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A cat in the subway (short story)
Although the day was sunny in Amistad, the temperature was pleasant inside the subway train. The passengers, mostly chakats, chakat-kin and morph, traveled comfortably occupying the spaces specially designed for their long bodies.
At the end of one of the side seats of the train, Esteban Sivem was traveling. He was sitting cornered by a leopard morph who was nonchalantly reading his PADD. On his legs, the young engineer carried a small box carrying small animals. And inside it, a tiny baby cat meowed asking to come out.
«Relax. Soon we will arrive at your new home» The boy said. But the little animal was so restless that he scratched the walls of the box and meowed louder. Then, Esteban opened the door and took it in his hands. The cat calmed down immediately, letting out soft purrs and settling on his lap.
«Oh wow. Heh heh heh. I understand. You don’t like being locked up right? Don’t worry. It will be for a short time» The human insisted. Every time he ran his hand through his soft fur, the cat stretched out and purred in relaxation. A short distance away, some chakat sat on their hindquarters. One of them, with light brown fur, approached Esteban when he felt the pet’s purr.
«Prrr… Hello. Nice kitty you have there. Can I have it?»
«Eh? Yes… Sure» answered Esteban surprised. The chakat took the pet and began to pet it gently.
«Awww… How cute it is…» shi commented. Instantly, another pair of chakats turned to see the cat. The animal’s meows and purrs seemed to excite the taurs present. One of them approached Esteban and said:
«You… You’re the guy from the TV, right?»
«Huh? Television?» the human answered somewhat nervously.
«Yes. You are Esteban, the human attacked by skunktaurs a while ago. I saw you on the news too» said another of the chakats who was traveling as a passenger. The boy did not expect that people would still remember the incident after so long. A little flustered, he only managed to reply with a nod.
«Awww… And how are you now?» Asked the chakat who had the cat in hys hands.
«I’m fine and fully recovered, thank you»
«Good to know. Have your kitty. I have to get down here. Nice to meet you. Take good care of yourself Esteban. Tail High!»
«Tail High! Shir…» The human answered, receiving the cat. The train stopped for a few moments at the station, producing the usual exchange of passengers. Esteban took advantage of the occasion to try to put the little feline back in the transport box. However, the pet resisted tenaciously.
«Come on buddy. Go back to your box. The inspectors might get mad at me if they see you outside» he said quietly. When the train closed its doors restarting its march, the cat jumped out of Esteban’s hands. He ran down the subway car to the bottom, dodging all manner of legs along the way. Esteban, concerned, went after him to catch up with him.
«Damn! Permission Shir! Excuse me!» The human exclaimed, making his way through the passengers, mostly quadrupeds. Upon reaching the back of the car, he saw that a chakat with golden fur had picked up the feline and was gently stroking it. When the boy stopped in front of hym, the chakat raised hys head and exclaimed «Esteban!»
The human was shocked. He did not remember having seen this chakat before who called him by his name. After a moment of mutual observation, the taur finally declared with a smile.
«I guess this kitty is yours»
«Huh? Yes… Yes… It’s mine. Thanks for catching it… Excuse me… Do we really know each other?.. Or… Did you see me on TV too?»
«Heh heh heh… Both. Don’t you remember me? We were classmates in engineering classes in Dewclaw. My name is Chakat Arbiax… I…» Shi stopped suddenly, then said with a serious tone of voice «I was the one who hit you in the auditorium, when you were still recovering from your injuries. Honestly, I’m still ashamed of it…”
Esteban was shocked. He did not remember many details of that unpleasant moment, nor the faces of those who confronted him that time.
«Oh Esteban. I know I apologized to you a long time ago. And… I also wanted to talk to you again. I felt really bad for what I did to you. And… I couldn’t get over my remorse. I’m not like that, never.» I have been… I have children, you know, and…”
«Wait… Calm down Arbiax. Everything is fine. As my friend Vroeg used to say, leave the past behind. Look at me. I’m fine!» The human said with a smile. The chakat sighed deeply trying to smile too. Shi looked Esteban in the eye and declared.
«It seems that fate has brought us together again. And I won’t waste this opportunity. I’d like to get to know you a little better. Do you have some time now?»
