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Sanctuary Secrets

Part Two

Chapter Five

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

8th March, 2024

All Rights Reserved.

In the days that followed the awkward incident in Dr Mercer's cabin, an air of discomfort and misunderstanding hung over Misty like a summer storm. Lost, confused and frightened by her newfound instincts, Misty refused to leave her cabin – except for toileting.

Finally, distraught and uncertain, Rachel made Misty's decisions for her and invited Doctor Mercer to the cabin she shared with the confused, upset young doe.

The trio gathered in Misty's cabin, surrounded by the comforting scent of eucalyptus leaves. Misty sat nervously, her large eyes flicking between Dr. Mercer and Rachel, who were determined to help her navigate the complexities of her therian instincts.

“Misty, we understand that these feelings are new and overwhelming for you,” Dr. Mercer began, his tone gentle yet firm. “It's crucial for you to know that what you're experiencing is a natural part of being a therian, especially during certain times, like what you're experiencing.”

Misty tilted her head, ears perking up in curiosity.

Dr. Mercer continued, “Just like in the wild, Therians have mating seasons – well – the grey kangaroo Therians do - where certain instincts become more pronounced. You're not alone in this, Misty.”

Rachel added, “But we also need to help you understand how to manage these urges and emotions, especially when it comes to interacting with others. It's about finding a balance between your instincts and the social norms we've established here at the sanctuary.”

Misty blinked, still absorbing the information. Dr. Mercer reached for a sketchpad and began drawing simple illustrations to convey the concepts. He explained the cycles of therian instincts, emphasising that Misty's experiences were a natural part of her biology.

As Misty watched the drawings take shape, a look of pure confusion remained on her face. Rachel smiled and sighed quietly, realising that Misty was no closer to grasping the intricacies of her therian nature.

“Now, Misty, it's important for you to recognise when these instincts are influencing your behaviour,” Dr Mercer said, putting down his notepad. “And when that happens, you can come to us. We'll be here to support you, guide you, and ensure that you're comfortable in your environment.”

Misty looked at Rachel, who gently stroked her soothingly.

“It's alright, I know exactly how you're feeling Misty. I too suffer from the dreaded urges and desires. It's natural for us does – even if like now, you don't understand them. I will try my best to explain it to you.” Rachel empathised, continuing to gently stroke Misty. “Wait, I just... had an idea -”

Dr. Mercer frowned, looking from Misty to Rachel. With a nervous laugh, Rachel shook her head.

“No, it's silly and stupid...” Rachel blushed.

With a quiet cough, Misty began gesturing. “Explain... please?”

“Liam and Stacy...” Rachel laughed nervously, her blush growing worse. “They're a mated pair, I couldn't sleep last night, so I was out hopping around the refuge and uh... well, let's just say they need to learn to be more discrete...”

Misty, confused, stared at Rachel, not understanding a word.

“Urgh, Dr. Mercer? Can you help, please? I feel bad enough as it is and I don't want to fill Misty's head with mistruths and thoughts that'd probably frighten her.” Rachel sighed, then shook her head. “Really, out on the edge of the woods...”

Dr. Mercer blinked, then chuckled quietly. “Oh, did they? Really? I had suspicions about them... Well, good for them, young love is an amazing and beautiful thing - “

Misty, even more confused, looked between the doe and the human, her ears partially flattened as she tried to understand.

“Misty,” Dr. Mercer explained, his voice quiet and contemplative. “Stacy and Liam are mated – you'd not understand the word, but when a buck and a doe love each other very much... Oh my gods, I'm sounding like my mother, when she gave me that talk...”

“Go on,” Rachel smiled, gently touching his forearm. “Misty needs to understand and comprehend.”

“Normally, grey kangaroos are not – well – one buck normally has multiple doe's he will mate with, and sire their joeys. However – that isn't strictly true amongst Rachel's kind. Maybe it is an ancestral memory, or something else... I don't know.”

Rachel nodded and took over, realising Dr Mercer was getting out of his depth, trying to explain Therian sexuality and mating when he had no real ideas himself.

