She quickly climbed the high Stairs, until he reached the
Highest level of the rising rows of seats and slip through many seated audience, going to where
The Zodiac Family were seated. She came close to where Travis was and asked him, if he will
accept the challenge.

''Sir! Do you accept the challenge?!''

''No! I have nothing to prove to that Monstrosity, but if he ever did something to my boy, he will
surely get what he deserves!'' Travis said bravely.

''Oh, did you all hear that? He will give that Monstrosity what he deserves?!'' The Lady Clown in
Blue announced.

''All right people! Don't forget we have a show to perform, The Lady Clown in Red standing on
the Stage announced to Audience.

The Lady Clown in Blue then jumped very high from where she was standing on the highest
point of the stairs beside the rising levels of the many rows of seats, that the audience, were
seated upon. Her jumping surprised the Audience upon seeing her, as she jumped the skirt on her
costume was spread out like an umbrella Allowing her to glide over the Audience falling, gently
downward towards the Stage as if she was floating in the air. Her skirt had the structure that is
like that of an Umbrella, that made her glide and she was wearing black tights on her waist down
to her Legs. The Audience was amazed as she gently landed from such a high place and into the
Stage conveniently without hassle.

''Well Mr. Cyclops you ready to pound Blackie?!'' The Lady Clown in Blue asked him.

''Sure! It's my pleasure!'' The Cyclops answered.

The Crowd was shouting and cheering with excitement all over the huge Stadium Tent as the
Cyclops agreed to begin the Wrestling Match.

The Bright Lights was gone and only two Spotlights can be seen focused on the Announcers.

''Let's just enjoy the Show for now okay?'' Cola said to Travis still staring at the Cyclops with
intent for pointing at his Son.
''Popcorn! Who wants some Cheesy Popcorn, Bubbly Crimson Soda and Snake's Blood?!'' A
Vendor came near them and they bought some and sat back to watch what was going to happen.

''I want the Crimson Soda and Popcorn for me and Xero!'' Cola said.

The Zodiacs bought their snacks and suddenly, the Entire Tent was silent and very dark until
another spot light lit up focusing on the Red back Stage Curtain. Then a loud music began to
play that sounded like a Piano organ playing, then a huge cage appeared with wheels being
pushed behind by four muscular men dressed in clown costume that looked inappropriate for
them to wear. The Men Clowns stopped somewhere close to the Stage and inside of the Cage
was a huge Black Bear sitting on what appears to be a pile of bones.

The Muscular men opened the Cage allowing the huge Animal go out free. The Bear went out of
the Cage and looked at the Audience and made a loud roar as it held a bone on its huge paw and
slammed it with its other paw, crushing the bone to pieces. The Audience were shouting and
applauding again with such enjoyment and were thrilled by the Special Effects.

The Lady Clown Announcers on Stage continued making their announcements to the Audience.
The Bear walked towards the stage and kept growling at the Audience, it then climbed the stairs
of the Stage and stopped at the Center near the Cyclops. It was a higher than him.

The announcers said to the audience that they were twins and introduced themselves.

‘’Hello, I am Purple...’’ The Woman in red clown dress announced.

While the other said ‘’I am Violet.’’

''Don't worry we did not feed this Bear people! So that he is really hungry for prey, right
Blackie? Purple in Red Clown costume announced to the crowd and asked the Bear, as if it could
understand, the Bear responded and nodded its huge head.

But don't worry those bones in his cage were just props, but are all made out of very strong Fiber
Glass so he is really strong.'' Violet in the Blue Clown costume announced to the audience.

''Without further wasting your time, let the battle between man and beast begin!'' Violet and
Purple announced to the audience holding their microphones and extending their other hands
towards the crowd with open hands.

The bright lights all lit up again all over the Stadium-like Tent and gave the audience further
excitement.

''I don't quite know the difference between the two of them. ''Where is the man and where is the
beast?'' Travis said.
The Huge Black Bear went close to the Cyclops and held his head with its huge paws. The
Crowd started to shout loudly again from the excitement.

''Is Blackie going to crush his head just like a Coconut, like he did to that Bone?'' Violet asked
the audience and they were worried of what she said.

''If that was true Sister, than Cyclops could get badly injured and were going out of Business for
sure and this Circus will be closing for good! ha-ha-ha-ha!'' Purple said jokingly to his sister and
laughed to entertain the Audience with a little bit of Humor.

The Cyclops head was not crushed, he head-butted the Bear in the nose and it was in pain
touching it. The Bear than scratched the Cyclops shirt and it was torn from his body. Blackie the
Bear then held him with its huge beastly arms around his waist and lifted the huge man above the
floor of the Stage and started squeezing him.

The Crowd applauded again and people were rooting and betting who would win, but the show
does not always have the same results, so the Cyclops also allowed it to win in turns or maybe
the Bear allowed him to win instead.

''Remember people, gambling is not allowed here or else we will call the Cops!'' Purple joked at
the Audience and many of them laughed.

The Cyclops hit the Bear with both his left and right palms on its head and The Bear loosed its
grip on him, allowing him to escape its powerful grip. The two competitors ran towards each
other and were pushing each other and got too close. They wrestled each other with their arms
over their backs and they appeared as if they were hugging.

''Awww! Look at that! They love each other.'' Purple said.

The Audience laughed and some were whistling.

The Cyclops bent down as if he was losing to Blackie, but he was actually positioning himself to
lift the Bear from the legs. He then lifted its two huge legs with his right arm as it almost fell on
the stage and caught its back with his left arm. The Cyclops with all his strength lifted the whole
Body of the Bear and had quite hard time, as he raised the heavy Beast over his head. The
Cyclops was able to lift the Huge Bear over his head carried its weight with only his two arms on
its leg and its neck. He began to spin round and round while lifting the Bear, like a log. They
continue to spin round and round, faster and faster as the Cyclops was starting to lose his grip on
the Huge Animal, he threw it on the stage and it rolled over and tried to sit down with its head
moving around like it was dizzy.

It fell on its back and instantly fell asleep, as a loud gong sounded on the speakers high above the
Tent. The Crowd laughed aloud and the Cyclops began roaring and raising both his hands,
looking around the Audience which in turn applauded him.
''That is all Folks! Thank you for Coming''

Purple and Violet Announced at the same time on the Stage

The Show was over and Travis stared at the Cyclops still thinking of the Huge Man, he felt that
his little boy was threatened and Cola began to notice.

''Travis, Let it go. That was just for fun that Cyclops pointed at Xero.'' Cola said to him as they
both stood up from their seats.

'' I hope you're right Cola...'' Travis said still staring at the Cyclops with curiosity.

The Zodiacs left their seats and headed to the entrance of the Tent to leave, as Violet, Purple and
the Cyclops watched them leaving.

Violet came close to the Cyclops and looked up at the Huge Man's face ''What were you thinking
Voltaire, challenging a young kid like that?''

''That Kid, that's Xero is he not? The Child with the Bunny Syndrome.'' The Cyclops told his
Circus Colleagues.

''So what! You got one Huge Eye yourself. You're not the only freak show here after all.'' Purple
said to him who stood beside her twin sister.

Voltaire the Cyclops stared at the distance towards the Zodiac Family already leaving the Tent.

''That is the Point, The Grandmaster Helgard Vestro would think of him as something of Good
Interest.'' Voltaire Said to them.

Voltaire turned his back on the Two Women and walked heading towards the Back Stage
Curtain. ''I don't know, maybe I am wrong.'' He said while he was leaving them behind.

''Well, that was all in a days’ work, sister, let's head back.'' Violet said to her twin sister.

Purple stared at the Zodiac family very far away as they went outside the Tent. ''The Family were
cool, if you ask me.'' She said.

''Let's just enjoy just like they did, Purple.'' Violet said to her and they both turned their backs on
them and followed Voltaire the Cyclops.

Meanwhile, Officer Reinhart was at home on his apartment somewhere on the City, laying in bed
resting his tired body. A call from Austra came ringing on his cellular phone, telling him
everything she found about the true intention of Helgard Vestro and surprising him. He lay on
his bed looking at his dog tag which he lifted with his left hand above his face swinging it, while
he spoke with her on his Cellular Phone.
Bradford called him too and discussed their plan to pay a visit to the Vestro Circus during the
night at the same day to learn more about the son of Helgard and heir to the circus, Woflgang
Vestro.