«Huh? Well, I’m on my way to a friend’s house to deliver this cat. Hys little kids are waiting for it.»
«Awww, that’s really nice of you. I can tag along if you want.»
«Really? I don’t want to distract you from your chores»
«Oh don’t worry. I’ll call home on the PADD and everything will be settled» The chakat said.
«Very good. I would like your company. Besides, the cat seems to like you heh heh»
«Yes. He’s very calm with me heh heh» Arbiax commented, noticing that the little animal purred in hys arms.
Arbiax was a chakat with golden and white fur, with long flowing yellow hair. Shi was wearing a striking blue blouse and carried an elegant fanny pack on the lower part of hys torso. Shi was an engineer like Esteban, and just like him, shi decided to take the improvement course in Dewclaw.
After putting the cat back in its box, they both prepared to get off the train at the next station. Once on the surface, the chakat called hys home, saying that shi would take a little longer to arrive.
«All settled Esteban. Let’s go» shi said enthusiastically. They both walked a couple of blocks in the nice residential neighborhood where Rena and hys family lived. Arriving at a park with lush trees and flowering plants, they decided to sit on a bench to chat a little more.
«Yeah Esteban. I have a family. My lifemate chakat and my puppy. As an engineer, I work for a construction company in Amistad. Although sometimes I have to travel to other cities in Chakona to provide my services. However, I avoid I don’t like being separated from my mate and my child.»
«I understand. Time with family is very valuable» The human commented. «For my part, I came to Chakona from Terra a little over two years ago. I confess that at first, it was difficult for me to adapt to the customs of the chakats…»
«Did you have prejudices on us?» Arbiax asked curiously.
«I would say that I had some, yes. But that changed as time went on. I met wonderful people here» Said the boy.
«Is your partner human like you?»
«No. My partner is a skunktaur»
«Really? Wow. I never expected it from a human coming from Terra» added the chakat, surprised by that revelation.
«I didn’t expect to fall in love with a taur either, but that’s how it happened»
«You say that happily. I can catch the emotion when you think of hym. And I guess the feeling is mutual.»
«Yeah. Lilethe and me love each other so deeply that we form a mental bond.»
«A bond? I thought that only happened between chakats or chakat-kin. But if you and hym formed one, it means that your love must be very strong» Arbiax commented. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the trees. Chakastra was almost at the zenith. Some people passed by the place enjoying the tranquility. A human couple with a small child were trying to make him walk. Esteban and Arbiax watched them for a moment. The chakat thought could guess what would come next in the conversation.
«You don’t have to talk about this if it makes you uncomfortable. What happened in your family with…»
«It’s alright Esteban. I think I owe you, after all… My uncontrolled reaction that time…» Arbiax said sighing and shaking hys head.
«Arbiax…»
«I was a puppy. We had just arrived with my parents from New New York, after visiting relatives. The spaceport was crowded with people. Mom was holding my hand. Suddenly, I clearly heard the horrible voice of that man, shouting slogans in favor of humans… And against us, saying that we were an abomination. I can still feel it in my memory. I was very scared. Mom tried to get me out of there, running. But panic took over everyone We bumped into each other and flattened each other trying to get away from this explosive-wrapped human who was running around inciting chaos. Suddenly there was a deafening crash and I fell to the ground. I was unconscious and when I woke up, in the hospital… Dad told me tearfully, that mom was gone forever.» After those words, a total silence remained between the two. Esteban took his head without knowing what to answer. He stood up. Arbiax’s account had moved him deeply. Unintentionally, he began to sob and thick tears soaked his cheeks.
«Esteban!» Said surprised the chakat. «I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to get upset» shi added as shi stood up and hugged the human.
«Sorry! Sorry! Arbiax I’m so sorry!» Esteban exclaimed, kneeling in front of the chakat.
«It was… It was the same attack that killed my friend Ugkar’s partner… My specie… They have committed so many atrocities… Sometimes I am ashamed to be one of them!» Said the boy without stopping sob.
