Winged

n i n e

Chapter Nine

Missy

     I barely moved as Victor exited the shuttle and walked into the veterinarian clinic. Kate had been humming and snuggling against me, but I couldn't look at her. I couldn't look at the damage I'd caused. I could tell that my behavior was hurting her feelings, but I just couldn't. Apart of me screamed at me to look at her and come to terms with what I had done, but a bigger part of me was wishing that it was all a bad dream. As we entered the building, multiple scents reached me. I sniffed the air curiously, but other than that didn't move.

     I could feel the eyes of multiple Kymari on me as they recognized us for what we were, but I ignored them, only focusing on Victor's body heat. Footsteps approached us as we walked further into the lobby.

     "Hello, my name is Aeria and I've been assigned to treat these fire-lizards, please follow me."

      The sound of the female Kymari's voice was soothing. I looked up into her eyes and she smiled at me. I'd never just looked at the Kymari before, but I was instantly aware of her beauty. My eyes flitted to her wrist, not even surprised when I saw her beautiful bracelet.

     I bounced softly in Victor's arms as he followed the veterinarian into one of the many examination rooms. Unease started to fill me as I thought of the facility, but I quickly stamped it down. Victor would never hurt me or Kate. I snuggled against Kate as she placed her wing over me. I was immediately comforted by the familiar action.

     "I hope the Morning Song cleanses your heart tomorrow, and that you can forgive yourself. Missy, you are my sister, and I will always love you." Kate whispered this softly into my mind and a shuddering breath left me. I sniffled sadly and whimpered. I did not deserve a friend like her, not at all.

     "Please place the green female on the examination table, her wound needs immediate treatment. Victor quickly obliged and the Kymari woman immediately got to work. Guilt solely ate at me as I watched the woman gently treat Kate's wound. I could sense Kate's nervousness as she allowed herself to be treated. I kept a constant watch on her.

     "Luckily, the wound isn't that bad. Her sight is unaffected and it won't even scar. Give it a few weeks and it'll be as if it was never there," Aeria informed us as she placed a bandage over Kate's eye, "I'll be giving you some medicine to take home with you as well as some bandages. It is important that you clean the wound every night and apply the medicine. Do this and the wound should be fully healed within two and a half weeks."

      I could feel some of the weight lift off my shoulders as I realized that I hadn't hurt Kate as badly as I thought I did. Victor nodded and gratefully accepted the supplies from the veterinarian. After the normal checkup, Kate was deemed healthy and I was next.

     Aeria's focus was immediately on my wing as she gently uncurled it. I reigned in my instincts as they fought for control. I knew this woman wouldn't hurt me. Whether it was her soothing voice or her eyes, I wasn't sure, but I knew I was safe in the woman's care.

     "I've never seen a wound like this," she murmured as she ran her hands over the scar. She looked down at me, her eyes questioning.

     "Do you know how you got it?"

     I was immediately alarmed when I realized that she was talking to me. She was quick to ease my fears.

     "There's no need for fear. My husband, Taureen is a fire-lizard handler, so I am very aware of your intelligence. I promise that I mean you no harm, it is my job to help you." I eyed her cautiously. Her kind smile once again made me feel safe. I looked over at Kate who chirped reassuringly at me.

     "I sense that this woman is telling the truth. Do not worry, Neither Victor nor I would allow her or anyone to harm you."

     Sighing, I let my guard down.

     "I was shot as I was fleeing from the humans during the first invasion. Kate tended to my wound." I allowed all of them to see my memories from that horrifying day. Aeria was clearly distraught and fought hard to reign in her emotions. I was shocked that she felt so strongly for me. She took a deep breath as she rubbed my scales.

     "If you want, I can get rid of the scar. Within time, your scales will grow back. Do you want me to do that for you?"

     Any other dragonet probably would have said yes to the tempting offer. But this scar held a deep meaning for me. I shook my head as I sat up on my haunches, running my claw over the rough, darkened skin.

     "No, thank you for the offer, but this scar is important to me. It reminds me just how hard Kate worked to keep me alive. We were alone in a forest with no other dragonet around, and she had stayed up for three days and worked constantly to nurse me back to health. While I was out, Kate risked her own safety for my own sake. I could never get rid of it."

     Kate flew over to the examination table and rubbed against me, thrumming softly. I nuzzled her back and looked back up at the woman who looked touched. She let out a breath as she wiped away a tear from her eyes. Victor had turned away, unable to stop the tears from falling. I snickered. He's such a softie.

     "Well, I respect your decision. I'm going to finish up with your checkup and then you guys will be free to go. I hope one day the both of you can meet Tasha."

      I chirped excitedly at the familiar name.

     Not long after, I was deemed healthy and Kate and I were free to go. We said our goodbyes and we were soon on our way to Victor's home.

*-*-*

     As soon as he let us in his apartment, I made myself at home. I was shocked as well as a little amused to see that Victor had already prepared for our arrival. After gorging myself on some food as well as some absolutely delicious fruit, Kate and I were in a shallow bathtub made just for Kate and I. Victor had filled it with warm water and watched as I washed Kate's scales. I made sure to get into every little crevice that I knew would itch if not cleaned properly.

     When I was done, Kate washed my scales and soon after, we settled in our sandbox and sunbathed. I closed my eyes as my body started to relax.

     This wasn't so bad.

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