Reinhart and Bradford also went to the Metherin Circus and entered deep into the woods walking
until they reached the Circus that the old man owned. They were surprised to see huge tents,
there were different shows taking place one each one. There were loads of people the time they
arrived. The two officers came during the night that day being so bothered by what happened
before, that they went there in civilian clothes, but with their police badges worn like dog tags
around their necks.

They went through the crowd coming from every corner, looking at food stands everywhere and
games of different kinds that gave prizes to the winner. Bradford caught his sight on a hammer
slamming game that makes the use of a heavy hammer to hit the huge round red button on the
ground that makes a metal orb rise up, to make the circular gong make a loud bang upon impact.
It was a long rectangular post with measurements from bottom to top like a ruler. Standing
fifteen feet high and had a huge spherical object hanging attach to a chain from an extended pole
on the back of its tip where the gong is placed.

''What is this Freaky Game?'' A man said.

''Brad! What do you think you’re doing, were undercover remember?'' Reinart said.

''Come on, this is part of being undercover. We need to blend in with the crowd right?'' He said.

''All right, I guess there's no need to become too serious we are not even in duty.'' Reinhart
replied.

Bradford slammed his huge hammer on the big red button on the platform with all his strength
''Duunngg!!!'' the metallic orb moved around in circles on the loops, and finally hitting the
Spherical Gong which made a loud sound that was almost deafening.

Most people nearby covered their ears because it was louder than any gong they had ever heard,
there was a slight tremor on the ground, a light shaking that can be felt, it was that strong and
was echoing over some distance around the Circus. Then suddenly the spherical gong opened
from its south pole and a colorful, confetti rained down with something that looked like a small
person that fell on the ground with a thud.

''Congratulations! You got the Midget!'' The attendant of the game said to Bradford.

The Crowd was shocked at person that fell and wondered why was he inside the spherical gong?
Some children ran screaming when the midget fell on the ground, scared as to why did a man fell
on the ground which was supposed to be a fun game.

''What kind of sick joke is this!? Whoever invented this game?'' A woman in the crowd said.
''What did I just do?! What kind of game is this!? Bradford said confused.

The midget on the ground was laying down flat with a chest on his feet and rose up tumbling
landing on his own two feet he offered the chest to Bradford which he opened and contained a
key.

''That key open one chest in the hall of chests, just next to the hall of mirrors.'' The attendant said
to him.

''Okay who wants to slam the midget in the gong and get a key to the hall of treasure chests?!
The attendant asked the crowd and the midget went back inside and held a new chest, yet
containing another key that opens the chest on the treasure chests hall.

''You should have said that in the first place!'' A man pointed out to the attendant.

''Sorry people! This Circus is full of surprises, I myself was not informed about what falls on that
Gong, that is how the people running this Circus wanted it to be.'' The attendant explained.

''Well I am just shocked! Who wants to play such a horrible game like that? '' A young woman
said.

''Me!'' A kid said. ''NO Billy!!!'' The Boy's mother told his son. ''Aww! I am man enough mom''
he said. ''No you're not your just a Boy!'' Said his mother.

''You people just leave then, if you can't bear this fun game made for men!'' A man said and took
the huge mallet for his turn. The crowd of adults and some children left him alone to play the
game.

Reinhart felt the same way as the crowd of people but was not as concerned, ''I guess this is a
Circus expect the unexpected huh, Brad!'' He said.

''I just need to claim my prize right now Rein, that is all that matters right now'' Bradford said.

Bradford went to the room full of chests and tried to pick from many antique chests of different
colors and picked one and used his key but he only got a huge bunny inside of it with a tag on it
saying ''Loser!'', The attendant in the room of chests showed what was inside the other chests and
it was lots of unique sparkling jewelry and antiques which made him feel bad for picking the
wrong one.

''You did win right? If you don't like your prize then give it to me, I might find someone who
would like it.'' Reinhart took the Bunny with him.

Bradford was not satisfied with the Game and his prize that he wanted to find other games to
play. he saw a knife throwing game. He was suppose to throw some knives at the spinning wheel
with different colors.
''Roasted Crickets with Honey dip! Roasted gecko's on stick!'' A vendor came near them.

Reinhart bought both of the exotic food and ate the gecko in a barbecue stick.

Bradford went to the attendant and gave five bucks for his set of knives and the attendant went to
the other side with some crowd looking at the other side of the wheel.

''Are you truly eating those things?!'' Bradford asked him preparing to throw his knife.

''Sure it's food, I have tried to eat more disgusting things than this, for survival in the jungle,
when I was left all by myself on a jungle for a month when I got lost during a military exercise,
eat all you can man!.'' Reinhart said.

''You finally found where you belong, huh, Rein.'' Bradford said.

''I think I should say the same with you Bradford you seem to be enjoying it all.'' He said to him.

The Attendant of the spinning wheel for throwing knives gave Bradford his set of knives of
different odd shapes and very sharp. The attendant then went to the other side of the wheel. He
throwed his knives as quickly as he can on the colored spinning wheel. Suddenly as his knives
sticks on the different places on the wheel, a scream was heard.

AAHHH! OUCH!

''Oh! That-got-to-hurt! That's fifty points for the neck, thirty points for the legs and twenty points
for the shoulders, the attendant of the game announced.

''What is it now?! What is with the body parts having the points? Bradford asked.

''Hey Brad! Why are you throwing in the wrong side of the Wheel!'' Reinhart said to him.

''What?! I thought this was the place to throw! I thought I was the only one participating in this
game.''

They both immediately got to the other side and seeing a lot of participants throwing knives on
the spinning wheel with a midget stuck to the wheel with straps on his feet and his arms.

''I did not notice the participants on the other side, the attendant gave me the knives on the other
side and did not tell me it was on this side'' he said.

''Oh, I am sorry sir, I forgot to tell you that this is the right side of the wheel'' The attendant said.

''What kind of twisted joke is this?! Is there any game involved without harming any midget in
the process?!'' Bradford asked the attendant angrily.
''Don't worry sir, The Midget has a special skin that keeps the knives from harming him in any
part of his body, that is why it only protrudes but do not harm him in anyway, just like his bones
are not damaged but only passes through it.'' The attendant explained to him.

''Hey these midgets are humans too pal! You should not use them like play things not even
animal's are treated in this way in any circus. This is an outrage! '' Bradford said.

''Well, the owner of this Circus thought of this idea a year ago, the owner was an old man by the
name of Helgard Vestro who made a lot of changes and talked about his strange legacy.'' The
attendant told them who had been working for years in the circus.

''This has been going on for a year and nobody did anything about this absurdity?! I don't care
about his legacy this has to stop'' Reinhart said.

''Just following the big boss here, sir, were here to do business.'' The attendant said.

''I remember this circus was not anything weird like this, when my father use to take me here
many decades ago when I was a kid, this circus turned into a Freak Show Circus.'' Bradford told
Reinhart.

''Oh! I was never originally from around here so I would not know we need to tell this to the
Commish. This is a violation of human rights, we need to see more what's wrong in this
corrupted circus.'' Reinhart said.

Bradford and Reinhart saw the midget with a strange skin and felt something familiar about it.
His skin was like mud constantly moving around his whole body. Reinhart and Bradford tried to
remove the mutated midget but they got scolded by him and instead roamed around some more
to see other strange things on the circus, there were different kinds of strange rides around the
circus themed like that of Halloween and musicians playing their music in strange instruments.
So they Decided to take a look at the tents with different shows taking place inside and bought
some tickets for the two of them.

Somewhere on the Circus Grounds a loud drum play was heard somewhere over the distance.
There was a drummer who uses bones as his drum sticks, a harp player with a harp that has
strings arranged like a spider web and a musician using an elephant tusk as a blow horn. They
were wearing costumes there was a huge upside down top hat in front of them, where people
placed their coins as a tip for their good performance.

''Well, at least they make good music, no matter how weird their instruments are, it sounded so
good in a freaky way.'' Gabe said.

''I need to check out that Castle with a Coloseum inside.'' Krystal said.

''Sure, go ahead.'' Gabe allowed her to go without him.

Krystal went on through the streaming crowds leaving Gabe, she went to the Castle of the
Circus, to check out the Coloseum she heard about.

There were different huge Circus Tents which many shows were going on at the same time and
had an hour of rest until they start performing the same presentations and show, once more.
Outside the Circus grounds people were having fun and trying all the Weird Rides and buying
strange things from the shops or trying different games.

