Chapter 3
I realize this story has some unexplained information and such, but hey, I like to be mysterious. Don't worry though, more will be explained, I assure you. (And heck, even I think details can get tedious sometimes. ) I would like to know what you all think of the name I gave the Creeper. It seemed to suit him, and my muse insisted on it.
/
The "Facility", as it was called, was a well hidden stone building that looked plain from the outside. It had taken many close friends (with lots of money) and lots of patience, but a full three years from the time Ami had befriended Goliathus the place was finally ready. During that time, she had slowly gained the trust of the creature, and his whole demeanor had changed dramatically. Still, it seemed so odd, it never really made any sense, and Ami marveled daily at what she had managed to accomplish.
Inside, the building had an elaborate camera system, and a giant atrium of sorts crafted with titanium bars and thick stone walls. The atrium was designed to be large and spacious, giving their winged guest space to spread out his wings and even fly about the enormous room. There were several ledges on both sides, though at the very top were the largest, and one served as a resting place. The other side was the "Art Gallery", where Goliathus could find a myriad of ways to express his art on different mediums. The ceiling was a giant, triangular shaped window made of the thickest glass known, and surrounded by steel supports. An electronic switch could open the window to allow the air in, but did not provide enough space for escape.
It was here that Goliathus would be held until...well, until Ami knew he could truly be trusted. And that could be a very, very long time...still, it was ready. The project could begin.
Ami sat outside of the bars, watching Goliathus as he had chosen the walls as an interesting medium and was using graphite pencils to draw all over them. The pictures had started out weird and obviously full of hatred for humans, but had gradually changed to elaborate designs as if they represented the complex emotions he was now dealing with. It was no longer just kill, eat, and sleep. It was a new door, a new game...and one he wasn't sure he wanted to succumb to. At one point, as he hung on the wall like SpiderMan, he lifted his head to meet her gaze. A slight grin, and nothing more.
Ami grinned right back. She would always do her best to encourage any positive behavior. Goliathus had lost all his malice towards Ami. Occasionally he would snort at her and try to act as if he still cared nothing for her, but she knew it was fronted, even if he had convinced himself otherwise.
Suddenly though, his eyes shifted to behind her and he looked rather irritated. Ami turned to find herself face to face with Michael Voyers, one of the main staff that had been chosen for the "project". He was an educated scientist, but the only problem was, he had a hatred for Goliathus that even Ami could feel. She often wondered why he had ever even bothered to join this project. Something she would find the answer to none too soon.
"Huh. Look at that. He goes and ruins our nice stone walls." The comments were mumbled, but Ami heard them. She rolled her eyes and turned away from him, going back to admiring the artwork. Goliathus stared for several moments, but finally ignored him as well. He was very intent on what he set out to do, and not even this truly vexing human would disturb him. Well, perhaps if he got too annoying.
Why does he come here to mock me?
Ami blinked, hearing the words in her head. It was a strange new thing, this telepathic communication. Sometime while she had still been visiting the cave he used to call home, and while the "Facility" was still in construction, Goliathus made it clear he was full of suprises. Being one who normally chose not to speak, for some reason unknown to her, he had developed the habit of shooting the words into her mind. At first it was painful, like little needles sticking her scalp, but eventually she learned to open up to it and the pain went away. She was amazed to discover that she could return words in the same fashion, but only when he wanted to hear her. It was just as easy to block her out at any time he desired. However it seemed that no one else was able to communicate with him in this way as of yet, so Ami became a sort of "translator" for everyone.
She sighed heavily. I don't know. Other then the fact he obviously doesn't like you.
A snort from the creature. I do not like him either. Can I kill him?
NO. Ami made sure it was loud and clear. Just because you don't like someone doesn't mean you can kill them. We went over this.
I do not understand your logic. He huffed and climbed up to the ledge on the top.
Michael raised an eyebrow from the silence. "Er, excuse me?"
Ami got up from her chair and folded her arms. "Look, Michael, don't you have anything better to do?"
