FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Humanity; Lost

Chapter Five

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

21st January, 2024

All Rights Reserved.

As the figure stood just outside the pools of light, memories, dredged up from the deepest recesses of its mind and flooded into its consciousness like a summer downpour. A heavy, almost tangible sense of nostalgia and remorse filled it, then overflowed, the silvery moonlight glistening on tears that fell to the ground.

Staying in the shadows, the figure didn't move, barely even breathed, as a slow, foggy exhale escaped its lips, carrying with it an air of both resignation and yearning. Turning away, it paused, one eye looking back into the cottage window, its heart heavy, it watched the scenes unfolding within, the warmth and love starkly contrasting with the cold night air and the dew that began to settle over it.

It became acutely aware of everything it had lost, the weight of so many years slumping its shoulders.

So long ago...

Yet the echoes of the past lingered, like a barely smelt scent on the wind...

Quietly, it moved away, melting back into the shadows, its movement furtive and ponderous...

*

Elara and Becky helped the exhausted Alex onto Becky's bed, where she lay down behind him, holding his quivering body tenderly and whispering soothing words into his ears. With a quiet nod, Elara walked out of the room, quietly almost closing the door behind her.

*

Alex slept until almost eight-thirty that night, awoken by the gentle shaking of Becky. He coughed, then sat half upright in that unusual way kangaroos have, before his head moved left and right, instinctively scanning his surroundings.

“Woah, shh – easy - “ Becky murmured, gently petting him. “It's alright Alex, you're safe – remember?"

He twisted his head to look back at her, before he trembled and winced, using his claws to try and rub at his legs.

“Sore...legs." Alex whimpered.

Becky, perched on the bed, delicately massaged the fur and flesh, encountering the unnerving rigidity in his leg muscles. Alex flinched and uttered a low, distressing growl, communicating his discomfort.

“Sorry," Becky whispered in concern, adjusting the pressure she was applying. “I did not mean to hurt. They're like stone, so hard and tight! Are you sure you haven't hurt yourself?"

As she continued, each careful stroke from hip down to ankle, made Alex twitch or grunt softly – his eyes filled with both pain and concern.

“Home..." Alex struggled to articulate, his lips moving in unfamiliar patterns as he fought to get the words out more clearly. “...ared... fled... home."

Understandingly, Becky nodded and continued her gentle massaging, feeling the tense muscles as they finally began to soften.

“From what you said, I'd be scared too - “ Becky admitted. “How's that? Does that feel any better?"

Experimentally, Alex moved his feet up and down on the bed, before he twisted himself around and placed a paw on her forearm.

“...ank... ou..."

Becky smiled and nodded. “You're welcome, now, think you can hop down and come get something to eat? You must be starving – you haven't eaten since last night!"

Again, experimentally, Alex moved, then winced and clutched at his thighs, shaking his long-eared head slowly from side to side.

“Alright, I'll get you something. Are you comfortable? Warm enough?"

“...ater...ease?" He asked quietly, laying his head back down. “...ursty..."

Becky stroked him gently before she slipped off the bed and left the bedroom, nodding to the inquisitive Elara, who sat on the couch, her eyes looking distant and thoughtful.

“He's awake - “ Becky spoke quietly.

With a startled gasp, Elara jumped, before she took a breath and shuddered.

“Woah, you okay? Sorry, I didn't realize -

Elara took a moment to compose herself before she gave a nervous laugh. “Sorry, I was a thousand miles away, just – you know, wool-gathering..."

Becky frowned slightly, as she headed into the kitchen, to get Alex a bowl of water and some vegetables. After a few moments, she come back, carrying a tray with a bowl of water and carrots, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables, that she carried into the bedroom she shared with Alex.

In the hushed tranquillity that fell over the cottage again, Elara found herself once more ensnared in the conflicting thoughts, an internal tempest that refused to be quelled. Around her, the room, adorned with the soft glow of the lights, seemed to dim even more, every piece of furniture becoming hazy and indistinct like viewed through a gauzy veil. Her breath, quiet, yet growing in intensity, carried the weight of uncertainty.