The Circus turned out to be more interesting than before when it was all ordinary, but some
thought of it as only being a huge freak show festival rather than a normal Circus full of people
doing the usual stunts. Somewhere outside the Circus grounds, Travis and Cola brought Xero
with them, wearing pants and suspenders, there was no need of hiding his condition, everybody
knows who he was and all that was about him ''As seen on T.V.'' He was sitting behind Travis's
neck and holding his head with his tiny hands, even though he was just been.

''Xero, look at that beautiful Fountain!''

Travis came close to a pillar of man-made bones with a pond on top of the pillar which had a red
colored pond. Coins can be seen submerged on the deep pond, piling up. There was a glowing
red light below the pond and mists were moving on the crimson colored water's surface. There
was a flower raised by a golden hand. From the flower, a fountain spurts.

Travis gave Xero a Coin and asked him to throw, which Zero did throw immediately on the pond
of the fountain.

Cola and Travis joined their hands together in front of the wishing fountain and like they were in
prayer and bowed their heads and Xero surprisingly imitated them, folding hands and bowing his
head also.

''There we got a wish, hope it comes true!'' Cola said and she squeezed Zero's furry cheeks.

Cola and Travis are wearing their winged helmets and sports gear, to fit in the weird circus
crowd. Little Zero also had a blue version of the helmet.

A vendor wearing a Skeleton Costume came to them holding a cart selling cotton candy of
different colors, blue, green, red, purple, yellow, orange and even black on a plastic stick. There
were candies resembling body parts sticking on the cotton candy, Cola bought some for the three
of them Purple for Travis, Red for her and Black for Xero.

''Yummy! I wonder what flavor is Yours Xero?'' Travis asked looking above his head where his
son was seated behind his neck.

Cola took a piece from Zero's cotton candy took a chunk and ate it ''Well, its black berry
flavored!'' She said.
Gabe saw them and came close ''Hey! What are you people doing around here? It's such a
surprise!'' he said.

''Oh! It’s Gabe Browning!'' Cola greeted him.

''What a Photographic memory you got there Mrs. Zodiac!'' Gabe replied.

''So what brings you here Gabe?'' Travis asked.

''Well you see, me and Krystal went here because we needed some time off, once in a while.
Please don't mistake this as some sort of Date. She just left to check out the Castle with a
Coloseum inside of it, if you want you can go there and meet her.'' Gabe told them.

''It is good you both focus on the bright side of all this, everything that is currently happening
around your family, after facing this Crisis that came to your family by surprise, Unbelievable
indeed.'' Gabe said.

Travis then asks him ''So Gabe, aren't you going to start a family of your own someday?''

He replies ''Not that it’s required or there is a need to go with it like a trend, I am just in my mid-
twenties. Maybe sometime, when I reach my late twenties or mid-thirties

Cola smiled at him and says ''Sure! you can take your time, you can get married when your forty
even.''

''Well I think that is a bit too much, but that is not bad for those who are really preparing that
much. I don't think it matters if they will not be able to see their children grow in their teens or
adulthood.'' Gabe said.

''Yeah, that's right loving for a few moments is more worthwhile than a longtime without truly
loving someone at all, I just hope you don't have to prepare that long, but who knows?'' She said
to Him.

''Take your time Pal! Maybe Krystal is waiting for you.'' Travis said.

Gabe was startled ''What! Her? Are you kidding me, I think I'll pass.''

‘’Sometimes you will never know that the one that is really meant for you is just beside you.
Trust me looking for the hot chick is just a waste of your time, the girl acting like your best
friend may be the one you're not looking for, but you know her more. It's your Call!'' Cola gave
him an advice.

''Look at that, Cola knows more about relationships than me.'' Travis said.
Gabe thought about what Cola said ''I am not sure about that, I will be thinking about what you
said. Though, it won't turn out to be that easy. You know lovers can't be friends and friends can't
become lovers.''

''No Gabe! It’s possible, you think that it would break relationships by doing so, but that is just a
myth. Lovers who can't be friends anytime are not truly that close and lovers who were friends
before, have a stronger relationship because they know each other more.

Gabe was a bit enlightened by Cola ''I'll take your advice, but that does not mean, I will be trying
it.''

''I am not forcing you on Krystal, Gabe. Just stating a point.'' She said.

''Let's go where Krystal went and get to the bottom of this.'' Travis said.

''Let's go Gabe, she might be already a damsel in distress, we need to find her before she gets
herself into trouble.'' Cola said. They all went toward the Castle and to continue to the Coloseum
to find Krystal Edison.

Meanwhile, Krystal was getting near the Castle that has a Coloseum inside and the Residence of
the Vestro's which was also at the Castle.

''What a Strange Place...'' Krystal whispered.

The Moat before the Castle stretched for many feet away from the main entrance. It was like a
lake, The Body of Water was man-made, which was dug up many feet and it looks very deep.
there were many big luminous fishes below swimming on the lake under the Bridges and some
meters above, where the three broad shaky wooden Bridges supported by thick ropes, that led to
the Castle. The Bridges were wooden and squeaky, it was really shaky. There were many rows of
huge torches hanging on the suspension ropes of the Bridges which were far away enough to
avoid it from burning the ropes close by.

''Why in the World would they take the trouble of making this Castle look like a Real Fortress?
This is an exaggeration, unless they really are hiding something there.'' Krystal said.

There were lots of People around Krystal and on the other Bridges, she was slipping through as
quickly as she can to get early as possible to her destination, without thinking about Gabe since
he was not that into such adventures like she does.

Finally reaching the brick floor platform outside the Castle, Krystal walked up the ascending
steps and saw the huge wooden door of the entrance. There were huge torches and huge
Gargoyles on the walls, some gargoyles on the other edges of the Castle walls, were spilling
huge amounts of water into the lake from its open mouths with sharp Teeth.

''Well, that was sure is something else, so dramatic.'' She said.

There were people in black cloaks on boats, rowing at the lake and throwing food at the many
big and colorful luminous fishes.

''They sure are spending much for those Pets of theirs. I wonder, what happened to the original
owners of this used to be famous and fun Circus, just not into this sort of idea for fun. The Lake
was not here before when I was a little girl.'' She said to herself. ''Saw this Castle still being built
back then, though.''

There were many huge towers high above and gargoyles on them that were spitting huge
amounts of fire, Krystal proceeded towards the huge door of the Castle and there was a line she
had to go through. The inside of the Castle had many huge statues above huge fountains on a
huge Garden. further was also wide hallway in sight. On the inner walls was many rows of lions
spilling water on a long water box where horses seems to be drinking, rode by people in black
hoods and cloaks.

''Wow!'' This Garden sure is worth the wait. Wonder what is further, that Huge Hallway?'' She
said to herself with a feeling of excitement.

The Zodiacs and Gabe finally reached the three bridges leading to the huge Castle in sight.

''I wonder if Krystal is among those people?'' Gabe asked.

''Hey Gabe! Aren't you coming with us?!'' Cola waved and called at him from a distance.

The Zodiacs were already on a rowing boat with a cloaked man rowing for them.

''Hey! Wait!'' Gabe shouted and ran towards them.

''There is much space here Gabe!'' Travis called to him while Cola was carrying Xero on her lap
and pointing at the child, the Colorful fishes that were all coming close to them.

''Remember, this is no Picnic!!!'' Gabe shouted.

''Money Changes everything Gabe, I paid him a hundred bucks.''

''Fine! I'll just wait out her then!'' Gabe said.

''See you later uncle Gabe!'' Cola moving Zero's little hands to wave at him.

''Travis waved goodbye at Gabe, see you later Alligator! Travis took some bread crumbs on the
bag and threw at the fishes crowding near their boat and the fishes all caught it and the couple
just laughed and so did Xero, had a cute laugh of his own.

''Wise guys...'' Gabe whispered from the distance.

Travis and Cola finally reached the dock of the boat outside the Castle and went inside the Great
Hallway seeing the performers’ posters.

''So this is what they consider the Greatest Show on Earth. Using people who are different to
earn big bucks and I wonder why do they agree having this kind of job not avoiding possible
humiliation.'' Travis said.

''You can't blame them Travis that is their unique trait unless they were forced to work here that
would be absurd. They seemed to have accepted the way they are and found special jobs
uniquely for them, like I did. '' Cola said.

''Not sure if that has an exact similarity with your work Cola, I guess the show must go on for
them, if it’s only for their own living that their doing this. The Coloseum being used as a Stage
Show, sounds really fishy to me. Freak Shows use to be only performed on a stage and showing
their oddities to entertain people, but a Coloseum, I wonder.''