"Like what? It's fun to be here with you." His smirking grin proved to be nothing but a major turn-off. Ami brushed right by him to exit the room, and he grabbed her arm.
"Hey, howabout dinner tonight?"
"Mike, I'm 18, you're 34. And I wouldn't go out on a date with you if you were a freaking super model."
He practically huffed, shoving her aside. "Fine. But I KNOW you'll want to go to my annual house party!"
"Yeah, about as much as I want a root canal. Can you please let me get back to my work?"
"You know you spend too much time with Freakboy over there. It isn't healthy." He made clear his obvious disgust. So did Ami. "Being around YOU so much isn't healthy. If you don't mind. " She shoved past him and sat down at nearby metal table, scribbling some notes into her journal log.
Michael gave up and slowly left the room, but not before giving Goliathus a flick of the chin beforehand.
Let me kill him.
NO, Goliathus. Ami sighed once more.
Cold, packaged chopmeat went flying across the atrium, smacking right against the titanium bars and landing on the floor with a small thud. Julie, Ami's right-hand woman and fellow psychologist, paced a few times from the other side, cradling her head and losing hope. Meanwhile, Goliathus would pick up one of the other packages, smell it with a snort, then that too would go flying. Finally, he let out a loud howl, his patience wearing thin.
What is this? I want to eat! You expect me to use this?
Of course Julie could not hear his frustrated mind's voice. But his wild eyes spoke volumes, and she backed further from the cage.
Finally, Ami walked into the room, and froze instantly, seeing the mayhem.
"Julie?"
"He wont' touch it, Ami! I've tried EVERYTHING...chopmeat, steaks, turkey legs...even ham hocks for gawd's sake! He just throws it away..." Her voice faded and she sighed, sitting down at the table. "I just don't know what to do. And I don't think he's eaten for days...you know what happened with Mike."
"Yeah." Ami huffed. "Mike who claimed he didn't know nobody was feeding him...yeah right."
Julie nodded in pure agreement. She handed Ami a small chart. "So what do we do?"
"I'm going to have to do what I did before. Bring some animals here and have them freshly butchered."
"But damn girl, you know PETA will be up our ass and down our throats if they find out about this! It's very risky, you know that."
"I know. But look at all this. He just doesn't want this cold, dead stuff."
HUNGRY!
The word was so loudly shot into Ami's brain that she might have fallen over. After reeling for a moment, she took a deep breath and locked gazes with him.
Hey, take it easy, will you! Are you trying to give me a migraine?
HUNGRY!
Ow! All right, all right! Ami softened her mood. Listen, I understand Goliathus, really I do. You just be patient. I'll be right back with something.
He growled, then huffed. Humans are good for lying.
I DON'T LIE TO YOU.
Blinking, he almost seemed to sink into a corner. Hungry. It was more like a reminder then a demand. Ami couldn't help but giggle at the way she seemed to quickly diffuse him.
Julie looked at him. "Sorry there big guy. I try, I really do!"
Goliathus blinked more, turning his head slightly to Julie, the dark-skinned one. This one he liked, too. She was kind and respectful to him. Ami was far better, but Julie's words were sincere, and always seemed to have a calming effect on him.
Hungry. The word was aimed at her, but she could not hear it. "I'll be right back." Ami left, leaving Julie to watch him.
/
Upon her return, Ami came back into the containment room carrying two large buckets and Toby, the young boy that had once been captured with her, held one himself that he heaved along. Despite everything, he had come to like Goliathus much as Ami did, and was an enthusiastic helper in the project. It baffled Julie, but she never questioned him. Goliathus caught the scent of what was being brought to him and he came up to the bars, clutching them then scaling up as if a ravenous mountain lion.
Smells good, smells good! The words were so full of enthusiasm that Ami realized she could feel the emotion in the sentence. It was just so amazing...she had much to learn about this odd telepathic bond they shared.
Give it to me! Quickly! Why is the boy here? Sometimes his thoughts were jumbled too, the hunger always ruling out but often being proceeded by other ones.
Toby's here because he wants to help, remember? He's grown fond of you, if you can believe that. Ami smiled at him.