«Esteban… Don’t talk like that. Even I know that humans are not all the same. H1 is only a minority in your world. Forgive me for causing you anguish» Arbiax pointed out trying to comfort him. They both remained embraced for a long time. Esteban could feel the warmth of the skin and the emotions of the chakat that enveloped him, mitigating his sadness. After a pause, they sat down again on the bench in that beautiful park. With Esteban calmer, Arbiax continued.
«That happened a long time ago. My father and I overcame the pain and moved on. Now I’m fine and I live happily with my lifemate and my baby»
«Now I can perfectly understand that blow you gave me. I can understand your fury…»
«No Esteban. What I did to you was wrong. I shouldn’t have hurt or judged you. Nothing can justify that» Arbiax answered with teary eyes. «It’s me who apologizes again for my behavior» shi finished. They both caressed each other. The chakat licked the tears from Esteban’s face, who in turn, removed them with his hands from Arbiax’s cheeks.
«Okay. Thanks.»
«Thanks to you, Esteban» answered the chakat. At that moment, neither of them realized that a female-phase skunktaur had been watching them for a few moments. The newcomer approached them and saluted.
«Sorry to interrupt, but I felt your inner commotion Esteban and I couldn’t help but come. Are you okay?»
«Rena!» The boy exclaimed jubilantly, then pounced on hym and gave him a tight hug.
«I’m fine dear Rena. Thank you. Sorry to worry you. I want you to meet Chakat Arbiax, a coleague engineer and fellow student at Dewclaw. Arbiax, hy is Rena»
«It’s a pleasure to meet you Arbiax»
«The pleasure is mine» replied the chakat wagging hys tail. Then, Rena turned back and exclaimed:
«Cora! Teo! Come here» Instantly a couple of furry balls with fluffy tails came out from behind the trees. Seeing them arrive, Arbiax exclaimed:
«Aww… What adorable children!»
«They are my youngest children, Cora and Teo. Shi is Arbiax»
Esteban bent down to receive them on his lap.
«Uncle Esteban! Why were you sad?» Cora asked in her childlike voice.
«They also felt your anguish, Esteban. It’s the first time they’ve done it and that scared them. That’s why they hid behind the trees» Rena said.
«Aww… I’m sorry guys. I’m not sad anymore. I’m fine. And to prove it, I bring you the gift I promised you» The human said taking the transport box and putting it on the ground. The little skunktaurs jumped with excitement when they met their new pet: a cute brown kitten.
«Yay! Uncle Esteban! It’s beautiful!» Teo exclaimed
«Heh heh… I know they’ll take good care of him» The human said standing up.
«Alright kids. Let’s take the kitty home. Shir Arbiax, why don’t you stay and eat with us? Lunch is almost ready» Rena said.
«Yes! Good idea. Please Arbiax, stay a little longer!» Added Esteban in a pleading tone, taking hys hands.
«Eh… Ok! I accept. It will be a pleasure. Thank you Rena» The chakat finally answered.
«Excellent! Let’s go this way.» Said the skunktaur inviting both engineers to hys house, a few meters away from the park. As they walked, Cora accidentally opened the door to the box, letting the little kitten escape. Seeing himself free again, the cat ran terrified through the trees and grass.
«Hey, wait!» Teo yelled, launching into a mad dash after him. Immediately hys brother followed hym, losing both behind some bushes.
«I better go get them. You guys go ahead» Esteban said.
«Leave it to me, colleague. That cat won’t get far» Arbiax suddenly said, handing hys fanny pack to the boy. Then shi began a swift run after the skunktaurs, leaping high. Shi quickly reached them, but the cat scrambled up a thick tree trunk, out of Teo’s and Cora’s reach. The children watched in concern as the cat climbed up and up. Suddenly, Arbiax, taking a huge swing, jumped onto one of the thick branches, blocking the cat’s path and catching it in hys hands.
«I caught you!» Shi exclaimed victoriously. The little skunktaurs jumped for joy. In the distance, Esteban and Rena looked at each other perplexed.
«Does your colleague practice chakker or something?» Rena asked.
«Eh… I don’t know. We’re just getting to know each other» Esteban replied with a shrug.