Krystal saw the couple and ran towards them, smiling.

''Hey! Well, if it isn't the Zodiacs!'' She came close to them and looked at Xero.

Travis and Cola recognized her. ''Hello! Krystal Edison!'' Cola greeted her as she approached.

''Well, I did not even remember telling you my name. Such a smart Woman you are.'' Krystal
said.

''Gabe is waiting for you, he did not follow us on our Boat Ride.'' Travis said.

''What Boat Ride?'' Krystal asks.

''Too bad you did not use your ingenuity, we were able to pay for a Boat Ride, instead of going
through all those crowd, but it was indeed a price to pay. That cloaked Boat rower asked too
much.'' Travis told her.

''I never thought of that, but I am not sure I would be that desperate to have a ride on the rowing
boats.'' Thank you for the information.

Krystal looked at Xero and squeezed his cheeks while Cola was holding him. ''Look at you, so
Cute!''

''Gabe is alone by himself Krystal, maybe you could go back and search for him.'' Cola said to
her.

Krystal look at her and says ''He can take care of himself, he's a grown man. Let's just all watch
the show on the Coloseum, the Mermaid Woman has a beautiful singing voice and is the current
Superstar here.'' Krystal said to them.
''Really? Then let's go buy some Tickets for all of us.'' Cola replied and was eager to watch the
Mermaid Woman live in concert.

So the Zodiac family and Krystal bought their tickets at the ticket booth and went inside the
Coloseum to watch the beautiful Mermaid Woman Singing. The Coloseum was not what they
expected to be, it was truly a good show for the family despite being a freak show, but who
knows.

Gabe went looking out on the other Huge Tents and tried to amuse himself, watching shows
never before seen in other Circuses, entertaining himself by watching the weird shows. He was
watching Clowns making fun of themselves and playing deadly stunts with wild beasts, teasing
them badly so to chase them. The Circus was totally filled with so many people and was flooding
everywhere outside the Grounds and inside the Coloseum which was inside the Castle. The
Zodiac Family had their time well spent at the Circus, but there were still some curious people
there who saw interest on him.

Time passed and the Zodiac Family and Krystal said their good-byes and went home.

A Year later, the Zodiac Family celebrated the Birthday of Xero. Some familiar faces were all
invited to their House. Krystal Edison, Austra Foster, Gabe Browning and Jack Philips were able
to come. They were all seated around the round dining table with Relatives of the Zodiacs.

Xero had a pointed Party Hat on, like his Cousins, there were no other Kids. The Plates,
Silverware and delicious foods like Roasted Boar, Steamed Lobster, Fried Duck, Pasta and many
other Eye catching meals, were on huge platters on the Round Table.

''Hey Xero, will you give me the honor to open your Presents?'' Kylie whispered on his Right
Ear.

''Not now Kylie, I need my Cake.'' Xero replied.

Kyle was seated on Xero's left side and looked at Kylie ''Will you just focus on the Food right
now Kylie, I'm hungry.''

''You're always hungry Kyle.'' Kylie replied.

Cola came from the Kitchen and brought out a Three-Layered Birthday Cake for Xero, with a
number seven shaped candle on top and its Wick was lit up. Xero was clapping and stared at his
Birthday Cake with much delight. ''Yay! My Birthday Cake!'' He said.

Cola and the others seated began to sing Happy Birthday all at the same time at the Dining Area.

''Happy Birthday to You! ''

''Happy Birthday Xero!''

They all sang and greeted the boy and clapped around him.

Cola placed the Birthday Cake at the Table and in front of Xero, Travis and Cola immediately
came behind their Son and Kaithlyn stood up from her seat and took pictures on all of them at
Dining Table with her Digital Camera, taking pictures of Zero and all the Guests and took turns
with Cola posing beside Xero and her Kids. Roth recorded everything with his Video Camera
and Xero was asked to blow the Candle.

Kylie tried to blow the Candle with Xero. ''Kylie! Stop that! He can shut that candle himself.''
Kaithlyn scolded her Daughter.

Travis came behind Xero. ''Go ahead son, make a Wish.'' Travis said to him. Xero blew the
Candle and was able to make his Wish. Everyone at the Table all clapped and cheered for Xero.

''Xero has finally made a wish!'' Krystal shouted.

''Yaay! What could Xero Wish for?'' Kyle asked looking at him.

Cola started cutting the Cake and gave Xero a Piece and then she gave another to her Nephew
and Niece. Everyone was having a good time as they began to take some food on the tables and
ate on their plates and Cola filled their glass with Apple Juice from a Pitcher.

''That is a Secret Kyle, you got your own Birthday to Wish for something you want.'' Xero said.

''I think I know what it was.'' Kyle replied to Xero.

''Really? Don't think it has something to do with what he looks like, Kyle. Kylie said to her
brother.

''Who said you can only Wish for one Wish.'' Xero said.

''That's my Boy! Wise as ever.'' Travis suddenly appeared behind Xero's Chair.

''Oh, Uncle Travis when are we going to open Xero's presents'' Kylie said.

Travis looked at her ''Well, you're not authorized to open his Gifts Kylie.''

''That's Right Kylie!'' Kyle said.

''Well Then, let's all eat first and we will let Xero open his Hill of Presents!'' Travis said.

''Okay Uncle Travis!'' Kyle and Kylie replied.

''That's Good to Hear from Both of you!'' Travis said to them and He returned to his own Seat
between Cola, Roth and Kaithlyn. The Grandparents were facing the Guests working from the
Hospital on the opposite side of the Round Table.

The Adults all talked about so many things concerning Xero, that was almost endless and other
things like their Jobs and Stories they heard from somewhere. After everyone finished eating and
talking on the Dining Table, they all went to the Living Room to watch Xero open his Gifts,
some were seated at the Sofas while Other's stood still carrying their glass filled with Wine.

Cola brought the pile of Gifts in front of Xero. ''Wow, that's quite plenty!'' She said placing the
last batch of Gifts and Kylie and Kyle were checking the Gifts shaking it near their Ears,
listening to the sound it makes, to guess what it could be. Xero opened all the Gifts, every single
one of them. Some of it came from people all over who cared about him, Kylie and Kyle were
pleased to check it out.

Travis showed the two gifts to his son, the First one Xero unwrapped was a Skate Board that was
fixed which was broken back then, when Travis and Cola first met. The Second Gift Being the
Telescope that Captain Hephyon Yates gave to him, but Travis addressed it from the Captain
instead of his own name. Xero was delighted and happy for all the Gifts he received and went
with his Cousins to play around at their Backyard full of piling brown and Green leaves with
apple trees on the Corners.
 CHAPTER THIRTEEN

A Year later, The Xedvor Family finally have returned to their old Home next to the
House of the Zodiacs. Their house had many cobwebs and dusts everywhere inside and they
began to clean up and placed their things on the House. They had help from the Movers and had
their things opened in many boxes and there was a Huge Cage with a Huge Grey Wolf inside of
it laying still.

A Little Girl with short pony tailed black hair with a big pink Bow-tie on her hair walked up the
inclined plane and went inside the back of the Mover's Truck. She wore a brown vest with no
sleeves with a pink shirt underneath. She had a pink Skirt with white polka dots and squeaking
shoes on her feet. She went up at the back of the truck filled with many Boxes. She went to the
Cage of the Wolf and tried to open the Cage with a Key on her hand. She inserted the Key on the
keyhole and had some trouble for a moment fitting her key.

''Hey! What is that thing?! Is that a Wolf?!''

''Don't open the Cage, Little Girl!''

The Movers said in surprised and worry.

''Don't Worry! Bowow will not bite anyone!'' She said.

The little girl's parents went outside from their house and saw their child opening the cage. ''Ms.
Katya your daughter is opening the cage of that ferocious beast!'' A mover said.

Katya was not worried of her Daughter. ''Calm down, that is a tamed Wolf we found somewhere.
There is nothing to worry about, remember I am a Zoologist.''

''Ma'am you should take that animal to the Zoo, is that even allowed to be kept as a house pet.
That is a Wolf!'' The Mover told her worriedly.

''I already have a right to keep it for my Daughter. So now worries.''