Oh. A pause. Good. Give it to me! NOW.
Eh-hem. I told you, you need to learn patience.
I WAS PATIENT. HUNGRY!
Goliathus.
He screeched, banging against the bars.
"Ami, let's just get to it." The voice was Toby's, and he added a look in his eyes that spoke volumes.
"He has to calm down first. That's the rule!" She answered, but looking at the heradus.
You need to calm down. Remember I'm working with you here. Please, Goliathus...relax. She kept her mind's voice as soothing as she could manage. Her own sincere emotions were mixed in, however, without her even realizing.
A snort, and slowly the winged captor came down from the bars.
Relax.
"Right, " Ami said aloud. "You just need to relax."
Hungry.
She couldn't help but laugh. "You are too much, you know that?"
Hunger is too strong. It overpowers me. He blinked, looking right at her, his face solemn.
"Well, it didn't help for his Royal Jackass to have not fed you for three days, now did it?"
Toby laughed at her comment, getting the gist of what Goliathus was thinking even if he couldn't hear it.
Ami finally brought the buckets over to the bars. Goliathus came right up to her, crouching down as she knelt, and Ami suddenly felt very guilty about the whole thing.
This...this is horrible... She sighed, suddenly very sad.
Toby did not notice, and had left the room to get more.
Horrible? Goliathus heard, even if unintended. It is not horrible. I am starving, please, give! He reached out but fell a couple of inches short of the bucket.
No, it is horrible. Ami's big, saddened eyes looked up at him. This caused Goliathus to stop and tilt his head at her.
Why? Horrible why?
Because you're sitting here, begging for food like some kind of caged animal. I just feel so...terrible! Tears were actually threatening to fall. I don't want to treat you like this!
He contemplated this for a time, as the room suddenly seemed so very quiet to Ami at that moment.
It does not bother me. A long pause. I must...eat... Again he reached for the bucket. Ami tried to snap herself out of this guilt trip for the time being, and she brought the bucket up close to the bars. Still somewhat lost in thought, she reached in, grabbing a large cow's liver, still warm from being so freshly butchered, and handed it to him. In a mere second it was gone, being swallowed almost whole.
As her thoughts still troubled her, Goliathus made short work of whatever lie in the bucket, then looked behind her at the other one.
Ah, good! More! A soft, pleasant growl was rumbling deep in his chest.
"Hm?"Once again she was finding herself back in reality. "Oh, oh I'm sorry...here..." She shoved the other bucket towards him.
More sounds of an intense feeding frenzy.
The third followed suit in the same manner.
Toby came in at that moment, carrying two more. Goliathus had calmed down considerably, but he still eyed those remaining food containers as if they were precious stones.
"Everything ok, Ami?" Toby said as he knelt beside her, putting both of his buckets down by the bars , not paying attention either as Goliathus made short work of them.
"Yeah. I was just...kind of feeling guilty about all this."
Good, good... Ami felt his sated contentment, like a purring cat. Perhaps one more?
"Eh, you shouldn't. Gollie likes you, Ami. I don't think he minds you feeding him like this. I mean geez, he just downed five buckets in less then five minutes."
She giggled at that moment, grinning at Goliathus. "Silly creature."
"What?" Toby always wanted to know what he was saying.
"It's hard to explain, Toby." She smiled at him. "You think you could get one more for him?"
"Sure!"
"And put plenty of the "good stuff" in there."
"Right. Gotcha." Toby smirked and took one of the empty buckets, exiting the room again.
Oh yes...lots of "good stuff."
It was just impossible not to laugh around him sometimes. You're quite a character, you know that? She smiled warmly at him.
Character? Then he quickly shifted his position, studying her intently all of a sudden. Ami. Come closer. "What?" She blinked, speaking out loud, so surprised was she by this.
Such strange feelings... He seemed completely confused by this himself.
"I don't quite understand." She got closer to the cage, as if she didn't want to miss one moment of any new advancement.
I feel strange sometimes...around you.
