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Sanctuary Secrets

Part Two

Chapter Ten

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

April, 2024

All Rights Reserved.

Dr Mercer cuddled the unconscious Misty close, tenderly licking the blood from her bitten ears, as mentally, he urged her to show the true strength within herself. The room was tense, with Rachel, Liam and Dr. Owen observing the unusual and intense interaction between the two red kangaroo Therian's.

As Misty trembled in his grasp, her eyes flickering beneath her closed lids, a hushed silence settled in the room. Dr. Mercer continued to gently murmur words of encouragement, his actions a mix of care and urgency. Everyone gathered and waited for a response from Misty's inner self.

Dr. Mercer's mind raced within him, as he held Misty tight. Was this the right way? Would it help Misty break free from the grip of her darker self? I acted out of love, yet have I damned her, instead of saving her, by forcing her to confront her darkness?

“I love you, Misty,” Dr. Mercer whispered into her left ear. “You're stronger than this, Misty. Face it head-on. You're not alone my mate – you have the strength within you to conquer the darkness within your very soul and mind.”

As Misty convulsed, Dr. Mercer felt the weight of her struggles in the shivers that travelled through her body. He tasted the metallic tang of her blood as he licked her bitten ears, each drop making him struggle harder and harder against his inner darkness.

Suddenly, Misty gasped and convulsed, her eyelids fluttering open and settling into a deep, solid brown. A sigh of relief escaped Dr. Mercer, as he held her and kissed her again and again, as Misty blinked and shuddered. The primal struggle seemed to have subsided, leaving Misty in a state of physical and mental exhaustion.

Dr. Owen, breaking the silence, cautiously approached the duo. “What just happened?” He asked, his eyes wide with confusion.

Dr. Mercer sighed and kissed Misty again, continuing to hold her close. “I believe Misty has faced her inner darkness, confronted it, and chose to fight against it. Her strength lies in her spirit and love, not in submission to the darkness within her. She needed to break free from the guilt and shame that bound her.”

Rachel and Liam exchanged glances, their initial confusion giving way to a growing understanding. Misty, still recovering from her trauma, weakly lifted her head and looked up at Dr. Mercer, her gaze filled with gratitude and vulnerability.

Dr. Mercer nodded, a soft smile on his muzzle as he kissed her again. “It's alright Misty, we're in this fight together – you and me, as lovers.”

As the room slowly began to settle, Dr. Owen couldn't help but marvel at the complexities of Therian psychology. He made mental notes, realising that each Therian's journey was unique, influenced by their species and individual experiences.

The atmosphere in the room shifted from tension to a subdued sense of relief as Misty lay enfolded in Dr Mercer's grip, her eyes now a deep woodland brown. Dr. Owen, still grappling with the intricacies of Therian psychology, felt both overcome and curious. This experience, he realised, would be invaluable research.

Rachel and Liam exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the significance of what had just happened. The unspoken understanding amongst the pair of Therian's deepened, as they realised the differences between their kind – and that of the newly transformed Dr. Mercer and Misty.

Dr. Mercer, still cradling Misty in his arms, gently stroked her fur. “Rest now,” he whispered, his eyes filled with tenderness and a protective resolve. “You've faced your inner demons, and you've proven your strength. We'll be here for you.”

Misty nuzzled him weakly, a small twitch of a smile touching the edges of her lips.

As Misty shivered, she gently extricated herself from Dr. Mercer's embrace, her quivering paws gesturing.

“Tired... so tired...” Misty's gestured weakly. “I need to rest, may I, please leave?”

Dr. Mercer nodded and gently extricated himself from her, then as he stood up, he helped the weak and exhausted Misty to her feet. Instantly, she dropped back into a crouch and began crawling towards the door. Rachel opened it and held it open, as Misty nodded in thanks and left the room.

Rachel, catching the uncertainty in Misty's eyes, offered a nod of encouragement. “Go on, Misty. Take the time you need. We're here for you.”

The supportive words hung in the air, and with a trembling breath, Misty mustered the strength to crawl out into the hallway. The door closed gently behind her, muffling the sounds of the others in the room as Misty made her way to the open recovery room and dropped onto the bed.

Alone in the dimly lit room, Misty's emotions churned like a tempest within her. Her journey had been one of intense self-discovery and resilience, but the echoes of her inner struggle lingered. She pressed a paw against her chest, feeling the rapid thud of her heart, a constant reminder of the stress and difficulty she had fought to come back.