''As you say Ma'am, we won't be held responsible if that thing do something horrifying. Well, the
word ''Wolf'' is clearly written on my clipboard, all right. We won't be held responsible for
anything that beast causes, take care of it at your own risk. '' The Mover said.
The Little Girl opened the Cage and held a heavy chain that was attached to the wolf's, huge
collar. The Little Girl went down from the truck with the huge wolf. The wolf seemed to be very
tamed and went with her like it was just a Dog. Peter the husband of Katya struck a thick wood
stump on the lawn with a huge Hammer. He then took hold of the end of the Wolf's chain and
nailed it with a huge nail, stamping it with the huge hammer.

''There! That should hold him. Think we need a small Cave for him to sleep Zoe!'' He said to his
daughter.

Zoe was jumping happily on the lawn ''Yes Dad! Let's make a Den for him!''

The Movers left and Katya gave the wolf his food and drink which was on huge bowls, specially
made for Bowow a Name given by Zoe when she was rescued by the Wolf at Metherin Forest,
when she got lost searching for her lost.

Peter raised his Daughter and placed her to sit on his right shoulders, and went inside the House.
Katya went to the Zodiac's and pressed the door bell. Cola opened the door and was surprised to
see her good neighbor once again. ''Oh! It’s such a Surprise Katya!’’

‘’Tyler the Xedvor's are back in town!'' Cola shouted.

Travis was playing with his son with his Toy Blocks with letter and numbers. The Child had
thick fur all over his body, thicker than before and he had long hair. He wore a Brown Tapa Hat
and a matching Brown Trench Coat and shoes, specially made for him by his mother Cola that
made him look like a young detective.

''Wait here Xero, I got to meet our neighbor's okay?'' Travis stood up. ''Okay!'' Xero responded
with his Eyes still fixed on the boxes of letter and numbers. An exceptionally intelligent child, he
was home schooled by his parents and never got out of his house for quite some time away from
the neighbors prying eyes, pointy ears and oily tongue.

Travis met with Katya. ‘’Hello there Travis, long time no see.’’

Travis smiled and says ‘’Hello there, welcome back. You want to see Xero he’s in the room.’’

Katya went in the Room to look at Xero ''Hello Zero! Oh My, you have grown up. I am your
neighbor Katya and I have a friend you would want to meet, she is my Daughter Zoe. We just
live next door Xero, you are welcome any time. ''She told the Boy as he stared at her with much
attention.

Xero, we never allowed you to play with other children for a long time, now is the time to play
with one. She is a good friend you know, Zoe is good with animals just like her mother.'' Cola
said.
Katya left, to call on Zoe, she was playing catch the twig with her pet Bowow and some people
were watching amazed at how she plays with a huge beast and how tamed it was. ''Zoe, I want
you to meet a boy on our neighbor's house.'' Katya called to her.

''Really! Oh Goody! I got a new Playmate!'' Zoe ran fast on the House. ''Zoe wait!'' Her mother
called on her.

Zoe looked through the windows in front of the House ''Where is the Boy?!'' She kept searching
and looking through on the windows until she opened the gate of the side-yard and went to the
side of the house that had a window and saw Zero playing with his blocks ''Oh! a Detective
Bunny Playing with Blocks!''

Zoe ran towards the Door as Travis opened it as she just slipped through. ''Hey kid! Calm down!''
Travis said. Zoe ran towards the open Door of the Room and jumped at Xero and hugged him
tightly with her arms and they both fell on the floor ''Hey Mr. Detective Bunny! You are such a
Cute Bunny.'' She squeezed Xero's cheeks ''Ahhh! Mom! Help!'' He shouted and the two of them
lay on the mat as Zoe kept embracing him like a stuffed Animal.

Xero Stared at the Ceiling of his Room with model of the Solar System, spinning above with the
many replica planets. The Wall Paper around the room was themed with Outer Space. His bed
was a Space Shuttle with a Mattress. ''Where did you come from?'' Xero said.

Zoe was surprised that she heard him speak but still thought he was a real Rabbit ''You can speak
too, that is just Spectacular!'' Katya came to the room and saw Xero and Zoe ''I see you two
already met''.

''Mommy! Can I keep him? Can I? He is so adorable!'' Zoe pinches Xero's cheeks

''Oww! That hurts!'' Xero said.

Travis was embracing Cola behind her back, She was in tears watching Xero finally have a
friend who would not tease him or call him names.

''Zoe He is not a Bunny that is the Boy, I told you about!''

''What?! That's totally awesome A Human Bunny!'' Zoe shouted.

Xero shed a tear ''Mom, I am being teased again...'' Cola came close to her son and bended her
knee ''Xero, she did not mean to hurt you, tell your name and you can be good friends. ''Okay...''

''Hello there girl, my name is Xero Zodiac. What is yours?'' He asks.

Zoe smiled ''Hello Xero, I am Zoe Xedvor'' she responded.

''Nice to meet you Zoe'' He said gladly.

''I think we are going be good friends!'' She said.

Katya came close to them and also knelt ''See, Xero I told you, you both are going to be good
friends indeed.''

''Mom why does he look like a Bunny? '' Zoe asked.

''Well you see Zoe, Xero has a Condition that makes him look like a Bunny. but he is actually a
person like everyone of us, except that he does not look like us.'' She told her.

Zoe sat down and supported her chin with her hands staring curiously at Xero ''Is he sick or
something?'' she asked her mother.

''No Zoe, he has what we call the Bunny Syndrome, a rare condition that he, only has. Remember
about what I told you about some people working in the circus who have this sort of condition?''
Katya asked her daughter.

''Oh yeah, I think it’s cool! '' Zoe said.

''I mean that is totally a Great Gift!'' Zoe explained..

Zoe kissed Xero's cheek.

''Let's go play outside Xero'' Zoe took his hand and took him outside and led him to her pet
Bowow.

''Look at them go! See Cola they seemed okay.'' Katya said.

''Well, what a nice room!'' Katya was astonished with the decoration of Xero's room.

''Oh, he is a sort of Genius you know, we taught him at Home. But I think he deserves more, he
said he wants to become a Scientist someday.'' Cola said.

''Really? That sounds good you want me to teach him? I have lots of books on Science he can
study when he comes of Age, I will give it to you if you want.''

Cola was glad ''Thank you so much Kat! You know I can't take him to School because of his
condition and restricted him from those children teasing him and bullying him from outside the
house throwing things like carrots on the window.'' Cola said.

''It’s all right Cola! What are friends for, Right?'' Katya said to her.

Meanwhile outside the house on Zoe’s front yard, she introduced him to her pet. Xero came
close to touch Bowow's head and it stood up and stared at him with its huge eyes and with
curiosity, smelled him all over and then licked him all over his face with his huge tongue and
started wagging his Tail all of a sudden.
''Hey Stop it, That is too much saliva! I am not a Candy!'' Xero shouted.

''A Bunny-Cotton-Candy! Tee-hee'' Zoe said and Giggled.

( ''That's strange, Bowow never did that to anyone before, he usually smells someone for a whole
day, if he does not seen them before and stares at them like they were his prey.'' ) Zoe thought to
herself.

Xero looked at Zoe and says ‘’it is huge Zoe! It is like a dog but his way bigger. I have never
seen a dog that big before. ''He said.

''Of course he's not, he is a wolf. But he's just under that classification, just as my mom told me.
He is a Canine, but I am not sure if Bears are under that same class.'' Zoe said to him.

Bowow rolled over the Ground and Zoe tickled his belly with her feet as it began to scratch its
Belly and the Wolf started scratching.

''Hello, there you might be Xero. It's been a long time since we left and look you grew up.'' Peter
said.

''That is my father Peter Xedvor , Xero.''

''Hello Mr. Xedvor nice to meet you!''

''Hello there too Xero’’

‘’Bring him in Zoe!'' Peter said.

Zoe held Xero's hand and took him inside their house. There was stairs inside facing the door
that leads to the second floor. There were ascending pictures on the wall beside the steps of the
stairs, photographs of the Xedvor’s holding and posing with different animals from their
journeys around the world.

Zoe led him upstairs still holding his hand, there were three doors on the right, Zoe opened the
middle door which was her own Room. It was all white and pink Themed, her wallpaper had a
pink background which had many small pictures of Animals of different kinds. Her bed had a
roof with pink Curtains connected to four wooden pole supports.

There were two white ferrets sleeping on her bed and below her bed there was a Basket where a
fat orange cat was sleeping. There was a Bird Cage with a white bird with a long tail on her desk,
next to her bed inside a cage. There was a long table on the left side of her room, with a cags on
top were hamsters running on a spinning wheel, an aquarium with a small Shark, fishbowl full of
fighting fish, a Terrarium with a yellow Frog and a Bunny on a cage with carrots inside.

