This is the fourth book of "Stories from Chakona" serie set in the concepts and ideas created by  goldfur
The present story is titled "Ties of Life" and tells the continuation of previous three books. Drawing by  sethtriggs

I hope you enjoy it.

<<< PREV | FIRST | NEXT >>>

CHAPTER 22

The next morning, Brend awoke with a strange feeling in his chest. After four years of complete confinement and monotonous routine, he had forgotten the stress of facing the outside world. He sat up and took a deep breath. Looking in the mirror, he observed a different Renzar. He tried to sketch a smile but couldn't.

"What will I do now?" he wondered while contemplating his slender body. He thought about his former associates, those who sponsored him when he competed in the Khudok. Would they still be there for him?

While pondering his future, a Rakshani guard suddenly approached his cell.

"Good morning, Brend. It's time," he announced.

"I know. I'll take a shower before leaving," the Renzar responded listlessly.

"Hmm, I thought you'd be happy about the start of your daytime freedom," commented the feline, but Brend ignored him while entering the small bathroom in the cell.

The water running through his fur felt more refreshing than usual. Calmly, he spread the soapy ointment over his skin, generating abundant foam that slid to the floor. He had already grown accustomed to the scent of the prison's most basic cleaning supplies.

Upon finishing, he dried himself with large towels. Again, he observed his slender figure in the mirror and, with slight sarcasm, began performing typical Khudok fighter poses. He still maintained the bearing of a champion, which drew a smile from him.

"Well, I must admit you're impressive. Will you compete in the tournament again?" was suddenly heard from the entrance. Brend startled, suddenly conscious of his nudity.

"Grrr! You could at least announce yourself!" he growled, annoyed.

"Sorry! Sorry. It's just that the warden has other matters to attend to and wants to complete the protocol. He's somewhat impatient and sent me to fetch you," explained the Rakshani guard.

"Meh... I'm in no hurry to leave here."

"I know. Just get dressed and come with me. After that, you can return if you wish."

"Fine, if the warden is in such a hurry..." commented the Renzar with certain irony.

"Better cover yourself up a bit," suggested the guard, a robust Rakshani with bluish fur.

Both walked through the penitentiary hallways to an office located in the central area. During the journey, several security guards greeted them courteously. One of them, a tiger-striped Renzar, placed a hand on Brend's shoulder and nodded in approval. Brend responded with a forced smile.

"Everyone already knows you're getting out of here. And personally, I'm also happy for you," commented the Rakshani.

"Hmm, are you serious?" inquired Brend, incredulous.

"Very serious!" affirmed the guard, making them both stop for a moment.

"Listen. I was transferred here two years ago, and since then, I've seen you struggle to improve. I know you're not a friendly type and prefer solitude. But in this job, it's inevitable to grow fond of people."

The Renzar made an inquisitive gesture, frowning.

"Heh, don't misunderstand me. You're not the only one I like here. Inside, I have a Chakamil and a Rakshani who are on the same path."

"Hmm. Well," huffed the Renzar, resuming his walk.

Upon reaching the entrance to the warden's office, the Rakshani declared:

"It's here... Brend... Before you go in there and regain your freedom, I want you to know that I... wasn't always a security guard. I also occupied one of those cells for years."

"What? You, Tag'Keth?" inquired Brend, surprised.

"Yes, friend. I also made mistakes. So I know very well what you and other people here have gone through... Good luck," the Rakshani finally said with a sigh.

Brend never imagined that the guard who had attended to him during the last year, and whom he used to completely ignore, had also been an inmate. In his mind, he recalled Sunbean's visits and little Cashir, and how they had helped him feel better.

"Wait!" he suddenly said, almost without realizing it. The Rakshani, a few steps away, turned to look at him.

"Tha... Thank you, Tag'keth," stammered Brend, approaching and, in an instinctive gesture of his species, hugged him. The surprised guard didn't expect this from that unsociable Renzar, whom he believed was indifferent to everything.