Rising, Elara paced the room, that unshakeable feeling clinging to her skin. As she wrestled with the memories of Alex's unsettling encounter, the elusive figure in the fog haunted her mind. The fog, she mused, was just a silent puppeteer, manipulating Alex's fears – yet, doubts clawed at her, questioning her perception of the events he had told them.

Her internal monologue echoed louder than the silence of the cottage, a cacophony of conflicting thoughts and emotions flowing through her body. Elara longed for clarity, a reprieve from the conflicting thoughts that whirled without end within her own mind.

Symbolic thoughts of fog wove their spectral tendrils through her thoughts, an ethereal representation of the elusive truth she mentally sought. It clung to her, veiling that elusive truth, distorting both her perceptions and blurring the line between imagination and reality.

Unable to escape the relentless assault from within, Elara gasped, her hands pressing hard against her temples, as she quietly moaned and shook her head. Refusing the physical touch, her mind onslaught continued, thoughts tumbling into, over and through, each other, like the restless sea itself. With her almost in tears, Elara brought her full will to bear, at last, silencing the internal chaos, leaving her trembling in the aftermath.

With a shiver, Elara decided to seek solace in the cool, quiet night. As the door creaked, she inwardly winced, yet there were not painful cries from the bedroom. Outside, the night beckoned her, cool, restful, and quiet. A quality Elara knew she desperately needed, a sanctuary where she could escape and think more clearly.

Each step, carried her through the doorway, which she quietly closed behind her, before taking several deep, quivering breaths, calming her racing heart and letting her mind grow attuned to the world outside. Stepping down the stairs, she walked a dozen paces, before she turned her gaze up into the cloudless sky.

Far above, in the firmament, hung the stars, scattered like diamonds across the black velvet of the cosmos itself. To her right, shone the full moon, its silvery gaze casting wild streaks of light and shadow across her – and the surrounding fields.

Elara opened herself to the night, to the world itself, her naked feet pressed against the cooling soil, and she closed her eyes, letting her control go as she felt all the stress and anxiety, slowly drain away through her feet and into the ground, where it'd dissipate harmlessly.

For nearly an hour, Elara stood, motionless and emotionless, letting the light and the wind do as it may, filling her with a sense of peace and calmness she desperately needed.

Silently, Elara offered her thanks to the spirits that had aided her, as she turned and was about to take a step back towards the cottage, a startled gasp was torn from her throat, her eyes widening as she saw something move from the corner of her eye.

Helpless, defenseless, Elara's calm demeanor shattered like fine crystal, her heart leaping into her throat and she nervously turned her head, seeing the foggy breath – breath – that wasn't hers...

As Elara's gaze fixated on the mysterious figure emerging from the shadows, a sudden gleam in its eyes caught her attention. As the moonlight flickered through the trees, revealing a portion of the creature's face, Elara's eyes went as wide as the moon itself – instantly – recognizing the distinctive notch in its right ear. Recognition hit her with a jolt like summer lightning – and almost as destructive...

Memories rushed back like a torrent, threatening to overwhelm her. That distinctive mark triggered flashbacks, and amidst the shadow silhouette, she began to physically and mentally discern familiar features. Like the final pieces of a half-remembered jigsaw, they slowly fell into place, and her wide eyes reached their fullest as the blood drained from her face.

It couldn't be mere coincidence – the notched ear was a signature as distinct as the nose on her own face, it was something she could never forget. Her breath caught as she uttered a name that lingered in the most distant recesses of her memory for over two decades...

“...Noel?"

*

Becky smiled, sharing a warm embrace with Alex. Their bodies intertwined, holding each other close, as Becky planted a gentle kiss on his forehead. This intimate moment brought the kangaroo and human even closer together, a show of comfort and acceptance of him. Alex responded with a series of quiet, inquisitive sounds, his initial tension gradually giving way to a sense of warmth and adoration for his human partner.