''Look Xero this is my Room! Meet all my pets, they are very tamed and cute.''
''So you really like animals?'' Xero said. ''Yeah! A lot!'' she replied.

Zoe went close to the Cage with the Bunny and took it out and gave it to Xero and he took hold
of it ''Here, hold Bunny, you look so much alike, white fur.'' She said.

Zoe took a pink camera from her drawer.

Zoe looked at her Camera's sight but Zero was not smiling. ''Smile !’'

''Why are you not smiling Xero, we need to take a picture of you both.''

Xero became sad ''Sorry Zoe, I really don't smile a lot, I only see People smile at me because
they make fun of the sight of me. I don't really trust anyone smiling, it always has to do with my
appearance.''

''Sorry about that Xero, they just can't understand how special you really are!''

''Well, I don't feel that way being called ''Special'' I don't feel normal like anybody else, I wish I
were just like you Zoe, you are free to go outside whenever you wanted to.''

''I don't know what it’s like to be you Zero, I never see you as ugly, but cute. Just say ''Cheeze''
you don't have to force yourself to smile, if you can't. '' She said to him positioning her camera
and looking through its lens.

''Cheeze!'' Zero said.

A flash came from her camera, it was a Polaroid Camera. The Photo immediately came out
below her camera from a slit under it. ''Wow! What a pearly white teeth you have! Mine is
usually golden and I have to brush three times a day.''

On the right side of her room, there was a rectangular posting board on the wall. It had many
pictures of Zoe holding her precious pets and one was taken recently with Bowow. She took a
pin and placed her new photo with Xero and Mr. Bunny on the board.

''There, you have a picture with Mr. Bunny.''

''Okay It is our turn!'' Zoe got close to Xero and placed her arm behind him and her hand on his
shoulder and extended her left arm with the camera in front of them ''Say Cheeze!'' She clicked
the button on her camera and it flashed, as a photo came out in a matter of seconds. She let Xero
look at it.

''Not bad'' She said.

''You got a picture with me now I could do more shots if you want.'' She said.
Xero and Zoe were taking pictures together, the two of them lying in her bed and facing upward,
Xero standing next to the board full of pictures and many more.

‘’There you go, you have more pictures of you, she placed her final photo that had occupied the
last space left on the picture board. She went to the bowl with purple fighting fishes and took one
of them and placed it on the aquarium of the small shark, the aquarium had a sunken ship and
treasure decorations with plenty of pebbles.

''Zoe, what are you doing?'' he asks. ''Just watch!'' she said.

The small Shark saw the purple fighting fish, with long tail and fins. The fighting fish fought
very hard but got exhausted and the Shark ate him.''

''Oh that's Horrible! Xero said.

''Xero, this is the wild there are Predators and Prey as Mom told me. Some Animals eat other
animals to survive. We also eat animals too, you know.'' She looked at him explaining what she
knew and was well informed about it.

''Well, I only saw them already cooked I never saw horrible things like that! I only like eating
vegetables''

''Yuck! Sorry I am more of a Carnivore, I like to eat meat. And you are herbivore who likes to
eat plants and veggies like a Bunny.''

''Please don't call me Bunny, I have a Name.''

''Okay, Xero.''

The Shark did not left anything from the fighting fish, the shark swam around the Aquarium as if
it was asking for more. So, Zoe fed it another time and the Shark got tired fighting for its prey
and still ate the fish eventually. ''That makes him fight for his food and the Fish does not go bye-
bye without a Fight, I don't like seeing bulging Gold fishes just got eaten, so I had fighting fishes
instead.

''Zoe you're scary!''

''Come on, this is a good lesson for both of us, it’s very Educational!''

''I think I am staying with eating my veggies.'' Xero said and felt bad about what Zoe showed.

Zoe then looked at her terrarium with a Frog ''Look here is Froggy'' She picked it up and gave it
to Xero.

''What do you feed it?'' Xero asked.

Zoe took something from her drawer, a plastic filled with dried insects.

''This tasty dried Dragon flies is his favorite and some bugs.'' She showed him.

''They are all Dead Zoe!'' He said.

''Tee-hee'' Zoe giggled and said ''Well, Froggy likes them alive more, but I guess that will be
rated PG-7 for both of us. I don't think you could handle another one like the shark did.''

''What is PG-7?'' Xero asked. ''It stands for Parental Guidance for Age 7 and below.''

''I like to catch Insects too you know, but I don't feed them to any animal.'' He said.

''Let me guess, you catch Dragon Flies, pull out their wings or tie around their tail with a string
and make them fly like a kite?'' Zoe said.

Xero was shocked ''I won't do that, it’s horrible!

Zoe was surprised that he always sounded so innocent

They both left the Aquarium and went to Bed and sat there, talking to each other and sharing
their thoughts.

''I just watch them outside and study them’’ Xero told her.

''That's totally awesome mate, and about watching insects try watching them on T.V.’’

''Really? I'll see if Mom would allow me to, maybe its rated PG-7.'' He said.

''No, It’s for all Ages, including adults like our moms and dads.’’

Zoe stared at Xero ''You know what? It seems that you are the only kid who is as smart as me,
but you need to see a lot of things more, I have been around the world for quite some time now.''

Zoe stared at Xero's clothing, looking at him from head to toe.

''Xero? Are you a Detective?'' She asks.

Xero looked suprised. ''No! I want to become a Scientist.

''I heard your Parents were both smart people, I want to become a Scientist just like them
someday. But I think I'll only end up being a test subject rather than a researcher just as my Dad
said.''

''That's not true Xero, you can still become a Scientist but you should not always stay in the
Laboratory or else it would be no fun, Science is suppose to be Fun not Boring. You're Parents
are Cool too, as I heard from my Mom.'' She said.
''Mom is a modle and Dad is a Sports Boarder!'' Zero said.

''Cool.'' She said.

After a long conversation, Zoe and Xero went out of the Room and went down stairs, seeing
their parents sitting on a long sofa and staring at them. ''Look who's coming, aren't they
adorable?'' Katya said.

Xero and Zoe went down stairs and got close to the sofa.

''Is that a real Bear?'' Xero asked, seeing the Carpet with the Body of a Bear and its head, its
mouth wide open with its sharp fangs.

''No Xero, it is not real, it is just like a Toy.'' Katya said to him.

''Well, that is one Scary toy Ma'am.''

Zoe went to the Bear Carpet and sat down crossing her legs, and invited Xero to watch T.V.
They watched a program on their T.V. held by a huge silver hand, serving as a stand like it was
holding it. The two families watched the T.V. for an hour and the Zodiac's left the house and Zoe
gave Xero a pink walky-talky phone that she had. ''Remember Xero, just talk to the walky-talky
if you want to talk to me okay?''

The Zodiacs left and waved their goodbyes and went back to their own House.
 CHAPTER FOURTEEN

When Night came, Xero asked his Father to take him to the Attic, there was a Trapdoor
above Xero's room on the ceiling and Travis opened it and pulled the stairs down with a long
pole with a hook on it.

Travis and Xero climbed up the stairs towards the attic above the ceiling.

It was Xero's night time, Star Gazing at the window of the attic. There was a meteor shower that
time that Travis saw on the sky.

''Xero, look outside its’ a Meteor Shower! I think you are going to have multiple wishes this
time.'' Travis pointed out to him through the open window of the Attic.

Travis set up the tripod and placed the Telescope on top. Xero looked through the Telescope and
saw many Meteors raining on the Sky.

''Wow! I Wish.... Wait a Second, I better call Zoe.''

Xero took his Walky-Talky from the Pocket of his Trench Coat.

He held the button on the side of the Walky-Talky with his thumb.

Zoe's walky-talky started buzzing very loud.

Static: ''Tzzzz!...Zoe..Tzzz!...Zoe....are you there? Tzzz!...''

Zoe was feeding her Shark again and heard the Static and Xero's voice on the Walky-Talky.

She picks up the Walky-Talky Phone on her Bed. ''Yeah! I hear you!''

''Look, outside the window there are many shooting stars tonight with multiple chances to wish
for anything, This is a one in a life time chance to have many wishes for just one night.'' He said
to her through the Walky-talky.

''Cool! I see it!'' Zoe said through the Walky-Talky.