*

Dr. Owen shook his head slowly, unable to withhold his curiosity. “Dr. Mercer, what you did – it's unlike anything I've ever seen! Is this... a common practice, amongst Therian's?”

Dr. Mercer sighed, his gaze thoughtful. “No, it's something I thought up on the fly. Our – kind? We're very solitary by nature, and our struggles often take place in the solitude of our minds. Misty's journey is unique, and her battle with her darker self required a more direct approach.”

Rachel, who had been silently observing, spoke up quietly. “Red kangaroos, by their very nature, are known for their resilience and independence. What Dr. Mercer did, whilst I can not condone it myself... yet I feel it... was instinctual, like how a mother would be with her joey, to educate and if necessary, chastise the young one. We Grey's? We're... much kinder, in with our offspring and mates, aren't we Liam?”

Liam snorted and shook his head, then looked surprised at being dragged into the conversation. “Huh? Oh, yes. We've all faced our inner challenges, but how we confront them varies. Misty, I think, needed this, and Dr. Mercer, through instinct, his knowledge, or just pure blind luck – knew how to guide her through this.”

Dr. Owen nodded, realising that Therian psychology was a complex and detailed tapestry, woven from the threads of individual and instinctual experiences and species traits. Each Therian had their path to self-discovery and their own, unique way, of coming to a compromise with their darker selves.

*

At last, Dr. Mercer revealed himself to the gathered Therians, once and for all dispelling the fears and rumours that'd abounded, a nervous and fearful Misty standing beside him, the Therian Council also in attendance.

“What you have heard, is rumour, mistruth and speculation,” He began, speaking clearly and loudly. “Misty, my mate...”

He gestured to her, then in a show of love and support, gently enfolded her and deeply and passionately kissed her, leaving Misty breathless and startled.

At last, he released her, placing a paw on her shoulder.

“Misty has not turned! She has passed her trials, all of them – just as many of you have! I will hear nothing more about having her euthanized because some of you Grey's are acting like frightened joeys! Misty is a part of us, a member of our mob, just as I am! Who amongst you would wish me euthanized? Well?”

No one dared speak up, but a few exchanged nervous twitches of ears, paws or muzzles, as they each looked at each other and fell back into a quietness once more.

“NO MORE!” Dr. Mercer yelled. “The lies, the rumours and the mistrust stop, right here and right now! It will only divide and tear us apart when we should be working together, watching each other and caring for ourselves – despite our differences! Do you remember what happened to our Sanctuary? How did our foolish pride and self-assurance lead to our discovery – how did it lead to losing our leader? I will not allow that to happen to us – ever again! We will protect each other, watch over each other and above all – be true and loyal to each other!”

His proclamation echoed in the hearts and ears of the gathered Therians, a rallying cry that ignited a renewed sense of unity. Misty, still recovering from her recent ordeal, felt a surge of gratitude and love for her mate – not only for standing up for her – but for just being so supportive and respectful towards her, despite what had happened between them.

The gathering, once fraught with uncertainty, transformed into a haven of solidarity. Dr. Mercer's words resonated amongst them, reinforcing the bonds that held the Therians together. Misty, despite her weariness, stood tall, her eyes filled with a newfound sense of acceptance amongst them.

The Therian Council, initially sceptical and cautious, observed Dr. Mercer's impassioned words. Whilst it had quelled the rising unrest, leaving behind a community that seemed ready to face the challenges ahead, as a unified whole. The council members exchanged subtle nods, acknowledging the success of Dr. Mercer's resolve in uniting their diverse mob.

In the wake of his powerful declaration, Dr. Mercer cast a gaze towards Misty and the entire assembly. The unity he saw in their expressions would lay a new foundation for their collective strength, a testament to the resilience of the Therian spirit in the face of adversity.

*

In the weeks that followed Dr. Mercer's transformation, an unforeseen external threat cast a shadow over the Therian sanctuary. Dr Mercer, now united with Misty and the rest of the Therian community, found themselves facing an unexpected danger that threatened not only their unity but the very existence of their refuge...

*

Late one evening, as the moon hung low in the sky, the tranquillity of the Therian sanctuary was shattered by the distant echoes of gunfire. Unbeknownst to the Therians, a pair of human hunters had ventured into the wilderness surrounding their refuge. Drunk and careless, these hunters were engaging in a cruel and senseless activity – shooting kangaroos for sport.