“Easy, my love," Becky reassured him, her affectionate gestures opening the bond between their two dissimilar species that little bit wider.

Alex coughed, as Becky gently rolled him over, her staying with him, holding him close and gently, as she lightly kissed his cheek, then his neck. Alex twitched and grunted, his sounds joyous and playful.

“Down, big guy," Becky playfully teased. “Just a friendly cuddle – nothing else!"

Alex grunted again, then licked her forehead in understanding.

As they lay together, Becky continued to express her growing trust and respect for him, through gentle touches, fostering a connection built on trust and companionship.

As they continued to share their loving embrace, the warmth of their shared bodies Alex's quiet noises, and Becky's giggles as he began gentle licks with his supple tongue of her face and neck, brought them both a sense of closeness and friendship.

After twenty minutes, Becky looked down, her lips pressed against Alex, as at first, his eyes widened, and an almost imperceptible shift occurred. His muscles tightened beneath her, his ears, pressed against the pillow, twitched and he began sniffing the air in strong inhalations.

Breaking the passionate kiss, Becky braced herself on her palms, looking down at him, as Alex trembled and began to squirm, coughing in what obviously wasn't pleasure...

“Honey...are - “ Becky asked, concern in her expression. “You okay? What's wrong?"

Alex responded with a symphony of quivers, low clucks, and grunts, the room echoing his distress. His head turned anxiously, eyes darting around the room like a trapped creature seeking an escape. In response, Becky growing increasingly distressed herself, hastily climbed off the bed, dressed only in her underwear and bra, her eyes wide and fixed on Alex's erratic behaviour.

As Alex fell off the bed, then shuddered and dragged himself to his feet, he rose up to his full height, standing on his toes, his entire body quivering from ear-tips to feet.

“Alex - “ Becky squealed, the urgency in her voice mirroring the escalation of tension in the bedroom. “What... what's wrong?"

In a marsupial panic, Alex started to crawl, before launching himself into two quick hops, his paws slapping against the bedroom door, it slamming shut. Frantically, he began scratching and clawing at the handle, his cries evolving from confusion to genuine fright – even terror...

*

The figure hesitated, caught in the play of moonlight and shadow, revealing in its body language a mixture of apprehension and recognition. The notched ear, once a symbol of shared moments, both gentle and intimate – now become an emblem of memories Elara thought gone forever. Slowly, dropping down, the figure approached – the silvery moonlight revealing itself in its entirety...

It was a kangaroo...

Not just a kangaroo...

Thekangaroo...

The one who had broken her heart, over twenty years ago...

Elara's heart raced, caught between disbelief and the undeniable truth that now crouched and coughed, its nose almost touching the ground, its body shaking with emotions Elara herself felt within her.

At least one of them...

The air itself seemed to grow still as if holding its breath, and in the stillness of the night, the world itself seemed to slow – then stop – shocked by the unexpected revelation. Her long-lost mate, crouched before her, a specter from Elara's past, made tangible...

Silence lingered, broken only by the wind that blew through the branches and the distant sounds of restless cattle.

Noel's eyes, deep and reflective, glanced up slightly before he dropped his gaze, and the unspoken words were strangled before he could speak.

All those years apart, the unanswered questions, and the emotional chasm that separated them, were palpable.

Elara's voice wavered as she spoke again, the name carrying the weight of years of repressed emotion in the unanswered questions. “Noel... is it really you?"

He crawled closer, his posture submissive and reflective, unlike anything Elara remembered. This proud, noble buck, strong, dominant, wilful, and powerful...

Broken and as he stopped, he lightly pawed at her feet, crouching even lower – his chest almost on the ground, coughing and shaking like a Joey...

Elara reached out – her fingers stopping, before she touched his quivering furred neck. He looked up through his grey eyelashes, his eyes filled with tears, his ears flat and his body language as submissive as he could manage – in his own way – begging her for forgiveness and compassion.