The Children on the neighborhood had their Wishes at that time as told on the News by reporters
on T.V., Some neighbors across the Street also watched the Meteor Shower while some were
eager to see it, climbed on their Rooftops and Trees.

Peter finished building the Den together with some help from Travis, the Wolf is inside of it and
was big enough for him to lay himself with his Legs crossed and his head low on the Ground.
He had a Collar with Spikes on his neck and tied with a long Silver Chain, connected to the
Wooden Stump. Bowow saw the Meteor Shower on the Sky and raised his head, came out of his
Den and sat outside howling.

The Neighbors were complaining of the Wolf's howling, but they were afraid to get close to the
Xedvor's house, seeing how fierce looking the Wolf is. Its eyes were glowing, reflecting the light
from the Full Moon. The Neighborhood was lit with Moonlight, the Meteor Shower can be
clearly seen and the Stars on the Sky were countless.

The Next morning there was a Neighbor who went to the Xedvor's Residence with a Police
Officer, the Policeman went to the Door and was brave enough to go pass the big Wolf and
knock on the Door.

''Knock! Knock!'' The Policeman kept knocking. ''Who's there?'' A Man's voice was heared
coming from inside the House who asked.

''I am a Police Officer, will you please come out Sir?''

''Wait a second.'' The Man spoke from inside the House again.

There were some thing that sounded like Chains and Metal being moved and a click was also
heard. The Door opened before the Policeman and Peter Xedvor appeared before him.

''Good morning Sir! I am Officer Xander from the Metherin Police Department, there was a
Complaint from your Neighbor Mr. Diggs, about your Wolf's frequent Howling last Night.''
Officer Reinhart said to Peter and then he turned his head back looking at Mr. Diggs far away
behind him.

Peter looked at Mr. Diggs too and greeted him in a loud Voice ''Hello there, Neighbor'' and He
waved his right hand at him above his head.

''I apologize for the Wolf's, frequent howling last night!'' He shouted at Mr. Diggs.

''It's not just the Howling Mr. Xedvor and You just said it's your Daughter's Pet, are you not
concerned for your Daughter and the Children Safety coming near your House?!'' Officer Xander
said to Peter.

''How could you let your Daughter own that thing as a Pet that Wild Animal should be on a
Forest Somewhere!'' Mr. Diggs said.

''Well I have the Papers to keep that Canine for our Daughter, I am a Biologist and my Wife is A
Zoologist. We are aware of the risk and we tamed him already.'' Peter said to Mr. Diggs.

''Sir, May I see these Papers you were talking about and I want to meet your Wife, or else we
going have to take your Wolf to the Zoo.'' Officer Xander said to Peter.
''I understand, please come inside.'' Peter invited him inside the House.

''Are you not going to come inside with us, don't worry about the Wolf, his in Chains!'' Xander
shouted at Mr. Diggs.

''I will just wait here then!'' Mr. Diggs shouted.

''Okay I will get back to you, after I talked with them!''

''All right! ''

The Policeman went inside with Peter, while Mr. Diggs waited outside still afraid to get near the
Wolf, barking at him with a huge Voice and Growling.

The Xedvor's were discussing on their Living Room about their rights on the Wolf, the Officer
was seated beside them on the Sofa as they presented the Papers proving the rights for keeping
the Wolf as a Pet.

''I see, So you have An approval from the Court to keep the Animal as a Pet for your Daughter,
with a License and Certifications too from an Animal Welfare Organization, to certify he is
qualified to be kept as a Pet.'' Officer Xander red, all the Papers he was holding and other
Certifications.

Zoe descended from the Stairs and saw her parents talking with a Policeman seated with them on
their Sofa. She had just woken up and kept rubbing her eyes as she descended the Stairs. ''What
is Happening, Mommy, Daddy?''

''Oh, Sweetie, come here!'' Katya called on her Daughter and Zoe came close to her mother and
held both her arms on the side of her Waist.

''Zoe, this is Officer Xander. He is here to check on your Pet Bowow and your right to keep him.''
Katya said to her just awakened little Girl still rubbing her cute little Eyes.

''Hello Officer.'' Zoe waved at him. ''There's no way he could have done anything wrong, Dogs
can never be as tamed as he is.'' She said to the Officer.

Xander Smiled at her. ''Sure he is, I am just here for the Safety of both of you and your Pet.'' He
said.

''Thank you for your cooperation Mr. and Mrs. Xedvor.'' Xander said to them and shook their
hands as he stood up.

''Thank you too Mr. Officer, I am not sure if a messed up shaggy Hair-style is in these Days.''
Zoe said to him.

‘'What a Smarty Kid, you got here.'' Xander said.

''She sure is.''

''I'll be going now.'' Xander waved at Katya and Zoe and they waved back at him, Peter led him
outside of their House and Mr. Diggs was there standing holding a rolled Newspaper in his
Hand. He was told that the Xedvor's had the rights to keep the Wolf and Mr. Diggs was
disappointed. Peter promised to put a cover to its mouth every night and especially when there is
a Full Moon.

''This is not over yet Mr. Xedvor, keep that beast on its lease.'' Mr. Diggs told him pointing his
rolled Newspaper at him. Mr. Diggs and Officer Xander spoke on the Road a distant away, after
a while, he escorted the still glaring Mr. Diggs at Peter and was led back to his House and The
Good Officer left with his Police Car and all was well.

Zoe came early in the morning at the Zodiac's residence. She knocked at the Door and Cola
opened it and was surprised to see her there very well dressed.

''Hello there Zoe, you know the early Bird get's the Worm.'' Cola told her looking down at little
Zoe. Cola wore yellow shirt and a yellow skirt with a white apron over it. Zoe wore a Red vest
with a black shirt underneath, her skirt was black and she wore cute black furry boots.

''Mrs. Zodiac I want to invite Xero for Breakfast.''

''Xero come here, your friend is here.'' Cola called on her son.

Xero came beside Cola and saw his Friend. He was wearing a Sailor Uniform with a matching
sailor’s cap on his head that Cola made for him.

''You want to have Breakfast at our House?'' Zoe asked Xero.

''Sure Zoe.'' Xero replied.

''Go ahead Xero, we will all have Breakfast at Xedvor's then.'' Cola approved of her invitation
and came with Xero to Xedvor’s House taking their own Breakfast meal with them to share with
the Xedvor Family. After a Hearty Breakfast, the Parent's had their talk at the Dining Table
while Xero and Zoe went to the Room.

''Xero, look how handsome you are!'' Zoe placed a round Mirror with a Pink Handle in front of
his face. As she held the Mirror, Xero looked at his reflection on the Mirror and suddenly it had
broken with Cracks on its surface.

''Zoe it broke because I was so ugly!''

Zoe giggles. ''This is just a Trick Mirror I bought from The Magic Shop.'' She said with a Smile
on her face.

''Zoe that was not funny at all!'' Xero said angrily.

She replied. ''Sorry to hear that, Come on, let’s give you an Extreme Make Over!'' Xero sat on a
Chair with wheels. Zoe turned his Chair around and pushed him towards a Pink Desk with
Drawers and a Square Mirror attached to it with many Light Bulbs on its Frame. There were
many make up kits, skin spray, scissor and an electric shaver on the desk and Hair Coloring.

''What are you going to do to me Zoe?'' He said staring at the Mirror seeing His Face in front of
him, with Zoe staring at it too.

''I will make you look like any other Boy, although I will Miss your Bunny Appearance for a
while.'' Zoe said.

''Really, Let's do it! I will finally look Normal, Mom and Dad will be Surprised!'' Zero said
excited and had a smile on his face.

Zoe put an apron on Xero and tied it around his neck. She began to cut his long white hair with
the scissors and then she shaved Xero’s arms and legs with the electric shaver. Lots of white hair
and fur fell on the floor. Zoe then dyed Xero’s hair and eyebrows black. It took her an hour to
finish her make over on Xero.

Back at the Living Room, their Parents were seated at the Sofa, watching T.V. together. All of a
sudden Zoe came out of her room holding hands with a Boy with black short hair and a clear
skin. The Kids continued to step down on the Stairs and was seen by the Parents and they were
Surprise of seeing another Boy instead of Xero.

''Zoe, who is that Boy, where is Xero?'' Cola asked her seeing them on the Stairs. Zoe did not
answer and continued walking down the Stairs with her the Boy and they both walked towards
the Sofa.