You do? She finally resumed this conversation telepathically. Well, you're not used to caring about anyone. Maybe that's what you're feeling?
No...I mean yes...that is some of it, but... he growled lightly at his own frustration. That was one emotion he was certainly familiar with. A need, to...touch you.
Ami shivered. Was this what she thought? Well, she certainly needed to help him understand.
Goliathus, you act as if you don't know what lust is.
His eyes widened slightly. Not lust. Not the same.
You DO know then?
I have ravaged women, here and there. But this is not the same.
Ami nodded, not able to shield the twinge of apprehension at his use of the word "ravaged".
Well there is something called desire. It's a different sort of emotion...but there's a fine line between desire and lust. She wondered if she could make him understand.
Hmmm... He seemed lost in his own thoughts a moment, then not surprisingly he was distracted once more, as Toby came back in. Still hungry...good, more!
Ami couldn't help but wonder about all this. It was a bit too much to think that he could understand love of all things, but if he was not lusting for her, then what was he feeling?
Over the next year, Goliathus became more and more like a tamed lion, until he would quite literally purr whenever Ami was around. He had even begun to trust Julie and Toby fully, and even a few other humans who were part of the project. He seemed to hang on to his general loathing of men, especially adult men, but he would at least tolerate their presence, so as long as they did not get too close or irk him in some way. Unfortunately, Michael was still being a pain, and still showed his general disgust of Goliathus. Ami wondered why he still worked there and tried everything to get him off the team, but she could not get enough votes probably due to the fact that Michael was a talented scientist, despite all his more personal traits. So for the time being, Michael had to stay.
However, even so, Goliathus was making progress, and this was all Ami really wanted. She now could not wait to have sessions with him, as he was being more fun to be around in this newer, kinder state. It seemed almost unreal, but everything about him was completely changing mentally. Even his outward appearance had started making minor changes. For instance his once very human-like eyes had turned more reptilian. It was something Ami just noticed one day and pointed out to Julie, who found it astonishing. What was it about this creature and his choice of diet then seemed to so greatly effect him? Without consuming humans he had not only stopped going into hibernation but his very appearance was actually more creature like and even less human like! It was just one of the many strange circumstances that surrounded this enigma.
One day, Ami decided that she would play the ultimate game of trust with Goliathus and actually spend a night in the Atrium with him. Not even Julie would be around if anything should happen. Ami knew this was crazy and that in all respects, she could be toying with her life. Except that...her winged friend had shown himself to be a being of reason and intelligence. Why would he just choose to kill the only one he could potentially call friend? Ami thought it wasn't likely, and she longed to be with him anyway. A longing she often questioned of herself.
Still, it was decided, and done. She came into the Atrium as if doing a normal session but this time brought "sleepover" items and climbed her way up the retractable ladder to the resting area. She thought spending time with him overnight would allow him to feel that not only did she trust him, but she was willing to spend long hours helping him in any way she could. Little did Ami know, this one night would change everything.
Bigtime.
/
It started simply enough. Ami had just gotten everything in order when she heard some scratching and shuffling noises and saw Goliathus approaching her from the far wall, doing his usual Spiderman routine. She was always amazed at how he could do that, the very tips of his claws finding every available crack in the stone, ones that the human eye couldn't see. It was just baffling. This also made those claws of his so incredibly sharp that even if one accidentally brushed against him they could get sliced unintentionally. Knowing this, she always tried to be wary when near him.
Hi there Gollie. She had used this fond nickname more often then ever. He didn't seem to mind at all.
Ami? Are you staying? I am hungry. What is in the bag? Again his thoughts almost always included some expression of his never-ending hunger. Ami frowned, for he had been fed only hours ago. Sometimes it seemed worse then other days, for reasons she could not understand. He came close to her and nosed around the bag, sniffing everything as usual, for of course this was his strongest sense and he was led by it. A chocolate candy bar that was buried somewhere among Ami's PJs grabbed his attention and he lifted it out of the bag, intently going over it.
What is this? Odd.
Ami giggled. "That's candy. I doubt you'd like it though."
Candy?