“Usually, one buck and one doe will become a mated pair, he will care for and protect his doe, and she will do the same for him. Only the two of them will... make love – which is different to mating. It's much more gentle, passionate and kinder for the doe – than what our feral kind is like.” Rachel spoke quietly, gently touching and reassuring Misty. “Now, a doe, like you – or me – we must be in this form, to conceive and carry our offspring. After a period of about a month, slightly longer or less, our joey will be born as a small, jellybean-like creature. It'll make its way from the birth canal, up our belly and into our pouch.”

Misty blinked, then grabbed at her own pouch, pulling it open and hunching herself over, as she looked inside, then looked up at Rachel.

“No, my naive young doe. You're not with joey. As far as either of us know, you have not mated with a buck – have you?”

Misty frowned and then shook her head before she gestured slowly and intimately with her paws. “I was alone... for a long time. I never saw another – like me.”

“I'm not surprised - “Dr Mercer muttered. “Red Kangaroo are quite – scattered, across the outback. I can only imagine your own kind are even rarer again!”

“So, yes, I understand your urges, Misty, truly I do – I just...” Rachel pondered. “Dr Mercer – there's... just a thought, there's no chance Misty could cross-breed, is there? I've never heard of a hybridisation between Red and Grey kangaroos...”

He thought a moment, lightly tapping a finger against the side of his head. “From my research, there's never been a successful breeding, no. They're too dissimilar – whilst they're both kangaroos, they're different species. Megaleia Rufa and Macropus Giganteus – Red and Grey, respectively.”

Tears began to well in Misty's eyes, as they grew large and her ears flattened before she sniffled and began to gesture. “I'm... going to be alone – forever?”

Rachel, feeling her own compassion making her eyes moist, wrapped Misty in a tight hug, holding the sobbing young doe close and trying to soothe her.

There is a way... Dr. Mercer thought, then shuddered and swallowed, thankful both Doe's were not watching him. I mean, Misty's an adult, you know, physiologically... of course, you'd need to ensure you were...

Rachel's eyes widened as she smelt the scent from Dr. Mercer, before twisting her head and looking over her shoulder at him, her ears slightly flattening.

As if reading his mind, Rachel continued comforting Misty, whilst staring side-eyed at Dr. Mercer. He shuddered again and quietly left the cabin, his troubled thoughts weighing heavily upon him, leaving Rachel soothing and comforting the emotionally distraught Misty.

*

Over the next month, Dr. Mercer wrestled with his self-doubts and fears. Misty avoided him, still confused and upset by what her actions had wrought. She would submit to her monthly injections – but slowly, her fears evaporated and they began to spend more time together. The fact he bribed her with almonds, probably helped her rebuild trust between them.

He would regularly sit with them, and he and Rachel would exchange knowledge, frequently asking Misty's thoughts and input on their discussions. Rachel later lay with Misty, lightly cuddling, caressing and stroking her, as they shared a bed at night. Rachel spent hours discussing therian behaviour, boundaries, and the importance of communication. Through gestures, sign language, and simple conversations, Misty gradually became more confident in expressing her feelings and understanding the context of her instincts.

*

As Misty spent more time with Rachel and Dr. Mercer, a sense of calmness came over her. Rachel's nurturing instinct and Dr, Mercer's gentle and patient guidance helped Misty navigate the tumultuous Therian instincts within her – and finally – find a balance. They formed an unlikely family within the sanctuary, offering support and understanding to the curious and inquisitive young red doe.

One day, as the sun cast dappled shadows through the eucalyptus leaves, Misty hesitantly approached Dr. Mercer and Rachel, who lay in the shade, quietly talking. Misty looked worried and confused, then as she crouched, she merely hung her head and shook it from side to side, unable to give voice to what she'd seen.

“Misty, you alright?” Rachel asked, looking up at her.

Awkwardly, Misty trembled, then slightly rose, her paws gesticulating as the words in a broken, halting manner due to her quivering, spilled forth. “Liam and Stacy – they... they were...”

A pair of quiet hops reached their ears, and Misty's head twisted around, as the young lovers came into view, then looked at each other, then at Misty, Dr Mercer and Rachel, both kangaroos dropped their gazes, adopting embarrassed, sheepish-like expressions in their body language.

“Uh... Misty?” Liam murmured. “I... I'm sorry, I hope I didn't frighten you – I, we, I mean – well – we didn't think anyone was...”