''Xero is a Bunny no more!'' Zoe said to them.

''What did you say? Travis asked.

''What is the meaning of this Young Girl! '' Peter said.

''May I introduce you Mr. and Mrs. Zodiac to Xero Zodiac your Son Reborn!'' She presented
Xero to them as she bowed down, and held her skirt with both hands crossing her legs.

''Xero is that really you?'' Cola asked the Boy.

''Yes Mom, Zoe tried to make me look Normal.''

''Zoe, you should have informed and asked permission from his Parents first.’’ Katya said.

''I'm sorry Mom, but I wanted to help him. I promise it won't happen again.'' Zoe replied.

''Xero is that really you?'' Travis asked as his child walked close to him and Cola.
''Yeah, it's me!'' Xero replied.

''I can't believe it!'' Travis said in surprise.

Cola hugged her Son and was in tears and looked at Zoe who was sitting beside Katya. ''Thank
you for your efforts Zoe, I know you were just trying to help him.’’

''My Pleasure Mrs. Zodiac, he only needed a Make Over.'' She replied looking at Cola from
where she was seated. Peter then took her from the Sofa and carried her on his arms and stared at
his daughter with a smile.

''You did a Good Job Zoe.'' Peter praises her.

That was indeed a Good Morning for Both the Zodiacs and the Xedvors, only time will tell if
Zoe's Make Over would be enough to make Xero, become acceptable by the Society for just
looking ''Normal'' even for a short time. This is indeed like being born again for Xero, much
awaits him on the outside World.

The Xedvors and the Zodiacs celebrated Xero's new look at least a temporary solution to change
his appearance. The two Families went to the Amusement park that same day, in the City's Park.
They rode with their Cars and arrived at the place many Children enjoyed more than the Circus.
They arrived at the parking lot in front of the huge Amusement Park, they bought tickets and the
ride all you can stamp was stamped on their skin including The Play all you can stamp, for the
many games with Prizes.

The Zodiacs and the Xedvors went to the Benches around a Beautiful Fountain at the center
inside the entrance. Large crowds of people pass by.

''Wow! There are so many people here!'' Xero was amazed.

''Yeah! I am sure no one would stare at you now Xero, since I turned you to a Normal Boy.'' Zoe
said to him smiling as they sat next each other at the Bench.

''This is really great Zoe, I got nothing for you.'' He said.

''It's a free Make Over, no need to pay me for anything.''

''I don't know Zoe you changed my life in one day. I could finally play with no worries.''

''Sure, let’s go Play Games!'' Zoe said excitedly and they asked permission from their mothers.
Cola and Katya both agreed as they stood from their Seats and the Kids went to the Game
Booths.

There were plenty of Games to choose from with many different Prizes of Choice, Xero went to
the shooting range, which a toy Rifle is used and a Cork pops out of it, that is attached to a white
string when triggered, hitting a specific target to earn points for the Prize.
''Zoe, let's play!'' He said and took one of the Toy Rifles on the Booth.

''Hold it Xero, we need Money to play.'' Zoe said.

Zoe asked her Mom and she gave coins for both of them. She handed some Coins to Xero and
she gave some to the attendant of the Booth and Xero did the same.

''All right, I need to focus, wait for your turn Xero.'' Zoe whispered to him and winked her left
eye and positioned herself and aimed at her target.

''Okay.'' He said.

Zoe pulled the trigger on her Rifle and the Cork popped out with a long string and it hit the
farthest Target and got the Highest Score. Cola and Katya cheered and clapped. The Attendant
gave Zoe a brown Teddy Bear.

''What a nice Bear!'' Cola said.

''Yes, It is.'' Katya said.

Xero took his turn to shoot at the Targets and missed a lot and he kept giving The Attendant
more and more of his Coins but was not able to shoot any.

''Why don’t you try other Games instead?'' Zoe said to him, hugging her Big Teddy Bear tightly
around her Arms.

''I guess you’re right.'' He stopped and returned his Toy Rifle to The Attendant.

''Here take good care of Mr. Teddy.'' Zoe gave it to Xero.

''This is a Big Stuffed Toy, Zoe.'' He said carrying the Big Teddy Bear.

''Yeah, just keep him for now, just not over night, okay?'' She said.

Zoe went to another Game Booth with a Horse Shoe Game and gave another Attendant some of
her Coins. ‘’Hang in there Xero we have just started, there are more Prizes to earn.

Meanwhile, Travis and Peter remained seated on the Bench looking at the passing people.

''So How's your New Son?'' Peter asked.

''Well, your Daughter did one Hell of a Makeover to Xero. '' Travis said to him with a smile.

''She grooms the Neighbor's Pets for a Price. It’s just one of her Talents, she is a Trainer too, like
her Mother.'' Peter told about his Daughter.

''That's Cool, Our Xero, is also a Genius you know.''

''So I heard. He wants to become a Scientist someday. Your Wife is a Model and you’re a Sports
Boarder, do you want him to become Popular like both of you?'' Peter asked.

''Unfortunately, as you already know he has become a Freak's Show for quite some time now, I
don't think that he needs to be anymore. We just want Xero to be Xero.'' Travis explained.

''You mean, just to be him-self? '' Peter asked.

''Yes, that is what it meant.''

''That is good to hear, he is not going to be too proud of himself when he grows up.'' Peter said.

''Well, He lost so much of He's confidence being Criticized by the Public at such an Age.'' Travis
said.

''I guess it runs in the Family in a Way.’’ Peter told him.

Xero and Zoe with their Mothers went to try some of the Rides. Like the Carousel and the Roller
Coaster, which the Children totally enjoyed. It was a good time for the Zodiacs, finally having a
chance for their Son to have the First Normal Day, in his Complicated and Curious Life.

Many People passing by began to notice and saw The Zodiacs by themselves without their
estranged Child present with them. Two Identical Women with Purple Hair in Civilian clothing
were both watching the Two Men on The Bench.

''Will you look at that Violet. The Zodiacs are here spending some time with some close Friends
of theirs. I wonder who they are and where is Blaze?'' Purple said.

''Maybe they decided to never expose him again in shame. They could have hired a Nanny to
care of that Bunny Boy.'' Violet said.

''Need to Inform the Grandmaster Wolfgang about this, the Boy is left unguarded.'' Purple said as
she moved her hand and reached for her Cell Phone in her Pocket. She quickly dialed a number
and placed The Phone near her Ear.

‘’Hello... Who is it?! A Male Voice spoke on The Phone, answering in a tone as if he was
irritated.

''Hello Wolfgang Sir! We believe The Bunny Boy is left alone all by himself.'' She replied.

‘’That is Good News Indeed. Go and make haste, Get That New Collection for Me!'’ Wolfgang
said on the phone.

‘’Roger! ’’ Purple then placed back her Phone inside her Pocket. ''Violet let's Go!'' She said to
her Twin and they immediately head for The House of The Zodiacs.
The Zodiac and Xedvor Family had the time of their lives with their children at the amusement
park, they ate dinner and decided to go home after a long day.

When both families arrived to their Homes, something was strange. The Door of the Zodiacs was
open and when they hurriedly came inside the living room it was all messed up, every room was
also messed up, that even drawers in the kitchen were all taken out of its place. The Wall in the
living room, behind the turned over sofa had a huge writing used with different colored crayons.
Travis called Peter while Zoe and Katya also followed and they saw what happened.

Writing on the Wall: ''From what Hole have you been hiding Bunny Boy!?'' written in different
colored crayons.

Cola came close next to Travis. ''Well, they are not finding our son anymore, Zoe did her magic
on him and I am sure they won't be back.''

''Who are those people, Dad?'' Xero asked.

'’Don’t worry about them, Xero. They could be some people wanting to take you from us
because of your looks’’ Travis said to his son and placed his hand on his head.

‘’Xero, no worries! Its’ okay I will give you a regular makeover. '' Zoe said laying her right arm
on his Right shoulder facing him.

'' Xero, were here for you, right Peter?'' Katya said.

''Yes!'' He replied.

The Zodiacs and The Xedvors had no problems and continued to remain calm and Zoe solved
Xero's problem temporarily, unless he loses his chance to have a makeover.
 The Author

Victor John D. Lao was born on January 23, 1983 in the Republic of the Philippines, he
lived at Paranaque City, graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. He likes to write a lot
in expressing his thoughts and ideas. He has interest in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery and the
Paranormal.

Copyright © 2013 Victor John Lao. All rights reserved.