As the shots rang out, even the deepest sleeper amongst them awoke, fear quickly spreading amongst them as they gathered in their communal hall, trembling and shivering. Quickly, a head count was made of the Therians – then to their horror – they realised one was missing...

“Where's Ryder?” Rachel squealed in terror. “Ryder? RYDER – where are you?”

He didn't answer her...

*

Ryder, an enigma amongst his kin, typically found solace grazing on the sanctuary's outer fringes. The peaceful quiet shattered when the ominous echoes of gunfire reverberated through the air. His ears perked up, and a sense of fear and astonishment etched across his furred visage. Instincts urged him to flee, but before he could react, the sound of snapping twigs and rustling leaves invaded his senses. A blinding, searing light enveloped him, leaving him frozen and breathless, a mere spectator to his impending fate.

Abruptly, his world spun as an unseen force collided with his body, an excruciating pain sending him sprawling to the ground. Clutching his chest, he struggled for breath, the metallic scent of blood filling the air. A deafening crack followed an unfamiliar sound that hammered Ryder's ears. Hot, iron-rich blood seeped through his furred fingers and flooded his lungs. Gasping and convulsing, he writhed in agony whilst the unrelenting light held him captive.

Two human-like shadows materialised from the darkness, their forms gradually taking shape.

As Ryder coughed up blood, his vision distorted, and unimaginable agony gripped him. Even the dark therian within him, a formidable force of his inner self, was rendered powerless. The bullet had punctured his chest, leaving a minuscule entry wound, but the exit wound on his back matched the size of his now frantically beating heart.

“Young, lung shot...” chuckled one of the indistinct figures.

“Let's...” the other grunted, followed by a loud belch. “Buck or doe?”

“Does it even matter?” Laughed the first. “Stupid roo... where's my knife...”

In a desperate bid for mercy, Ryder wished to scream, to beg, but all that escaped his lips was a blood-choked gurgle.

His ears were ruthlessly twisted, feeling like they'd be torn off his head. His resolve shattered, fuelled by his unspeakable agony. His semblance of control shattered like glass, as his inner dark one surged forwards within him. With his heart pounding and struggling, his dark therian burst forth. Unconcerned with its host, who was drowning in its blood, it acted purely out of malevolence and spite.

It didn't care...

It couldn't care...

It just...

Acted...

Wrenching itself free of the human who gripped its ears, Ryder's dark therian sank its fangs into the human's forearm. Powerful muscles gripped down – the razor-like teeth shearing through skin and muscle, the blood filling its muzzle.

“Fuck!” Screamed the man, as he began stabbing Ryder again and again, the razor-sharp blade shearing through Ryder's fur and flesh. “Fuck, get this fucking...”

His friend leapt to his defence, struggling to pull the savage, blood-thirsty Therian off.

Ryder's therian choked up blood, more pouring from his body, as he turned on the second human – his powerful teeth tearing through the jeans and into the human's thigh. Unable to hold on, Ryder's dark one was savagely pulled away again – then mercifully – there was a burning across his throat... and darkness swept him into its eternal embrace.

“Fucking cocksucker - “ Snarled the first man, as he ran back to the vehicle and fumbled around, trying to find the emergency kit. “Bitten by a fucking roo – of all things...”

His friend limped back, finding a rag, he quickly bound his wound, then shook his head, his face pale and sweat slicking his body. “What the... it was a lung shot – it should have been dead in seconds...”

Quickly, and thoughtlessly, they bound their wounds and climbed into their truck – reversing up and driving off into the darkness, the corpses of a dozen kangaroos hanging from their hind legs off hooks, their blood staining the sides of the truck.

*

Rachel was beside herself, as she did a second, then a third head count, her fear exponentially growing as she refused to believe one of their kind was missing.

“Anyone saw him, anyone!” Dr. Mercer shouted over the frightened voices. “Anyone have any idea where Ryder might be? When did you last see him? Please, this is important!”

Nervously, a young doe raised a paw, and almost every eye – be it therian or human, turned to look at her, as she nervously whimpered.

“Dr. Mercer – Ryder... out on the eastern ridge, he and I often... out there, we'd go to be alone and...” come her nervous voice. “Who are they? Are they the...”

