- Spared the Curse of Mercy -
Story by Cederwyn Whitefurr on SoFurry
Chandler is a famous novelist, who wrote a book about the trials and struggles of finding oneself, when one does not fit in to societal normalities. As a creature who is neither fully human, nor animal, he is the first to go live on national television to tell his story and promote his new book.
Spared the Curse of Mercy
© Cederwyn Whitefurr
21st September, 2021
All Rights Reserved.
This Week's Writing Challenge: He was spared the curse of mercy.
Sprawled languidly on a long sofa, the Grey Kangaroo relaxed, one foot draped over another, His black tipped tail pressed against the back of the couch as he adopted the relaxed position of half laying and half sitting, one forearm resting on the sofas armrest. Bright lights shone down on him and he was distantly aware of the video cameras whose red lights dimly gleamed, as he looked around without a care in the world, completely relaxed and at ease.
"Mister Chandler - " Come a voice, and his head swivelled. "Thank you for joining us tonight."
With a smile that spread over pale ash grey lips, the Kangaroo nodded. "Thank you for having me Miss Barnett, lovely to be here on the show with you tonight!"
"I confess, Mr. Chandler, you're the first – forgive me if I get this wrong, its quite an unexpected -"
With a delicate laugh, the kangaroo's eyes closed and he smiled wider, nodding. "I quite understand Ms. Barnett! Indeed, I am of – well –"
He paused and scratched behind one ear. "May I clear up any misconceptions? Just so your audience understands?"
With a gesture, Ms. Barnett nodded. "Please do!"
A camera come closer and Chandler glanced briefly at it, almost as if it wasn't beaming his voice and likeness to millions.
"I am as you can see – neither an Anthropomorphic nor am I a feral kangaroo. Whilst I have my feral brothers appearance, I assure you, I am fully self-aware and have full cognitive abilities and as may come as a surprise – yes, I speak perfect english!"
A ripple of laughter spread through the audience who watched the show live, and Chandler chuckled right along with them.
"Mister Chandler, please, tell me about this book you've written, I believe its a auto-biography about the struggles to find acceptance both with and without society and its effects on the people such as yourself?"
Nodding, Chandler turned his attention back to the human woman who sat nearby.
*
After the interview, Chandler stretched one long leg out, then the other before he awkwardly half slid, half crawled off the couch then shook himself and stood upright.
"Are you alright?" Ms. Barnett asked, as the crew come and talked to her and themselves.
"Just lay too long, I get a bit stiff in the joints. Human furniture and even most Anthropomorphic stuff is, well, not really designed for ones such as I." Chandler laughed softly, as he crouched onto all fours then rubbed his legs. "I'll be fine, just need to stretch them out a bit!"
"I can get one of the crew - " Ms. Barnett began, concern on her face.
Chandler held up a paw, paw pads facing out in a negating gesture. "Thank you, but I'm fine, really!"
*
Chandler returned to the dressing room, some kind soul having left the door slightly ajar for him and he eased it open with a paw and crawled inside. Here, others had prepared a light meal for him, and against one wall was a low chair specifically crafted for his unique physiology. Standing in the centre of the room, a young otter nibbled nervously on a sliver of carrot, before she squeaked and her bright green eyes fixated on him.
"Mister Chandler, I think the - " Come the rapid fire chatter from the nervous Otter girl.
"Madeline, please!" Chandler smiled and shook his head. "Slow down, you're almost overrunning yourself."
With a blush, the otter hung her head and looked sheepish and embarrassed. "Sorry, sir - "
"Now, take a few breaths – that's it...okay, now, slowly this time!"
Madeline wrung her webbed paws together, before she picked up a tablet from the table and began going over his itinerary and other engagements. With one ear facing her, he mentally sighed and went over the speaking engagements, interviews, radio shows and other trappings he longed to abandon.
He'd been at it now for three long months – from state to state, it seemed everyone wanted to talk to him, him, a feral-like Kangaroo...just because he wrote a famous book on the struggle to fit into a society that refused to accept him and others for what they were...
"Sir?" Come Madeline's quiet voice, as she laid a paw on his forearm.
"Huh? Oh, sorry Madeline, I didn't mean to ignore you, my mind is so preoccupied lately.
Chandler promptly mentally stepped out again as she over-enthusiastic Madeline kept up her rapid-fire conversation.
Dear girl needs to learn to take life less seriously and calm herself. Maybe its just a natural way of life for one such as her, facinating, I'll have to ask her some day.
“Sir?" Madeline's voice come to him.
“Oh...sorry, what was that my dear?"
Madeline held his coat out in her paws. “Its cold outside sir, so you might want this. Your car is waiting and oh, sir, its such an honor to work with a famous author and...look at me, chattering like a sugar-fuelled pup, I'm so sorry sir!"
Placing a paw lightly on Madeline's cheek, Chandler smiled at her and gently stroked her cheek, before he turned about and Madeline helped him slip the specially crafted coat on over his shoulders.
“Thank you for everything Madeline, truly, I'd be overwhelmed without your talent to orgainize and keep me grounded, pray you never change."
*
Outside, the crowds cheered, flashes of cameras exploded like fireworks as Chandler inwardly sighed, but externally, he shook paws and hands, gave selfies to young ladies and even a few men, as he signed autographs by placing his paw on an ink pad and pressing it to the picture, book or whatever they wanted signed.
Finally, after fourty minutes, whilst Madeline hovered nearby, her eyes wide and her head constantly dipping to look down at the wrist watch, Chandler made is farewells to the crowd and gave a friendly wave. As he began to turn away, one human pushed through the crowd wearing an suit.
“Mister Chandler?" Asked the man.
Chandler paused, then looked over his shoulder, before a broad smile spread across his muzzle and he turned to face the human.
One more won't hurt, I can skip dinner and go on to the next appointment -
Chandler reached out to shake hands, when suddenly the man's face turned cruel and predatory. From behind his back, he pulled a pistol and in the blink of an eye he gripped Chandler by the back of his neck and pulled him sharply forwards.
Four quick shots were fired, muffled by Chandlers body...
His eyes widened and as some of the crowd who were closest screamed and fled, the man pushed Chandler backwards. Chandlers paws were pressed to his stomach as blood welled from the wounds and his eyes widened in disbelief and shock.
“Death to the beast-kin!" Screamed the man, as he turned about, brandishing the gun threateningly. “Their kind are an abomination against both God and Man...I shall bring the righteous judgement down upon these hell-spawned..."
Twisting himself back around, he lifted the gun and Chandler, sprawled on his back, eyes filled with tears and pain, could only wait for the final moment he knew was coming.
Distantly, sirens were heard, but Chandler knew it would be too little, too late...
As the human's finger tightened on the trigger, Chandler knew one thing...
Truly...he was spared the gift of mercy...
END