Yes, candy. Uhm...humans like sweet things, at least most of us do. And women tend to like chocolate bigtime. She grinned, thinking of what a choco-maniac she was. Goliathus got curious enough to tear it open and try it, but scrunched his face.
Awful.
Ami laughed out right. I knew you wouldn't like that. You're a carnivore, through and through. She knew that he would always try anything once, but often enough human food got that reaction. Strangely however, he had this affinity for eggdrop soup, and of all things, bread pudding. And pizza? Forget it. Cheese was definitely a hit. But as Ami studied all of his behaviors even with little things like this...she realized that it all came down to one thing. Anything that smelled like meat, tasted like meat, or even had the consistency of meat, was something he liked.
Yes, meat. Hungry.
Ami giggled again, not intending to have her thoughts read that time. I hate when you do that. She elbowed him, and he simply snorted and went back to rooting around her bag. Curious was hardly enough of a word for him.
When Goliathus found there was nothing of interest in the bag, he turned his attentions back to her.
Are we having a session? I am glad you are here.
She smiled. Aw, you are?
Yes. I do not like those men who watch me while you are gone. I do not. He huffed, almost growling. They do not like me.
He leaned up against her, almost nudging. Affection was something that Ami thought he would have to learn, but it seemed an emotion that had been buried within him and forgotten. Over time, slowly, she had brought it out of him. It was an incredible victory in itself, and she always rewarded it, usually by returning a hug or even just stroking his wingtips or inbetween, which he made clear he liked. This always caused Ami to grin, she just couldn't help it.
She reached to hug him this time, and he practically put all his weight into that hug. Stay with me.
I am, silly. In fact, I'm going to spend the night here.
He looked up at her, surprise evident in his eyes. There was something else too, that seemed to scream out at her, but she couldn't read it at the time being. You are?
Yes. I know that I can trust you, G. You won't prove me wrong, will you?
No! His answer was quite assuring. Stay. You will rest here with me? Hungry. Ami went to her bag and got out her notebook and pen. Yes, I plan on staying up here in the loft. But, we are here to work, silly, don't think this is all play. She playfully elbowed him again and moved herself over so that she could lean her back against the wall.
Goliathus followed her closely, perhaps a bit too close. Stay with me, yes. She could almost sense the pause in the thoughts...as if she knew he would say something more before he even said it. Such need... He moved in close and seemed suddenly so intoxicated by her scents.
Ami was feeling a mixture of feelings the whole time, that was for sure. But Gollie's way around her lately was a bit...strange. She knew that he had perhaps been feeling lust around her, but he kept insisting that was not the case. Ami felt that truly he did not know the difference...and certainly did not know or understand love. So what else could he be feeling? It had to be just a simple, primal desire, one spawned by her kindness to him. Therefore, she acted as if she never noticed, and certainly wouldn't encourage such behavior from him. Still, it would not stop, and now he was being more like this then ever. But what would she do about it, what would she tell him? Eh, she figured the best thing was to just go along as she didn't notice...unfortunately Ami didn't even realize the way her body could react without her knowing. Need? I guess I better come up with something for you then... Ami figured he was speaking about hunger. She went to get up, but he, strongly and yet with surprising gentleness, held her there.
Stay. Do not go.
Goliathus, silly creature. I was going to get up and get you food.
No. Not now. Stay. He was very close to her, but Ami for some reason was not apprehensive about it. She shook her head at him.
You. I don't think you know what you want sometimes. She grinned and stroked those leathery wings, something she loved to do as much as he loved to receive.
His reaction was much more intense then usual. He growled, but it was a sort of deep throaty purr that Ami could feel the slight vibrations of because she was so close to him. Whether she wanted it or not, this sent a surge of desire through her that she quickly forced away. She had to keep her senses about her and not let the present situation at hand get the better of her. Goliathus came closer still and actually wrapped those wings around her in a loose sort of "wing-hug."
What are you doing, anyway? She chuckled. Boy, if you're not like the typical, hormonal male.
I will not harm you. For some reason it seemed he felt he needed to say that.
