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Sanctuary Secrets

Part Two

Chapter Twelve

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

30th August, 2024

All Rights Reserved.

“I'm not at all happy about this,” Rachel nervously spoke, looking out the passenger window at the passing scenery. “If Ryder had bitten one – or both of them...”

Dr. Owen, concentrating on his driving, turned pale and shuddered. “Depending on where he bit them, it could be -”

Rachel and Dr. Owen exchanged glances, before Dr. Owen increased the speed of the pickup truck he drove – but ensured he stayed under the limit. Their hearts were heavy with determination and apprehension, both hoping for the best – but fearing the worst. The mission to hunt down Ryder's murderers weighed heavily on their minds as they navigated the winding roads leading to the small township.

As they approached the outskirts of the town, they were met with a scene of chaos and confusion. Police cars lined the streets, their lights flashing, as officers attempted to maintain a semblance of order amidst the panicked townsfolk—many of whom had armed themselves with everything from a picket fence paling to firearms. Sirens wailed in the distance, signalling the arrival of additional emergency responders.

Rachel went pale, her eyes wide as she looked at the equally panicked townsfolk.

“Something terrible has happened - “ Rachel whispered, as she and Dr. Owen pulled over and parked the vehicle. “You don't think -”

Dr Owen shut off the pickup and slowly unclenched his stiff fingers from the wheel, his eyes taking in the chaos outside. “We need to find out what's happening and how we can help.”

“Help?” Rachel moaned quietly. “Help? We have a suspected Therian on the loose. Do you have any idea what that thing would be capable of? Or worse – what if it has gone dark? A rogue is terrifying enough – but...”

Rachel's words trailed off as she shivered at the thoughts her mind brought to her.

“A newly turned Therian would be weak—lacking the ability and...” Dr Owen was startled as a knock at the window came.

“Sir?” Spoke a stern voice. “You can't park here, we're instigating a lockdown on this town. There's been an – incident – you'll have to go to the showgrounds, we're organising everyone there and -”

Quickly, Dr Owen nodded and rolled down the window. “I'm a Doctor – this is Michelle, my nurse and... how can we help officer?”

Taken aback, Rachel blinked and quickly realised what Dr Owen was doing, then she nodded at the young and obviously overwhelmed Police deputy.

“We're from... out of town, on our honeymoon and - “ Rachel smiled, placing a hand lightly on Dr Owen's thigh, then giving a large, friendly smile. “What's going on?”

“Ma'am, I can't give specifics, but wait... you said you were a doctor?” Inquired the Deputy. “There was an animal attack at the hospital – we still don't know how or what, but they could certainly use both her and yourself, now, if you'd just...”

His radio burst into life and a stressed voice came through the speaker.

“Deputy Williams, we've got a situation down here at the hospital – we need you now. Wait, there's been an unconfirmed report from...”

“Sir?” Spoke the Deputy, as he snatched up his radio and frantically tried calling the Sheriff.

“We'll go straight to the hospital, see what we can do and - “ Dr Owen, through extreme control, remained calm and polite, the Deputy stepping away as he continued trying to radio the Sheriff, waving them through.

*

“You're not a human doctor - “ Rachel spoke quietly as they drove down the road.

Dr Owen smiled nervously at her. “I am human, and I am a Doctor... just a Veterinary Doctor. Now, let's try to make sense of this – quietly – and find out what we can. First and foremost, we need to establish what happened...”

“Then I suggest we get the hell out of here - “ Rachel shuddered. “If it has gone rogue – that's bad enough, if it's gone completely dark... well, it'll be a thousand times worse. I assume it's acting on its instincts. Its instinct will be to get away from here – people in general. It'll fight if it must, but I suspect it will try to get somewhere safe and quiet. Just... look around you! The amount of people armed to the teeth – a kangaroo won't last what's left of the night... let alone a day!”

*

As Rachel and Dr Owen drove towards the hospital, their conversation turned to the potential dangers of a rogue – or worse – a dark Therian on the loose. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on them as they contemplated the possible outcomes.

“Rachel, we need to proceed with caution,” Dr. Owen spoke quietly, his voice filled with concern. “If this human has turned -”

“A high probability,” Rachel admitted fearfully. “A very high possibility. You've seen how fast our bites can turn someone – how many hours has it been?”