“No,” Dr. Mercer sharply spoke. “We'll check out security footage, we have cameras all around the refuge – we will find out what and who it was, I promise. Stay here, please? It's safer for you all here myself, Dr. Owen, Rachel, Jackson and Liam...”

“No, I can't go, please don't make me - “ Liam gasped in terror. “I got to protect my mate, our daughter...”

“You can stay, the rest of us, no, wait – Dr. Owen? You check the security footage, please! Hurry, this is important – we got to find him!”

Quickly, the Therian Council left the hall, Dr. Owen retreating to the small room that held the feeds and videos from the cameras. In their wake, the remaining Therians began to whisper and a few openly began to cry – their fear feeding off each other and soon, the hall was filled with grieving, worried and confused humans and kangaroos alike.

*

In the aftermath of the brutal attack, Ryder's lifeless body lay sprawled on the blood-stained ground... waiting for one of his brothers or sisters to find it. The refuge, once a haven of tranquillity, was now tainted by the gruesome events that unfolded beneath the pale moonlight.

Its wheel tracks leaving impressions on the damp, dew-covered ground, also leaving evidence, of death and despair in its wake...

*

Dr. Mercer, his fur bristling in fury, his breath fogging in the early morning chill, was the first to find Ryder's lifeless form. A profound sadness and anger spread across his muzzle as he examined the wounds inflicted upon the young therian. Misty, her eyes wide with shock, clutched a paw to her chest, unable to comprehend the brutality of what had unfolded.

“Misty, no my love, please – look away...” Dr. Mercer shuddered, as he tried to block her from seeing his body.

Misty's ears flattened and her eyes tripled in size, as she saw the horrors that'd been inflicted – the one that made her twist away and gag helplessly was the gaping wound in his throat.

“Here, here!” Dr. Mercer cried out, hearing the thump of hopping kangaroos. “OVER HERE...”

When the others arrived, Rachel retched and twisted away, quickly enfolding Misty and trying her best to lead her away. Jackson stared, his ears flat and mouth hanging open in sickened horror and disbelief.

“Who...” Jackson gasped as he held the back of a paw to his muzzle. “This is just... just senseless, it can't be those that hunt us – they'd not... not do this...”

Dr. Mercer shuddered and moved from Ryder's corpse, closely examining the wheel tracks. Following them closely, he found an empty rifle cartridge and a large pool of blood. Dipping his claws into it, he tasted it, then spat it out and shuddered.

“Is this...” Rachel whispered, her breath fogging as she fearfully looked at Dr. Mercer.

He shook his head slowly. “No, this is kangaroo blood – I have a theory – we'll need to check come daylight. First, let's get back to safety and...”

Dr. Mercer's ears twitched, as he heard the frantic hopping, and then Misty rushed over, grunting and gesticulating wildly, before she turned and fled back the way she'd come.

“She's found something - “ Dr. Mercer gasped in horror. “More blood – except not ours...”

Following Misty, who stood trembling, Dr. Mercer looked around until he smelt, then saw, the blood splatter.

Misty frantically gestured, then giving up on her ASL, she grunted and growled, Dr. Mercer catching one word in five.

“Misty? Slow down – yes, there's blood – a lot of it, it's probably from... wait – you're sure? It's not Ryder's?” Dr. Mercer stared in sickened horror, before he dropped to all fours and carefully touched the blood splatter, then once more, tasted it, then giving a deep, shivering shudder.

“Dr. Mercer?” Rachel nervously asked.

Hurriedly, he spat out the mix of blood and saliva, wiping his tongue with his right forearm, as he shivered and shook his head. “It's... not Ryder's – its not Therian blood...”

Rachel and Jackson stared in sickened disbelief, as Dr. Mercer gagged and scrubbed his tongue again on his forearm, trying to dispel the taste.

“... it's human...”

*

Back at the hall, panic had settled over the gathered humans and Therians alike. It took all of Dr. Owen's dominance and will to even try to keep the panic under control. Thankfully, the others returned and as their sweating, panting bodies moved through the crowd – they didn't say a word.

A wave of grief and rage swept through their community. Some grew angry, some wept, and some were just struck silent – their emotions blank as they tried to fathom the unthinkable. Slowly, Dr. Mercer ascended the stage, where he swallowed a few times and tried to calm the terrified community.

“Our sanctuary has been violated. Ryder's life was taken – by people we do not know. We do not know who, why or how they found their way onto our refuge! I swear, we will do all we can – to find these tress passers and deal with them...”