(This is a story set in the Chakat Universe created by Bernard Doove)
Chakat Arbiax drawing by the wonderful artist
sethtriggs
At the end of one of the side seats of the train, Esteban Sivem was traveling. He was sitting cornered by a leopard morph who was nonchalantly reading his PADD. On his legs, the young engineer carried a small box carrying small animals. And inside it, a tiny baby cat meowed asking to come out.
«Relax. Soon we will arrive at your new home» The boy said. But the little animal was so restless that he scratched the walls of the box and meowed louder. Then, Esteban opened the door and took it in his hands. The cat calmed down immediately, letting out soft purrs and settling on his lap.
«Oh wow. Heh heh heh. I understand. You don’t like being locked up right? Don’t worry. It will be for a short time» The human insisted. Every time he ran his hand through his soft fur, the cat stretched out and purred in relaxation. A short distance away, some chakat sat on their hindquarters. One of them, with light brown fur, approached Esteban when he felt the pet’s purr.
«Prrr… Hello. Nice kitty you have there. Can I have it?»
«Eh? Yes… Sure» answered Esteban surprised. The chakat took the pet and began to pet it gently.
«Awww… How cute it is…» shi commented. Instantly, another pair of chakats turned to see the cat. The animal’s meows and purrs seemed to excite the taurs present. One of them approached Esteban and said:
«You… You’re the guy from the TV, right?»
«Huh? Television?» the human answered somewhat nervously.
«Yes. You are Esteban, the human attacked by skunktaurs a while ago. I saw you on the news too» said another of the chakats who was traveling as a passenger. The boy did not expect that people would still remember the incident after so long. A little flustered, he only managed to reply with a nod.
«Awww… And how are you now?» Asked the chakat who had the cat in hys hands.
«I’m fine and fully recovered, thank you»
«Good to know. Have your kitty. I have to get down here. Nice to meet you. Take good care of yourself Esteban. Tail High!»
«Tail High! Shir…» The human answered, receiving the cat. The train stopped for a few moments at the station, producing the usual exchange of passengers. Esteban took advantage of the occasion to try to put the little feline back in the transport box. However, the pet resisted tenaciously.
«Come on buddy. Go back to your box. The inspectors might get mad at me if they see you outside» he said quietly. When the train closed its doors restarting its march, the cat jumped out of Esteban’s hands. He ran down the subway car to the bottom, dodging all manner of legs along the way. Esteban, concerned, went after him to catch up with him.
«Damn! Permission Shir! Excuse me!» The human exclaimed, making his way through the passengers, mostly quadrupeds. Upon reaching the back of the car, he saw that a chakat with golden fur had picked up the feline and was gently stroking it. When the boy stopped in front of hym, the chakat raised hys head and exclaimed «Esteban!»
The human was shocked. He did not remember having seen this chakat before who called him by his name. After a moment of mutual observation, the taur finally declared with a smile.
«I guess this kitty is yours»
«Huh? Yes… Yes… It’s mine. Thanks for catching it… Excuse me… Do we really know each other?.. Or… Did you see me on TV too?»
«Heh heh heh… Both. Don’t you remember me? We were classmates in engineering classes in Dewclaw. My name is Chakat Arbiax… I…» Shi stopped suddenly, then said with a serious tone of voice «I was the one who hit you in the auditorium, when you were still recovering from your injuries. Honestly, I’m still ashamed of it…”
Esteban was shocked. He did not remember many details of that unpleasant moment, nor the faces of those who confronted him that time.
«Oh Esteban. I know I apologized to you a long time ago. And… I also wanted to talk to you again. I felt really bad for what I did to you. And… I couldn’t get over my remorse. I’m not like that, never.» I have been… I have children, you know, and…”
«Wait… Calm down Arbiax. Everything is fine. As my friend Vroeg used to say, leave the past behind. Look at me. I’m fine!» The human said with a smile. The chakat sighed deeply trying to smile too. Shi looked Esteban in the eye and declared.
«It seems that fate has brought us together again. And I won’t waste this opportunity. I’d like to get to know you a little better. Do you have some time now?»
«Huh? Well, I’m on my way to a friend’s house to deliver this cat. Hys little kids are waiting for it.»