Dr Owen shuddered and glanced at her, refusing to answer, knowing that Rachel, being a Therian herself, knew better than him. “If it has turned dark, we could be facing a highly unpredictable and dangerous creature. I need you to focus on me, Rachel. If you can, draw on your own dark one's knowledge. Try to think as our rogue would think. What would it do? Where would it go?”

Rachel shuddered, her mind racing with the implications. “Agreed. We must prioritise the safety of the townsfolk and ourselves. Let's gather as much information as we can and proceed accordingly. Now, our lie about being a nurse and doctor will only hold up so long... so we've got to get in, get what we can, and leave before someone drops the hammer on both of us. Gods, this would be so much easier if I could shift and -”

Taking a look as a pickup loaded with about eight men – armed with high-powered rifles roared past and headed towards the outskirts, made Rachel turned whiter than the vehicle they rode in.

“Shifting is not going to happen - “ Dr Owen spoke sharply. “These people are on the edge – any – kangaroo within probably thirty miles of this township – won't see nightfall. Now, call the refuge, and let them know that all of our people need to hide. We can't risk these frightened, angry people discovering one of you – or worse...”

Rachel quickly pulled the cellular phone from its cradle and began dialling, her fingers trembling as she tapped out the number, then held it to her ear.

*

As they arrived at the hospital, the scene before them was one of chaos and confusion. Emergency vehicles from Police to Paramedic crowded the parking bays, and more sirens pierced the air. Paramedics rushed here and there, treating the patients and staff.

Rachel hung up the phone, then put it down on the seat, as she stared at the disaster out the windscreen.

“Stay close, Rachel,” Dr Owen urged, his eyes scanning the scene before them. “We need to find out what happened if we're any hope of trying to find them...”

As they stepped out of the car, Rachel and Dr. Owen were immediately swept into the whirlwind of activity that engulfed the hospital grounds. Nurses rushed past them, their faces etched with concern, while police officers barked orders and tried to maintain some semblance of order.

“We need to find out where the attack occurred,” Dr. Owen said, his voice urgent as they navigated through the throngs of people.

Rachel nodded, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. They made their way towards the entrance of the hospital, where a cluster of paramedics and police officers seemed to be congregating.

“Excuse me,” Dr. Owen called out to one of the paramedics, his tone authoritative yet respectful. “We're doctors. Can you tell us what happened here?”

The paramedic glanced up, his expression harried. “There's been an incident inside,” he replied tersely. “We're still trying to assess the situation. But be careful, it's not safe.”

Undeterred, Rachel and Dr. Owen pushed their way through the crowd and into the hospital. Inside, the scene was even more chaotic. Stretchers littered the hallways, and medical personnel rushed back and forth, attending to the injured.

“We need to find out where the attack occurred,” Rachel whispered to Dr. Owen, her eyes scanning the chaos around them.

They followed the trail of blood and commotion, eventually reaching a corridor where a group of nurses and doctors were gathered around a closed door.

“What's going on here?” Dr. Owen asked, approaching the group.

“There... an animal – a kangaroo...” Stammered a shaking, shocked nurse. “How... a kangaroo in the hospital – it... it...”

“Easy,” Dr Owen sat her down, gently touching her shoulder. “It's alright, it's all going to be alright. I'll get a... you, you there! This Nurse needs to be tended to, she's suffering from shock, get one of the paramedics in here!”

Dr Owen's authoritative voice drove them into action, as he turned to look at Rachel, who walked into the nurse's station and began checking over the files – acting like she belonged there, despite her civilian clothing.

Such was the chaos and disarray, that nobody thought to ask any questions or even question their cobbled-together story. With half an ear, she listened as Dr Owen spoke to other doctors and some of the nurses, putting together the story...

Rachel's blood ran cold at the words. A dark therian—a creature driven by instinct and blood lust—was the last thing they needed in the midst of this chaos.

At last, he and Rachel moved away, slipping into an office and quietly closing the door. Rachel was pale and trembling, as she leaned against the wall and exhaled quietly, trying to calm her nerves.