Misty quivered and Rachel rolled her eyes, then gently petted Misty's thigh. “It's alright, what they were doing was natural – remember? We talked about this, now, it's alright, come on, stop being so silly.”

Misty turned herself about, articulating her words slowly. “You were... in the forest, you were – mating?”

Stacy frowned, then gave a nervous laugh, her ears flattening. “Uh... not exactly... It's called lovemaking, Misty, and yes... we thought we were, you know – alone – and I admit... we need to be more...private.”

With a lovingly nuzzle, Liam gently nudged his mate, then whispered something into her ear.

“Oh, and uh...” Stacy giggled again, her embarrassment unmistakable. “Dr. Mercer – if you... if you can come here, please?”

Curious, Dr Mercer rose, brushed off the dirt and leaves from his knees, and walked over to Stacy, before he crouched down before her. Stacy placed her paws on his shoulder and whispered quietly into his ears. Misty frowned, noting the subtle change in Dr Mercer's body language before he carefully placed his hands on Stacy's pouch.

“What is he doing? It's not right, to touch a doe there - “ Misty wildly gestured to Rachel.

“I don't know - “ Rachel answered. “Just... be quiet and watch. I'm sure they'll tell us...”

Gently, Dr. Mercer slipped his fingers into the edge of Stacy's pouch and as she shuddered and relaxed, he carefully pulled it open, then looked down. His body tensed, before he let out a quiet gasp in surprise.

“Is that...” He stammered, continuing to stare. “I'm not imagining this?”

“It's real, I assure you - “ Stacy nervously answered. “She was born last night... Yes, my dear, sweet mate Liam's the father..."

Rachel crawled over and Misty hung back, confused and misunderstanding what the excitement was about.

“Misty... would you like to look?” Stacy asked. “It's alright, come on – come see my little girl - “

“It's a girl?” Dr. Mercer asked. “How... how do you know?”

Stacy frowned, then laughed quietly. “Dr. Mercer, there's a lot you don't know about us, isn't there? Yes, she's a girl – a doe. We kangaroo's – therian or feral, can choose the sex of our offspring. Young Doe's like me, we commonly have a doe – when we get older, we choose either a doe or a buck.”

Curious, yet afraid, Misty crawled over, and Stacy held her pouch open, as she leaned forwards. Misty stared at the pale pinkish newborn, her eyes wide in surprise, before she stepped back and began gesturing.

“All... joeys like this? When they're born?” Misty asked, her curiosity evident in her facial expression.

“Yes,” Dr Mercer smiled, then gently hugged Stacy and Liam. “this is wonderful, truly wonderful! Liam – you were the last joey born to us – and that was years ago! This truly is a blessing and a wonder! Congratulations to both of you – a new life born in the refuge, after all this time!”

Misty, at first confused and bewildered, soon gave way to pure fascination and pleasurable surprise. She again looked down inside Stacy's pouch, observing the tiny creature within with wide eyes, her curiosity now focused on the miracle of life that unfolded before her. Stacy, sensing Misty's wonder, smiled warmly and gently stroked Misty's ears.

“In about six months, she will be furred and quite heavy, I'm not looking forward to that!” Stacy laughed nervously. “In nine or ten months, she'll be weaned and independent – young – but out of my pouch.”

“You could hand-rear her,” Dr. Mercer pointedly explained. “If she gets too much, could do what we did with the feral joeys we raised -”

“Stacy shook her head slowly. “No, I want to experience it all, from birth through to finally having her out of my pouch. She's my first joey – so I need this, Dr. Mercer.”

“Of course, I understand. If it gets too much for you, or you have any doubts or worries – any time of day or night, you come straight to me, or Dr. Owen, alright? Oh, one last thing... please confine your activities to your cabin...”

Liam and Stacy exchanged glances, before nervously laughing. “We will, we promise -” Liam blushed, flattening his ears. “Sorry Misty, I hope we didn't scare you...”

Misty looked up, then back down, staring in wonder at the new life, so fragile and precious, in Stacy's pouch, before she quietly crouched and crawled away, then began hopping, heading back to her hut.

“Did we - “ Liam began, watching Misty go, seeing the sadness in the young red kangaroo's body posture.