«Awww, that’s really nice of you. I can tag along if you want.»
«Really? I don’t want to distract you from your chores»
«Oh don’t worry. I’ll call home on the PADD and everything will be settled» The chakat said.
«Very good. I would like your company. Besides, the cat seems to like you heh heh»
«Yes. He’s very calm with me heh heh» Arbiax commented, noticing that the little animal purred in hys arms.
Arbiax was a chakat with golden and white fur, with long flowing yellow hair. Shi was wearing a striking blue blouse and carried an elegant fanny pack on the lower part of hys torso. Shi was an engineer like Esteban, and just like him, shi decided to take the improvement course in Dewclaw.
After putting the cat back in its box, they both prepared to get off the train at the next station. Once on the surface, the chakat called hys home, saying that shi would take a little longer to arrive.
«All settled Esteban. Let’s go» shi said enthusiastically. They both walked a couple of blocks in the nice residential neighborhood where Rena and hys family lived. Arriving at a park with lush trees and flowering plants, they decided to sit on a bench to chat a little more.
«Yeah Esteban. I have a family. My lifemate chakat and my puppy. As an engineer, I work for a construction company in Amistad. Although sometimes I have to travel to other cities in Chakona to provide my services. However, I avoid I don’t like being separated from my mate and my child.»
«I understand. Time with family is very valuable» The human commented. «For my part, I came to Chakona from Terra a little over two years ago. I confess that at first, it was difficult for me to adapt to the customs of the chakats…»
«Did you have prejudices on us?» Arbiax asked curiously.
«I would say that I had some, yes. But that changed as time went on. I met wonderful people here» Said the boy.
«Is your partner human like you?»
«No. My partner is a skunktaur»
«Really? Wow. I never expected it from a human coming from Terra» added the chakat, surprised by that revelation.
«I didn’t expect to fall in love with a taur either, but that’s how it happened»
«You say that happily. I can catch the emotion when you think of hym. And I guess the feeling is mutual.»
«Yeah. Lilethe and me love each other so deeply that we form a mental bond.»
«A bond? I thought that only happened between chakats or chakat-kin. But if you and hym formed one, it means that your love must be very strong» Arbiax commented. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the trees. Chakastra was almost at the zenith. Some people passed by the place enjoying the tranquility. A human couple with a small child were trying to make him walk. Esteban and Arbiax watched them for a moment. The chakat thought could guess what would come next in the conversation.
«You don’t have to talk about this if it makes you uncomfortable. What happened in your family with…»
«It’s alright Esteban. I think I owe you, after all… My uncontrolled reaction that time…» Arbiax said sighing and shaking hys head.
«Arbiax…»
«I was a puppy. We had just arrived with my parents from New New York, after visiting relatives. The spaceport was crowded with people. Mom was holding my hand. Suddenly, I clearly heard the horrible voice of that man, shouting slogans in favor of humans… And against us, saying that we were an abomination. I can still feel it in my memory. I was very scared. Mom tried to get me out of there, running. But panic took over everyone We bumped into each other and flattened each other trying to get away from this explosive-wrapped human who was running around inciting chaos. Suddenly there was a deafening crash and I fell to the ground. I was unconscious and when I woke up, in the hospital… Dad told me tearfully, that mom was gone forever.» After those words, a total silence remained between the two. Esteban took his head without knowing what to answer. He stood up. Arbiax’s account had moved him deeply. Unintentionally, he began to sob and thick tears soaked his cheeks.
«Esteban!» Said surprised the chakat. «I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to get upset» shi added as shi stood up and hugged the human.
«Sorry! Sorry! Arbiax I’m so sorry!» Esteban exclaimed, kneeling in front of the chakat.
«It was… It was the same attack that killed my friend Ugkar’s partner… My specie… They have committed so many atrocities… Sometimes I am ashamed to be one of them!» Said the boy without stopping sob.
«Esteban… Don’t talk like that. Even I know that humans are not all the same. H1 is only a minority in your world. Forgive me for causing you anguish» Arbiax pointed out trying to comfort him. They both remained embraced for a long time. Esteban could feel the warmth of the skin and the emotions of the chakat that enveloped him, mitigating his sadness. After a pause, they sat down again on the bench in that beautiful park. With Esteban calmer, Arbiax continued.