I know you won't! But howabout giving me some space, eh? She was joking with him, but in all reality she felt she needed to end this. Pushing herself back a little with her hands she was able to slip away to the side and get around him. She was smiling, but that smile was quickly erased at the sound of frustration she knew all too well, one of those sounds that was so saddening she could never stand to hear it.
Gollie?
Why do you... He stopped, shaking his head. No, forget it. You are right. I am sorry.
Sorry? She frowned. You don't have to be sorry. I'm not mad or something. She patted his shoulder as if to try and reassure him. Goliathus nodded, but her presence seemed to be too much for him anymore. He made his way over to the other side and sat there.
Ami pouted. Now why do you need to be all the way over there?
I cannot be near you.
Why? If there was one thing Ami could be sure of, it was that she would always get answers from him, even if they made little sense.
This aching...this need...I cannot.
Ami's heart skipped. Most certainly, he was not talking about hunger this time, and she knew it. Gollie that's all right. It's just normal to feel that way sometimes, heck even I do occasionally.
His eyes met hers instantly. You do?
Well yes, I mean...can't be helped I guess. She grinned. It's a reaction I can't always control. But that's probably mixed in with all my admiring feelings towards you. Ami meant for all this to try and explain the feelings away, but, in fact, it was only intensifying the situation.
You admire me?
Duh. Of course, silly creature.
You said I was magnificent...but not that you admired me.
So? Same thing really! She gave him a sly smirk. Don't you think that if someone thinks you are magnificent that also means they admire you?
He came a bit closer. Yes...I suppose.
Then you know how I feel. If I didn't have some speck of admiration from the beginning, you wouldn't be here, that's for sure. Ami sighed, not even wanting to think about him still going around slaughtering innocent humans. The thought had caused her to look down for one moment, and when her eyes lifted again, he was right there, close to her once more.
You will really stay here tonight? One of his clawed hands was going along her neckline in a manner that was anything but threatening.
Yes...but.
But?
I was going to be here to work on a History session.
Well ask me. I would tell you anything I could remember. As he "thought" this to her, his hands were still exploring. Not too intimately, but definitely causing Ami to freeze up a bit.
Uhm, right. Well...I wanted to find out more about those times you actually did let someone go...you said once that never happened but then once you came here that story changed...so I'd be curious to learn more.
They were all women, that I remember. He paused only a short moment in this explorations before continuing. Ami's body was reacting, and Goliathus was picking up on it unbeknownst to her.
All women, really?
Yes. I could never let any man go, no matter how he pleaded.
Even if he was truly innocent?
It did not matter. I was only filled with contempt and revenge. All that mattered then was making them suffer.
Ami shivered. Yeah, and that you did.
Do not fear me. I could never hurt you now. Those last thoughts were "spoken" so softly that Ami knew it was true. She grinned.
Yeah, I know. And I know the past is the past...I just can't help but think about it sometimes. She sighed heavily. Gollie, you have to stop doing that.
Why?
Because... What answer could she give him, without sounding as if she didn't want him to touch her and cause any feelings of rejection? In truth, Ami was fighting with her own heart. She never thought in a million years that she could have these feelings towards a creature like Goliathus, but for some reason she couldn't always fight them away. But she knew she had to. It just couldn't be. Because you just have to. She made it strong.
He made a sound much like a whine. Must I? Just let me touch you.
No, you have to stop. Deep inside, Ami felt as if she might be plunging him with daggers.
I will not harm you.
Gollie, I KNOW you won't harm me. That's not the point...She sighed again, a great big heaving sigh. I don't want to upset you. But you must stop this behavior.
Ami went to move, and he seemed to halfheartedly try to block her, as if half of him wanted her to stay and half of him wanted to obey and allow her to move away.
No...I...you are staying, right?
Ami relaxed a little. I assure you, at least to this point, that I am staying. She gave him as warm a smile as she could manage.
But...I... He seemed unable to express himself in a way he knew how. Instead, once again that small, frustrated howl filled the atrium.
Stop that Gollie, please.