“I'll go talk to her,” Dr. Mercer sighed softly. “I think she's just upset – she is the only red kangaroo in the whole refuge... I think it's just weighing on her more and more. She doesn't feel like she truly fits in around here and the loneliness can be a powerful thing... and very stressful for a kangaroo, a Therian? I imagine it must be even worse!”

*

Dr. Mercer stopped outside Misty's hut, and then gently rapped on the door.

“Misty? May I come in, please?” Dr. Mercer asked.

Her quiet whimpers broke his heart, and he entered, finding Misty lying on her bed, facing the wall. Quietly, he walked over, then gently sat beside her, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder and when she growled at him, he twitched but spoke quietly.

“Misty, I... I need to tell you something, something that's been on my mind for a long time...”

Misty's tearful sobbing slowly eased, as she slightly turned and looked side-eyed at him, then used her paws to rub at her eyes.

“I've known you, cared for you...” Dr. Mercer began nervously, continuing to lightly stroke her in a soothing, calming manner. “Cared about you – ever since that first day, when you were brought to the sanctuary.”

Misty blinked once, her dark, soulful eyes seemingly staring into his soul.

“If you let me...” Dr. Mercer murmured, leaning close and gently nuzzling the cup of her right ear. “To... teach you – about what Liam and Stacy have done.”

Misty's mouth fell open and her eyes widened even further, as she shivered and looked away.

“I know, I'm scared as well – terrified even – even though I promise, I would be gentle, careful and above all safe with you... Now, I offer this to you, freely, I want it to be your decision, Misty – please, think on it, deeply and as long as you need. I'm not making this offer lightly, I... genuinely do care about you – and I want you to be happy... Good night Misty, may your dreams be pleasant.”

He kissed her lightly on the forehead, then rose and quietly let himself out of her cabin.

*

In the days following Misty's struggles with her newfound instincts, a subtle shift began to unfold within Dr. Mercer. Wrestling with an unspoken decision, he embarked on a quest for understanding, seeking counsel from the seasoned members of the Therian Council. The weight of his potential transformation hung heavy, a spectre casting shadows over his interactions.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Dr. Mercer immersed himself in conversations with Rachel and other Therians. Their experiences, both the light and the dark, painted a mosaic of therian existence. As he delved into the complexities of their transformations, a realization dawned upon him—the profound nature of what he contemplated.

In the quiet recesses of his cabin, Dr. Mercer documented his findings, creating a comprehensive record of therian life. The urgency to preserve this knowledge became paramount, fuelled by the haunting echoes of Dr. Kale's untimely departure. Video logs, journals, and meticulous notes amassed in a frenzy as he feverishly chronicled the intricacies of Therianhood.

As the weight of impending change bore down, Dr. Mercer withdrew into the cocoon of his thoughts. Nights became days, meals forgotten, sleep elusive. The refuge noticed the transformation within their devoted caregiver, a once-engaging presence now veiled in a shroud of introspection.

Concerned murmurs swept through the sanctuary, reaching the attentive ears of Rachel and, most notably, Misty.

The red kangaroo sensed a disturbance in the rhythm of their shared existence, prompting her to confront the enigma that had become Dr. Mercer. Signing her concerns, Misty sought to unravel the threads of his despondency, offering a silent vow of support.

“You know why...” Dr. Mercer murmured, as he turned about and gently took Misty's paws in his hands, holding them tenderly. “I made a promise to you, Misty, and it's a promise I intend to keep! However, I need to document my knowledge, my understanding of your kind, of Therian's in general – in case...”

Misty's eyes began to well with tears and her whiskers trembled as her eyes widened in horror as the thoughts surfaced in her mind.

“No, no tears little one, I promise. With your love and strength, and our bond together – we'll face this together and you will help me overcome it. I believe in you, Misty. When the time is right – for you – we will consummate our bond, physically and emotionally. It's a big moment for you – I want you to consider it deeply and carefully. I am offering myself, willingly and freely – to become as you are, to love you as your protector, your healer – and your mate. However, it is ultimately your decision, Misty. I do not want you to feel pressured into this. I understand and know the risks that are present, but I think our love and our bond will give me that which I need, to overcome and survive.”

Misty quivered, her eyes unblinking, as she stared into his eyes, trying to express her innermost emotions and fears.