“Only a Therian who gone dark – would have done that - “ Rachel gasped fearfully.

“We need to contain him," Dr. Owen said, his voice firm. "We need a plan, we can not allow a dark Therian to roam loose...”

Rachel exchanged a worried glance with Dr. Owen. They were facing a dire situation, and they were running out of time to find a solution. But as they stood there, amidst the chaos of the hospital, one thing was clear—they couldn't afford to fail. Lives depended on them finding a way to stop the dark therian before it wreaked havoc on the innocent...more than it already had.

Without hesitation, Dr. Owen and Rachel sprang into action. They conferred quickly, formulating a plan to contain the dark therian and minimise further harm.

“We need to lure it out into an open area,” Rachel suggested, her mind racing with possibilities. “Somewhere with fewer people, where we can try to subdue it without causing more chaos.”

Dr. Owen nodded in agreement. “Agreed. But how do we get its attention without putting more lives at risk?”

Rachel sighed, then slammed her palm against the wall in frustration and anger, finding no viable solution to their problem. They had no idea where it'd fled to. With the townsfolk and the police armed and obviously willing to shoot on sight, any kangaroo they come across – buck or doe, she had no idea. Unable to shift and draw upon her own instincts and thoughts – she grew increasingly frustrated and angry with herself and the quandary she found herself and Dr Owen immersed in.

“Even dead - “ Dr Owen began.

“Our blood is still dangerous to humans - “ Rachel whispered, as she leaned her head back against the wall. “Worse – I can guarantee that those will be alerted, and be making their way to this township...”

“Those?” Dr Owen began, his frown deepening, before Rachel's fearful look made his eyes widen in sickened horror. “The Hunter's...”

As the realization of the hunters' imminent arrival sunk in, Rachel and Dr. Owen exchanged a grave look, knowing that they were facing not only the threat of the dark therian but also the danger posed by the ruthless hunters who pursued them.

“We have to act fast,” Rachel said, her voice edged with urgency. “If the hunters arrive before we can contain the dark therian, it will only escalate the situation.”

Dr. Owen nodded, his expression determined. “We need to find a way to track the Therian's movements. If we can anticipate its next move, we might have a chance to intercept it before it causes more harm.”

With a sense of purpose, they quickly formulated a plan. Dr. Owen would coordinate with the hospital staff to gather any information about recent sightings or attacks, while Rachel would reach out to their allies at the sanctuary for assistance.

As they split up to execute their respective tasks, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. Every passing moment brought them closer to the looming threat, and they knew that time was running out.

Rachel hurriedly dialled the sanctuary's number, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for someone to answer. When a familiar voice finally came through the line, she wasted no time in relaying the urgency of the situation.

“We need your help,” Rachel said, her voice urgent. “The dark therian has escaped, and I suspect, the hunters are on their way. We need to mobilise quickly if we're going to contain this threat.”

On the other end of the line, she could hear the rustle of activity as their allies sprang into action. Plans were hastily made, and reinforcements were dispatched to aid Rachel and Dr. Owen in their mission.

Meanwhile, Dr. Owen tirelessly gathered information from the hospital staff. With each passing minute, they pieced together a clearer picture of the dark Therian's movements, narrowing down their search radius and honing in on potential hiding spots.

As the sun began to rise and the shadows lengthened, Rachel and Dr. Owen reconvened outside the hospital, their minds buzzing with plans and possibilities.

“We have to move quickly,” Rachel said, her eyes flashing with determination. “The hunters won't hesitate to use lethal force if they find the therian first. We can't let that happen.”

With renewed purpose, they set off into the night, their resolve unshaken in the face of danger. Together, they would confront the dark therian and the hunters, determined to protect the innocent and bring an end to the chaos threatening their refuge.

Navigating the streets of the town under cover of darkness, Rachel and Dr. Owen remained vigilant for any sign of the dark Therian's presence. With each step, they drew closer to their elusive quarry, their determination propelling them forward despite the looming threat of the hunters.

“We need to find a way to lure out the dark therian without alerting the hunters,” Dr. Owen whispered, barely audible over the rustle of leaves in the night breeze.