Tag'keth gently pulled away, visibly blushing. Brend noticed his turmoil and its nature, which generated a moment of tension between them.

"It's... it's the first time a nearly naked Renzar..." mumbled Tag'keth, without completing the phrase.

"It was just a gesture of gratitude," clarified Brend, trying to lighten the moment. "You don't know how much harm I've done with these hands..."

Tag'keth, evidently affected by the encounter, hurried to leave. "Good luck!" he added before disappearing.

"By Grom!" muttered Brend, processing what had happened. After a moment of reflection, he opened the office door and entered. Inside were several Chakat officials and security guards. The warden, a large Chakat with brown fur and white chest, observed him with some surprise.

"Don't we give you clothes in this penitentiary?"

"Eh? It's just that I was informed you were in a hurry, warden, so I came as quickly as I could."

"Fine, whatever. Finally, your day has arrived, Brend. The rules are as follows: every day you can leave the prison two hours after sunrise and must return up to one hour after sunset. There can be no delay in returning. If you're not here at night, it will be considered a violation of the rules and the judge will be informed to revoke your daytime freedom if shi deems it appropriate. If you're outside and have any problem with the law, no matter how small, your freedom could also be revoked. Any questions?"

"No, Shir."

"Good. Take your belongings," added the warden while handing Brend a voluminous bag. Brend took it, surprised.

"These things... are mine?"

"Yes. They were confiscated when you entered here. Don't you remember? Now they'll go with you," concluded the Chakat.

"Grrr... whatever you say," responded Brend while the warden showed him a scanner.

"This device will record your exits and entries. There will always be a penitentiary officer waiting for you. Do you understand?"

"I understand."

"Good, now come a bit closer," said the Chakat before scanning Brend from head to toe.

"It's done. You can go."

"Uh? That quickly?"

"That quickly. If you'll excuse me, I'm in a hurry," declared the warden before leaving.

"Ah, one more thing," shi added. "Some friends of yours are waiting in the visiting room. Tail high!" said the Chakat before leaving the place.

Brend stood in the middle of the office, barely covered with a bath towel and his belongings in hand, wondering who was visiting him. The officials were still looking at him curiously. The Renzar, a bit uncomfortable, quickly headed toward the visiting area, as he had done so many times lately.

Upon reaching the room, little Cashir greeted him effusively, jumping into his arms.

"Brend! Brend!" shi exclaimed smiling while the Renzar received hir securely.

"Grrr! I should have known it was you, little one!" said the Renzar, smiling.

"I'm sorry, Brend. You know how Cashir is. I couldn't avoid bringing hir. Shi wanted to see you today," said Sunbean approaching them.

"You didn't have to bother. Honestly, I'm in no hurry to leave here," responded Brend, greeting the Chakat.

"What are you saying? It's your first day of freedom. You should be happy!" added Sunbean, moving hir tail.

"Well, I'm calm. And honestly, it feels strange."

"I suppose it's natural, after being locked up for so long. Cashir and I would like to accompany you on your first outing. That is, if you want to, of course."

"Yes! Let's go get ice cream! I'll treat you!" exclaimed the little Chakat without stopping licking his furry face.

"He he he... Alright! Alright! I accept!" responded Brend, resigned. At that moment, with Cashir's enthusiastic movement, the towel covering his waist fell to the floor, exposing his intimate parts. Sunbean let out a discreet laugh and suggested:

"Maybe you should get dressed first"

***

On the shores of Silver Lake, the dawn moisture filtered through the forest trees, filling the environment with freshness. When Regthar, already up, peeked into Sorah's tent, he found Esteban sleeping peacefully next to her. The large Renzar slipped silently inside and brought his muzzle close to his wife's face. With a gentle gesture, he woke her delicately.

"[Good morning, sleepyhead. Did you rest well?]" he whispered in Marlock language.