«That happened a long time ago. My father and I overcame the pain and moved on. Now I’m fine and I live happily with my lifemate and my baby»
«Now I can perfectly understand that blow you gave me. I can understand your fury…»
«No Esteban. What I did to you was wrong. I shouldn’t have hurt or judged you. Nothing can justify that» Arbiax answered with teary eyes. «It’s me who apologizes again for my behavior» shi finished. They both caressed each other. The chakat licked the tears from Esteban’s face, who in turn, removed them with his hands from Arbiax’s cheeks.
«Okay. Thanks.»
«Thanks to you, Esteban» answered the chakat. At that moment, neither of them realized that a female-phase skunktaur had been watching them for a few moments. The newcomer approached them and saluted.
«Sorry to interrupt, but I felt your inner commotion Esteban and I couldn’t help but come. Are you okay?»
«Rena!» The boy exclaimed jubilantly, then pounced on hym and gave him a tight hug.
«I’m fine dear Rena. Thank you. Sorry to worry you. I want you to meet Chakat Arbiax, a coleague engineer and fellow student at Dewclaw. Arbiax, hy is Rena»
«It’s a pleasure to meet you Arbiax»
«The pleasure is mine» replied the chakat wagging hys tail. Then, Rena turned back and exclaimed:
«Cora! Teo! Come here» Instantly a couple of furry balls with fluffy tails came out from behind the trees. Seeing them arrive, Arbiax exclaimed:
«Aww… What adorable children!»
«They are my youngest children, Cora and Teo. Shi is Arbiax»
Esteban bent down to receive them on his lap.
«Uncle Esteban! Why were you sad?» Cora asked in her childlike voice.
«They also felt your anguish, Esteban. It’s the first time they’ve done it and that scared them. That’s why they hid behind the trees» Rena said.
«Aww… I’m sorry guys. I’m not sad anymore. I’m fine. And to prove it, I bring you the gift I promised you» The human said taking the transport box and putting it on the ground. The little skunktaurs jumped with excitement when they met their new pet: a cute brown kitten.
«Yay! Uncle Esteban! It’s beautiful!» Teo exclaimed
«Heh heh… I know they’ll take good care of him» The human said standing up.
«Alright kids. Let’s take the kitty home. Shir Arbiax, why don’t you stay and eat with us? Lunch is almost ready» Rena said.
«Yes! Good idea. Please Arbiax, stay a little longer!» Added Esteban in a pleading tone, taking hys hands.
«Eh… Ok! I accept. It will be a pleasure. Thank you Rena» The chakat finally answered.
«Excellent! Let’s go this way.» Said the skunktaur inviting both engineers to hys house, a few meters away from the park. As they walked, Cora accidentally opened the door to the box, letting the little kitten escape. Seeing himself free again, the cat ran terrified through the trees and grass.
«Hey, wait!» Teo yelled, launching into a mad dash after him. Immediately hys brother followed hym, losing both behind some bushes.
«I better go get them. You guys go ahead» Esteban said.
«Leave it to me, colleague. That cat won’t get far» Arbiax suddenly said, handing hys fanny pack to the boy. Then shi began a swift run after the skunktaurs, leaping high. Shi quickly reached them, but the cat scrambled up a thick tree trunk, out of Teo’s and Cora’s reach. The children watched in concern as the cat climbed up and up. Suddenly, Arbiax, taking a huge swing, jumped onto one of the thick branches, blocking the cat’s path and catching it in hys hands.
«I caught you!» Shi exclaimed victoriously. The little skunktaurs jumped for joy. In the distance, Esteban and Rena looked at each other perplexed.
«Does your colleague practice chakker or something?» Rena asked.
«Eh… I don’t know. We’re just getting to know each other» Esteban replied with a shrug.
(This is a story set in the Chakat Universe created by Bernard Doove)
Chakat Arbiax drawing by the wonderful artist
sethtriggs
Category All / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 750 x 750px
File Size 346.6 kB
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