“It is a risk, Misty. I understand that...and I accept it. You know me, you know my heart and my mind. I'm not weak-willed or careless. I know the risks, and what will happen if I fail the trial. It's partially why I am writing everything I know, about your kind and my own experiences and knowledge. If – it ended, then my notes might help Dr Owen, or one day – another like he and I, to understand and evolve the care and treatment for your kind. As I said, it is your decision, when we will be mated – and bonded. Take as long as you need, I will wait until you are ready.”

*

A year passed, Misty fighting herself and her fears – often waking with terrible nightmares and Rachel would lay with her, gently soothing and stroking the sobbing young Doe. Gently, Rachel coaxed out Misty's words, often late at night, listening to the sobbing doe through her ASL, speak of the terror, the pain and the suffering – Rachel gently helping Misty through her tumultuous and troubling decision.

“Yes,” Rachel murmured one night. “There is a risk, there's always a risk, Misty. Three out of the four humans did survive, and have become loved and trusted members of our community!”

Misty pulled back, her gestures wild and panicked. “I've never mated before – I'm scared – he's not a buck and...”

Rachel nodded in understanding. “The first time – well – it does hurt, Misty, I won't lie to you. Ask Dr. Mercer, if he can give you something, sedation maybe, to relax you and help keep you calm. Dr. Kale did it for me, and it does help.”

Misty wiped at her nose with her paws, before she gestured again.

“Was he... when you...” Misty looked up, her eyes wide and fearful.

Rachel frowned for a moment before she smiled and shook her head. “No, he wasn't human – he's like me, a pure-blood – like you are. He was a buck, that claimed me and made me his mate. There are differences between human men and therian kangaroos...”

Again, Misty gestured, her nervousness making her words scrambled before Rachel gently took her by the paws and held them, staring into her eyes.

“Yes, Misty, we can breed with a human male. We're capable, but it will not be very enjoyable for the doe. Our feral bodies are not meant for that, so I very much hope you will ask Dr. Mercer to take precautions. Not only to protect himself but to protect you as well. You probably do not know, but lovemaking is one way, we can pass our gift on to another. There are... ways he will know, to ensure this does not happen.”

Misty swallowed nervously, her eyes locked on Rachel, who smiled and gently kissed her on the forehead.

“It's a defining moment Misty, he cares deeply for you, he truly does. Yet I wish to enforce in you, the risks and dangers of it. Whilst it is enjoyable, between a buck and a doe, once they've made love a few times – and even...” Rachel began, then a blush crept up her cheeks and she looked away.

Misty's deepening frown made Rachel blush worse.

“Dr. Kale and I... experimented – with our lovemaking. Sometimes he as a buck, me as a human – or vice versa. It's... definitely an experience and offers advantages and disadvantages, but you don't need to know this. Now, as I said, the first mating will hurt you, frighten you even – but Dr. Mercer will understand and be able to give you some medication to help. Now, be a good, brave young doe and lay down here next to me, and we'll get some sleep, alright?”

Misty shivered, then lay herself down, Rachel spooning her and gently stroking Misty until she fell into a deep, exhausted sleep, Rachel soon following.

*

Dr. Mercer eventually chronicled his knowledge, and reacquainted himself with the Therians, reassuring and comforting them. He passed his notes on to Dr. Owen, with a promise that if anything happened to him, Dr. Owen would continue the research and study.

*

One afternoon, as Rachel, Dr Mercer and Misty lay in the shade of the Eucalypt, Dr Mercer gently stroked Misty's forearm, making the dozing doe blink as she woke up, then half-sat up as she looked into his eyes.

He held his breath for a moment, then carefully reached up and caressed her cheek tenderly, his hand cupping her furred muzzle.

“Misty? I've made up my mind," Dr. Mercer confessed, his gaze meeting Misty's. "I wish to become your mate and have you turn me. I accept fully, the obligation I am placing on you with regards to this request. I love you, truly love you – and wish to spend the rest of my life with you, as your guardian, healer...and as your mate, if you would have me."

Misty stared, her mouth falling open and eyes widening, as she struggled to comprehend his words, hearing the sincerity and truth in them – but her own troubled thoughts and worries began to surge and conflict with her heart's desires.

TO BE CONTINUED...