Elara's eyes locked on his as if searching for the truth within those beautiful brown orbs.

For a moment, time itself stood still, Elara with her hand out, him frozen and staring up at her. Elara's mind raced, attempting to reconcile the past with the present, as he remained impassive and motionless before her.

“Noel, where have you been, all these years?" Elara's voice carried a mixture of vulnerability and curiosity, overlaid with a trace of bitterness and anger that she couldn't mask.

Noel's whiskers twitched, and one ear flicked, before he dropped his gaze, a great wracking cough torn from deep within him.

Elara's hand trembled, before she looked down, closing her eyes and holding her hand over his neck – before she pressed down with gentleness, yet firmness...

*

Alex's frantic clawing intensified, before Becky grabbed him by the tail, lifting it up. With a startled squeal, Alex froze, then shuddered, his panic shattering, before he twisted his head back and looked at her, unleashing a guttural series of frantic coughs, growls, and clucks.

“Woah, easy!" Becky gasped, keeping a tight grip on his tail, effectively immobilizing him. “Easy! Settle – please? I'll help you, but I can't open the door if you won't calm down..."

Alex trembled before his body went limp and he panted, dropping back onto all fours, looking back at her, then at his tail. Carefully, Becky put it back down, and Alex fearfully crawled away, then waved his paws at the door.

Once it was open enough, Becky grabbed her nightgown, threw it over her shoulders, and fearfully peeked out into the living room. Her eyes scanned the room, noticing Elara's absence and the open front door. Carefully, she stepped out, Alex timidly crawling along on all fours behind her.

“Elara?" Becky whispered, fearful of getting a response.

Alex, clucking and scratching at her hips, crawled past her, his ears flicking wildly and eyes snapping left and right as his head turned. Sniffing the air, Alex grew increasingly pensive, before he began hopping frantically around the living room, bouncing off the couch and nearly tumbling when he hit the carpet.

“Alex!" Becky snapped at him, but the wild-eyed kangaroo was no longer listening to her.

He bounced off the kitchen doorway with a loud thump, his frantic gaze looking about before he fled to Elara's bedroom, his anxious nature rising faster and faster. Returning to the living room, he took one look at the front door – and before Becky could stop him, in two quick hops – he was across the room and out the door...

Suddenly, it hit him as his toes touched the ground, he suddenly shrieked in terror, his eyes seeing what his mind was a split-second behind on identifying.

It was the creature from his encounter in the fog...

Without a second to think, Alex's marsupial instinct drove him to the ground, crouching and coughing instantly, as Becky ran across the porch and down the stairs, before she caught up with Alex, placing a hand protectively on his shoulders – her eyes going wide as she stared at Elara, her own hand on that of the most intimidating Kangaroo Becky had ever seen.

Alex cowered, shaking and scared, his heart in his muzzle and beating at a deadly level, the adrenaline and fear coursing through him. His instincts were primal, rooted in the survival of his species. His fear for Elara clashed with his marsupial instincts, which demanded deference and submission to the dominant, alpha buck. The conflicting emotions played out in his body language, a struggle between his protective instincts and the ancient code of the kangaroo's hierarchy.

Gasping, Becky's mouth fell open and her hand slapped down on Alex's neck – making the already terrified kangaroo cry out.

Startled, the large buck rose up on its toes – and it towered over Elara and Becky both – standing a good seven feet tall, its muscles bulging beneath the fur, it coughed and grunted, its ears twitching, nostrils flaring as the scent of fear heightened its own.

To Becky's surprise, Elara turned to the large male and slapped him on the chest, and with a grunt, the buck twitched and then shivered. He dropped back to his feet, then down onto all fours again, grunting and chuffing, his breath fogging the air.

“Alex..." Elara began, placing a hand on the dominant buck's neck. “This is Noel..."

Alex's quivering didn't stop, nor did he look up, his ears going flat, despite Becky's comforting touch on his neck.

“This... is your father..."

TO BE CONTINUED...