Survival (furry story)

Part XIX

William stares at the two men kneeling to the ground in front of Mark and Connor, gendering at them until he looks directly in Mark's direction. "Gentleman." William starts off, "Since we have welcomed you into our humble home, and have fed you with our glorious food, I only ask one thing from you to be a part of The Family. These men who kneel before you tried to steal some of our supplies and murdered two of our good people just to escape. It is law around here that justice must be served." The town speaks all at once, "Never kill one of The Family." William resumes his speech after the chant, "So my only favor to ask of you is to kill these thieves so we can welcome you into our lovely home." Two of the townsfolk hand both Connor and Mark a military-grade combat knife, and back away into the crowd. "Please do not be alarmed, this is only fair for what they had done."

Mark stares at the knife, then at the horse, looking down and tearing up, the horse knowing, he is going to die, and the cat begs Connor, not with his words, but with his eyes and body language. Mark looks up at William and shakes his head. "I will not. These men were starving and just looking for some food, anyone would do the same if they are desperate." Mark throws the knife to the ground, and Connor keeps the knife in his hand. William stares at Mark with disappointment and anger, he turns his attention toward Connor who is still looking at the two people kneeling.

"What say you Mr. Connor?" William starts as he meets Connor's gaze. "Your friend here is weak; will you make the same mistake as he will? Or will you be a part of this wonderful family? How about this? To make it easier on you, you may kill only one of them while the other walks away freely, that is very reasonable coming from me." Connor looks at Mark and makes a very concerned face, Mark shakes his head at him, trying to stop him from killing these two poor innocent people. But Connor looks at the horse in the eyes, and nods. "I am sorry about this." Connor speaks, while walking towards the horse. he looks up at him and smiles while closing his eyes. Connor leans down and plunges the knife into the horse's stomach. the horse wails as he falls to the ground.

"NO" Mark cries out, he stands there looking at Connor in shock of what he had done. He tries to tend to the horse, but he is stopped by Connor, holding his knife in front of Mark. William laughs and applauds Connor. "Well done my boy, I knew that you were one of the family!" William boasts. The horse groans on the floor, holding his wound. William looks at the horse, "I see that you want him to bleed out to become one of those things out there, you are an interesting one Mr. Connor." Connor smiles and begins walking up to William with open arms, with his bloody knife still in hand. "I am glad that I am a part of this family Father William" Connor says as he smiles and continues to walk toward William. He smiles back as he opens his arms as well, embracing Connor's warm hug. They stand there for a moment, but suddenly, William feels a sharp pain in his back. His eyes widened as he moves back form the hug and looks at Connor, still smiling at him. He tries to break away, but Connor dislodges the knife from William's back and stabs him in the chest. Then Connor whispers into Williams ear, "I'd rather die than to be a part of your monstrous family." The people gasp and wail as William is stabbed, standing there as to not know what to do. Connor lets go of William and watches him fall to the ground, lifeless, limp. Mark kneels down to check on the horse's wounds and it seems that Connor barely stabbed him and missed his vital organs. He's been planning this since they gave him the knife.

The people Stare at Connor silently, the guards stare at him as well. Then to Connor and Mark's surprise, they bow their heads and announce him as the new Father. This shocks both of them and Connor is unaware of what to do. But he raises his arms as he drops the knife and the crowd cheers. "As your new Father," Connor orders, "I demand that you treat these prisoner's wounds and feed them some food." Connor was unsure if they would listen, but they did as they were told like obedient children. They pick both the horse and cat up and carry them to the infirmary. As Mark stares at Connor, and Connor back at him, they begin walking toward each other. They first stand there, but both smile as they lock hands in a friendly grasp. "I had thought you had really gone off the deep end haha." Mark says as he chuckles. Connor chuckles back, "Come on, you think I could kill those two? I would've thrown the knife between that old geezer's eyes if I would." As they both stop shaking hands, they look toward the risen sun and remember what they must do, find a way home.

They find a map in William's quarters and find out where they are, which is a good day's trip from home. Connor orders the people to gather good enough supplies such as food, weapons, and ammunition to travel with them. He also orders a couple of the soldiers to help them on their journey home. As the supplies are gathered, and are take on to a handmade wagon, the two set out for home, along with their soldiers helping them along the way. After a good day and a half trip, they reach familiar territory. Connor stops in his tracks while Mark goes a little further before stopping himself, realizing that Connor was not walking with him. " What's wrong Connor?" Mark questions, "We're almost home." He pauses, and then speaks. "I can't come with you Mark."

"What are you talking about Connor? of course you can."

Connor shakes his head, "These people need a leader, someone to help them."

"They could find someone else, like they did you."

"But what if someone did the same thing I did? They know where our base is. It's best for both of us if I stay with them."

Mark looks at Connor with sadness, but he walks toward him and gives Connor a long and warm hug. "Thank you, my friend, I will forever remember what you have done, not only for me, but the colony." Connor hugs back and they both stay in that embrace for another few seconds before they pull away. Nothing else is to be said, and Connor Leaves Mark with the wagon of supplies and walk back toward the village. As Mark stands there for a moment, he picks up the handles of the wagon, and walks toward home. As he is getting closer to the town's gates, he hears noises and chatter. He could not hear it exactly, but he hears one phrase that warms his heart, MARK IS BACK, HE IS ALIVE!! The gates open and many of the people rush outside with a couple of the soldiers and greet Mark with warm smiling faces and tears of joy. He laughs and walks into town with the supplies, and standing there, in front of City Hall, Aidan, tearing and smiling, seeing his most cherished person alive and safe. Mark drops the wagon full of supplies for the townsfolk to take care of and walk toward Aidan. As he is a few inches away from him, he picks Aidan up and gives him a big warm hug. Even though he does not like it when he's picked up, Aidan hugs back as a few tears run down his face, holding Mark close. "I knew you would make it home" Aidan says as he is lowered from the hug. Mark smiles as he pats Aidan's head and heads inside, it's good to be home.