"[Hmmm... Yes. Esteban is adorable]," responded Sorah, still sleepy.

"[Everything okay?]" inquired Regthar tenderly.

"[Perfectly, my husband. Tonight I would like your company.]"

"[Grrr! And here I'll be, my heart]," murmured the male, giving her a warm kiss. Sorah, with a smile, inquired:

"Are you going to the mountain?"

"Yes! Lilethe will guide us. Hy knows the place."

"Be careful and return soon," commented Sorah, sighing.

"We will," responded Regthar, winking at her. At that moment, a sleepy Esteban stretched and opened his eyes.

"Hello, little one," Sorah greeted tenderly.

"What... what's happening?" said the human, disoriented.

"Grrr! What's happening is that you're coming with me!" exclaimed Regthar, firmly grabbing the young man and taking him out of the tent.

"Hey! Don't be so rough!" protested Esteban. Once outside, Regthar declared: "Me, rough? Grrr! I should challenge you to a Joust for sharing my wife's space! In Grom, this demands a duel!"

Upon hearing these words, the engineer turned pale.

"What?! But Regthar... I thought that..."

"Grrr!"

"Hey! I'm sorry... it's just that... Regthar, please!" the young man defended himself while taking a few steps back.

"Grrr! Ha, ha, ha, ha!... How naive you are, son! Come here!" said the sturdy Khudok fighter, hugging the young man and ruffling his hair.

"You should have seen your face! Ha, ha, ha!" he added while Esteban regained his color.

"Please, dad, don't do that again," he said with a sigh. At that moment, Lilethe approached them with some snacks in her hands.

"Good morning to you both. Are you ready for the excursion?"

"I'm ready, daughter. Esteban isn't dressed yet," said Regthar cheerfully.

"That's because you forcefully pulled me out of the tent and didn't give me enough time," complained the young man.

"Don't worry, love. I have clothes for you in my fanny pack. I've already prepared the backpacks with provisions and water. Regt, you'll carry the heaviest one."

"As you say, Lilethe."

"Esteban, come with me. I have the right shoes for you in our tent."

"Alright," he responded, then followed his lifemate.

***

When Brend reached the main entrance of the penitentiary, he paused for a moment. Sunbean and Cashir, who were walking beside him, looked at him curiously.

"What's wrong?" inquired the older Chakat.

Brend took a deep breath and declared:

"It's just that I feel strange doing this. I think it's been a lifetime since I last walked freely through the streets."

Moved by these words, Sunbean took his hand and suggested:

"Don't be afraid to restart your life and move forward. It's like being reborn, isn't it?"

"I suppose," sighed the Renzar.

Cashir, who appeared the most enthusiastic, pressed hir little paws against Brend's legs, smiling at him. He bent down and carried hir in his arms. He gently caressed hir dark skin, causing soft purrs.

"Petting Cashir always calms me down," he commented.

"And it also makes hir happy," added Sunbean.

They continued walking until they reached the nearest metro station. After boarding and traveling several kilometers, they finally arrived at the center of Amistad. Calmly, they walked the streets while Brend's heart was illuminated by Chakastra's light and the company of Sunbean and hir child.

They entered a restaurant where Cashir hurried to order ice cream for everyone.

"You'll have to buy me a giant ice cream!" Brend told the cub jokingly.

"I'll buy one for Renzar!" shi declared enthusiastically.

While both Chakats approached the counter to place the order, Brend remained seated, observing everything around him. It had been a long time since he had been among so many people, and the sensation felt strange to him. The hustle, noise, and smells of the city saturated his senses like never before. While the large Renzar was lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice that another of his species, of smaller stature, approached from behind.

"[Well, well. By Grom! What a surprise! Are you already out on freedom or did you escape from prison?]"

Upon hearing these words, Brend turned slowly. When he recognized the newcomer, he was startled by the unexpected encounter.

"Grrr! You!"

His body tensed while processing that unexpected appearance from the past.