Rachel nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. “We can't allow it to live, you know that – as well as I do. We need to hunt it down and kill it, quietly and cleanly. A dark Therian poses a risk of spreading its curse to others... or worse.”

Dr. Owen's expression hardened. “That's true, but how do we find it? It's not likely to just step out and announce its presence, is it? I just do not know where and how we're going to pull this off.”

“I can't exactly use some secret Therian super-power to track it - “ Rachel sighed, her voice tinged with frustration and sarcasm.

With a look, Dr. Owen reached over and placed a hand lightly on Rachel's shoulder. “I won't pretend to understand where you're coming from – but I do understand the risks. You're right, it's a risk to your kind and humans. We've got to find it, and capture it...”

Rachel twitched, then stared at him. “Capture it? Do you think you can turn one who's gone completely into the darkness? No, you'd be doing it a favour, Doctor, in killing it. There is no coming back if you've been completely taken. You heard and saw what happened in that hospital! That was no acting on instinct to escape and flee. That was cold-blooded, calculated murder and cruelty for its own satiation. There is no redemption – no coming back, only a quick, merciful end – that much we can do for it...”

Sensing the anger rising within Rachel, Dr. Owen wisely stopped talking – his mind wondering where and how they and others, would hunt down and euthanise this dark Therian – before it could do any more further harm.

After parking under the shade of a large tree, Dr. Owen rested his head in his hands and sighed softly.

“I've mobilised everyone I can,” Rachel spoke after a few quiet moments. “Those that can, are coming. If only we had Misty – but the risk is too high, and her being unable, or unwilling – to shift – I'm sure her more feral-like instincts and thoughts would be of immense value. However – as this town is a powder keg awaiting a spark... any kangaroo will be shot and killed. Misty would stand out, being who and what she is.”

“You're right,” Dr. Owen admitted. “How many are coming to help?”

Rachel shuddered and glanced sideways at him. “Everyone... except Stacy, Dr. Mercer and Misty – and the other doe's with young.”

“All of them?” Dr. Mercer gasped in shocked surprise.

“All of them – we have a vested interest in hunting this rogue down, one way or another...” Rachel murmured, as she slowly unclenched her white-knuckled fingers and shivered. “I won't lie Dr. Owen – this thing is dangerous and deadly. It's not acting rationally, its driven purely by the darkness – so it'll kill for the sheer pleasure of it. It won't have any compunctions, compassion or care for anyone... it is purely driven by anger, blood-lust and a wanton desire to inflict pain and suffering on anyone it'll come across. So, don't hesitate or try to reason with it – if we come across it. Head or heart – anywhere else and you won't like what it'll do to you...”

Rachel reached under the seat, then slid a holstered pistol out. Taking it from the protective holster, she checked the safety, then dropped the magazine and slapped it back in, before racking the slide back.

“I mean it Dr. Mercer – no compassion and no mercy. It can't be saved, or turned – it's host is gone – there's nothing left, except the darkness within it. You'll do it a kindness, and save lives.” Rachel growled, sliding the pistol back into the holster again.

Dr. Owen knew better than to ask if Rachel knew what she was doing with that. The way she handled it, he was quite certain that Rachel knew precisely what she was doing – and wouldn't hesitate to use it...on the dark one, or someone she cared about, if they were attacked...

*

Despite the danger, they pressed on, their determination unwavering. With each step of their plan executed, they moved closer to their goal of containing the dark therian and preventing further harm.

Rachel hung up the phone and placed it back in the cradle on the dashboard. Her face was drawn and pale, but the resolution and determination on her face spoke more than words.

“Now all we can do is wait,” Rachel said, her voice filled with resolve. “But together, we'll face whatever comes our way. It won't come out during the day, I know that. Twilight and darkness will be when it feels safer to move about. Now we wait – and hope my fears are misfounded.”

Dr. Owen nodded, his expression resolute. “Together,” he affirmed, their eyes meeting with unwavering determination.

With their plan in motion and their allies on standby, Rachel and Dr. Owen prepared to confront the dark therian, knowing that the fate of their sanctuary hung in the balance.

What none of them knew, was even darker forces were even now, mobilised and converging on the town to begin their own hunting...

TO BE CONTINUED...