And grew to anger.
Why? I am not hurting you by doing this...only want...to be near you! I do not understand!
Relax, please. Ami fought back tears that for some reason were threatening to fall. What the hell was wrong with her? Why could she not ever feel the same as her words in this situation?
Goliathus finally turned and whisked off with a scary growl, and seemed to need to get out his frustrations, so he grabbed a clay jar and smashed it against the floor down below.
Do not understand! Do not UNDERSTAND! At the present time, his thoughts were nothing but a reflection of his intense anxiety. He kept pacing for several minutes on the art ledge below on the other side, while Ami's eyes grew more glassy by the second. Finally, he stopped pacing and began chewing on the bars, a sign that was not good.
Ami climbed down the ladder and quickly got out of the Atrium. "You need to eat, Gollie. I'll be back." She left, quickly making her way to Mic's, a butcher close-by whose old store and even older trade still existed in this little town.
/
Upon returning about an hour later, Ami was shocked to now see several broken jars and various items strewn all over the floor. She went up to the bars, shaking her head. Thankfully, it seemed Goliathus had calmed, and he was curled up tightly next to his easel. Sighing, Ami unlocked the thick titanium door and pushed it open with the usual difficulty. In her hand, she carried a bucket that was fully stocked, but for the time being she just put it down and brazenly climbed the ladder up to where Goliathus lie.
He immediately moved, and turned his head to look at her.
Go away. Do not stay here.
The words were crushing, grabbing her instantly. Now wait a second. You wanted me stay only an hour ago.
No. Go away and leave me be.
A long moment of painful silence.
Well...I did bring the food.
Good. Now go. Please.
But Ami knew she didn't really want to leave, and persisted. What was wrong before? Why did you get so upset?
He growled, slight but threatening, one that warned her not to press him. GO.
NO, Goliathus. I don't want to leave!
He got up on all fours and bared his teeth. LEAVE.
Now you're threatening me! Where only moments ago you swore you would not harm me? Goliathus stopped, suddenly, tilting his head at her. Ami hadn't even realized the tears that were now streaking her face.
You are...sad?
Yes, because you're yelling at me.
But you do not want me near you.
No, I never said that. I want you near, but I can't allow, well...things to get so intense.
Why?
Because, I don't know...I just can't. I'm sorry. She blinked her big, blue, watery eyes at him.
It seemed he contemplated this a long time. So you do not desire me.
I... Her thoughts abandoned her.
Humans think I am nothing but a monster.
She nodded. Most humans, do, yes... The tears were falling freely. But I don't, Gollie, I don't... If she were actually speaking, she would be blubbering.
He seemed captured by her tears, and kept staring. Something about crying...even the salty scent of the tears...was something that he could not ignore.
I have desire, Ami. I cannot help this.
She blinked and wiped her eyes, trying to stay focused. Yes, I know.
You spark this desire.
She nodded, understanding that too.
Knowing this, you still want to stay with me...but will not allow me to be near you for too long? He sighed, a sound from him that was surprisingly human.
Ami did not know how to respond, just looked down.
Ah this is much like...a torture. Perhaps humans do this without knowing, perhaps you do not intend it. But you torture me.
Ami looked back up at him quickly. Gollie don't say that!
But you are. Your very presence is tormenting me. I have been able to fight this desire in the past...mainly because I did not want to allow myself to have such feelings, for what am I but a killer? Or so I thought...it has changed now Ami. You have changed it. You are the one who is kind to me. You are one who cries, because you care about me. Why then can I not be with you?
Was she trembling now? Ami thought it was getting harder to hold onto the bars.
Because it's only lust, Gollie, really it is.
Lust? No, it is not! He snarled, a true, frightening snarl. How is it you know this for a fact, that you know how I feel?
Ami could take no more of this. I'm sorry, but I think I had better not stay tonight...you are right, I should leave...we'll try this again maybe some other time...Ami left quickly, barely allowing herself time to see Gollie's reaction, and went to her room, throwing herself on her bed in heaving sobs.
/
End of Chapter 3