“A life for a life,” Someone shouted angrily, multiple cheers coming from the crowd.

“No!” Dr. Mercer snapped sharply, then slammed a foot down on the stage with a loud, thunderous boom. “We are not murderers! Who amongst you – any – of you – could take a life?”

“They murdered him!” Someone else screamed in grief. “They deserve to die, they deserve...”

“SILENCE!” Jackson raged, his anger boiling over. “They will be found – and punished accordingly! You're scared – we're all scared! I know it, you know it – but once again, turning on ourselves and on others... we are better than this! We must be better than this! This is not our way, to hunt down and kill others! Have we learned nothing? We've fought for decades – to suppress our dark natures – to live and let live! Now, let Dr. Mercer speak!”

Dr Mercer nodded in thanks to Jackson, whose powerful, dominant presence did what he could not – restore a modicum of quiet to the frightened Therians.

“Our sanctuary has been violated. Ryder's life was taken by these humans – humans, I might add, from the evidence we discovered – who were illegally trespassing and shooting kangaroos on our land! Now, we face an external threat. We must unite, not just for ourselves, but for Ryder, and the sanctity of our refuge!”

Fearful looks and voices began to rise once more, but Dr. Mercer slammed his foot on the stage again, silencing them.

“No more will we be allowed outside the immediate confines of our cabins or the hall in which we now are! I am instigating a curfew upon all of us – Therian or human! Come ten o'clock at night, you are to remain inside your cabins! It is for our safety – as there is no promise these humans won't return – knowing there are kangaroos here, they'll continue to illegally hunt on our land – and I for one, will not allow a single one of us to be taken – not by them, not by anyone! Now – go to your cabins, please...”

Fearful and confused, the humans and Therians slowly trickled out of the hall, until only the Therian Council remained. Dr. Mercer shuddered and turned to them, looking at each of them in turn, his eyes filled with grief and anger.

“Dr. Owen? Did our security cameras record anything – anything at all?” Dr. Mercer growled, barely keeping his anger in check.

Dr. Owen shuddered, then nodded. “We got the vehicle license plates and a good, clear image of the truck. I can't be certain, but I'm sure they cut through the eastern perimeter fence line – it'll need to be double-checked, and all of the fences will need to be checked...”

“Agreed,” Rachel murmured, as she wiped at her watering eyes with the backs of her paws. “Why? Why now? This refuge has been just that, for forty years! We've never had trespassers – our fences are ten feet high, at least! Regularly signposted with no trespassing signs and...”

“Could they...” Jackson began before his words trailed away.

“From the vehicle, a truck, and the... cargo... on board,” Dr. Owen's face went white as he looked away, sickened and horrified. “They were kangaroo shooters – not professionals, nor were they at all caring about our fences and signs...”

“Dr. Owen - “ Rachel sniffled. “We... we can't leave Ryder's body out there for the scavengers – we can't! We cremate our dead – as you know. It's the safest way – and it's our way... we dispose of our own. Please, can you – will – you, retrieve his body? Please?”

Jackson shuddered and looked at Rachel, then he sighed quietly. “I'll shift back – I'll help you Dr. Owen – even dead, our blood is... dangerous. It's dark, the moon has nearly set – and you don't know where he is. I'll come with you, we'll get him back and prepare him for the ritual... tomorrow.”

Dr. Mercer unclenched his paws, then he breathed out and shook himself from ear tips to ankle, as he sighed sadly.

“What...a senseless tragedy – he was only young, barely three years old. I promise I won't rest until we've found them... when I get my paws on them...”

Rachel's eyes widened, as she stared at Dr. Mercer, whose fingers curled inwards, his short, blunt claws digging into his leathery paw pads.

“No, Rachel - “ Dr. Owen spoke quietly. “We can not let this go – we will not let this go! I know I'm a human, I don't have the bonds that you do, but I'd do anything to protect any of you! If it means I must do what any of you can not...”

Rachel shook her head violently. “You can't, please...”

“A life for a life...” Dr Owen whispered, his anger rising within him. “I will avenge your brother Therian, I swear upon my own life. I know how to kill Rachel – I wasn't always a Veterinarian...”

“Doctor, please - “ Rachel pleaded. “It's not our way...”

unclenching his fingers, he just looked at her, his eyes dark and expression one of barely suppressed anger and suffering. “You're right... it's not your way...”

TO BE CONTINUED...