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.

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CHAPTER 19


“Hello, Natany.
“You?! It's nice to greet you, Greden, but I'm on my way out now and I'm in a hurry “said the renzar as she opened the door of her PTV.

“Natany... I'm afraid you'll have to come with us “said a Chakat who appeared behind the newcomer”. Chief Trend wants to see you.

“Joel, you're here too?! Look, guys, I have a problem that requires my immediate attention “Natany insisted.

"Listen, a complaint against you arrived at headquarters this morning. Trend is furious and demands that you report to him immediately," Greden said seriously.

“But...”

“Natany, we know it's your day off, but you did beat up a civilian last night in the city. The report came back with irrefutable evidence. The cameras on the premises recorded everything. And we saw that Rhealle was there too- Joel add.

Hearing these words, the policewoman fell silent. Greden, worried, asked:

“What happened? Did that guy attack you first?

“Natany, Trend is very angry and he sent us to get you to make sure we take you to him. I know you will have a good explanation for this... Because you do, right? “Chakat Joel added in a worried tone.

The policewoman, pale with shame, resigned herself. She closed the door of her PTV and decided to accompany her police colleagues.

From inside the house, Rhealle watched the scene from the window in amazement.

"By Grom! Something serious must have happened at the barracks for Greden and Joel to be here. Girls, I have to go with them."

“Wait... Natany went to... the headquarters? “Dain asked, still a little dizzy.

"Yes, see you later. Goodbye," said the spotted-furred renzar, then followed them.

Dain, Cala and Sachi looked at each other in amazement.

“By Grom! I knew what happened last night would have consequences! “Sachi said in an anguished tone.

“Bah! All to give a jerk what he deserves? “Cala grumbled in turn.

“Girls, we can't just sit back and do nothing. We should accompany Natany and Rhealle” Sachi insisted.

"I don't think it would be wise to go now. If I know Trend well, he won't be in the mood to receive visitors," Dain said, folding her arms.

***

The campsite was on the lake shore, surrounded by a thick forest of large trees. The landscape was inviting for relaxation and rest, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. After unloading the PTV's stuff, Regthar and the skunks set up two huge tents to camp. Little Hajo began to flutter around, filling his nose with a sea of ​​​​unfamiliar and novel smells. Sorah and Bluma calmly unloaded their stuff and set up a separate tent for the female fox.

“It’s a beautiful place, don’t you think?” Regthar commented, puffing out his lungs.

“Yes, it is. I’ve never been to Silver Lake before. I’m surprised,” Lilethe said, cooling hys paws in the dampness of the earth.

“It’s nice. I wonder if there are any fish in the lake,” Doren asked curiously.

“Of course there are! Isn't that right, Esteban? We'll fish Renzar style!

“Whatever you say, boss,” the human’s voice came as he helped Sorah set up the tent.

“Hmm... I wonder if I could use my telekinesis to fish,” Doren commented, looking out over the lake.

“Oh, come on, daughter... What fun would that have? He, he, he... Fishing is an art that requires perseverance and patience “Regthar replied with an air of pride.

“If you say so... By the way... thanks for calling me daughter, Regthar. That feels good.

“Awww, Doren. Of course you are, even if your parents are still alive, heh heh. One of these days we'll visit them in Berdoovia “Regthar replied, hugging the brown skunk.

Hajo, seeing them, ran into the arms of his beloved babysitter. Regthar, seeing the little boy's devotion to the skunktaur, declared:

“I never thought Hajo would be so fond of you, Doren. You are very important to him and to all of us.

“And you are to me, Regthar. Hajo is such a cute boy. I feel like I couldn't live without him “said the skunk.

Regthar smiled at those words, looking away at the lake, whose surface lay calm at that time of morning.

***

Meanwhile, at police headquarters, Chief Trend ushered Natany and Rhealle into his office, closing the door. After sighing and muttering several words in Marlock, the large dark-furred renzar began:

“Well?

“Trend... We were there last night, had a few drinks...

"Rhealle! When I give you permission to speak, I'll let you know," the boss roared. "I just want to know why you hit that employee, Natany. Was there a special reason?"

The female, with a sad face, replied:

“I Sorry, Trend.

“Natany, the owners of the establishment filed a complaint with this police department. I don't know if they will also go to a civil court. But they had the "delicacy" to do it here first, because they identified you as a police officer. For better or worse, these people also have contacts with the city governor, to whom they sent a copy of the video. Earlier today, I received a call from the governor's office complaining about what you did. The authorities are demanding that I take disciplinary measures against you. So, please, tell me why you hit that guy.

“Gerak is my mate. At least that’s what I thought. And yesterday I happened to find him in that place. I discovered that he was cheating on me with another female. That made me angry. And that’s why I hit him,” Natany stammered.

Hearing those words, the experienced policeman sat on the edge of his desk.

“By Grom! Did you at least ask for an explanation?

“Boss, everything happened so fast that...

“Shut up Rhealle!

“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.

“Natany, have you forgotten who you are? A police officer graduated from the Gromnian Academy like you must be able to control his primal impulses. The underlying reasons don’t matter. Unless your life is in danger, you cannot use unnecessary violence and your behavior must be exemplary at all times and places! You know that, right?” Chief Trend roared furiously.

"Yes, sir, I know," Natany replied in a trembling voice.

The three of them remained silent for a moment. Inside, Natany was bowing his spirit to shame and dishonor, while Trend was dealing with the pressure of the decisions he had to make. After sighing deeply, the chief finally declared:

“Fine... If it weren't for the fact that you have an impeccable record... Listen to me, Natany. From now on, you are suspended from your police duties. Pray that this Rakshani boy doesn't press civil charges, and pray also that he recovers soon. Otherwise, your career as a police officer will be in jeopardy.

"I take full responsibility, sir," Natany replied, her voice breaking. "I was wrong and I'm sorry."

“And you, Rhealle, are also suspended.

“What?! “she exclaimed in surprise.

"I was the one who hit the civilian, sir," Natany intervened.

“Rhealle, you were there and you did not stop your colleague from committing this deplorable act.

“But sir, everything happened so fast... “stammered the aforementioned.

“And if you couldn't stop the attack, your duty as a police officer was to arrest Natany for public disorder! And you didn't! You're both suspended! Now get out of my office! “Trend roared furiously.

However, before leaving, Natany turned to him and said in a soft voice:

“Trend, I'm so sorry. I feel really bad about what I did. Please don't say anything about this to my brother. I'll do it myself.

"Okay," the male renzar closed and then sat back down at his desk.

Natany and Rhealle walked out into the hallway and each went into her own office. Natany, with a heavy heart, closed the door and burst into tears as she had not done for a long time. The weight of her shameful action cruelly crushed her conscience and it was difficult to bear it.

***

The entire family, together with Bluma, after unloading the PTV and setting up the tents, sat down to rest on the shore of the lake. Hajo happily played naked, splashing water everywhere on the shore. Bluma and Sorah soon became more comfortable, each with a bathing suit. Lilethe and Doren did the same, remaining dressed only in an attractive bra of the same color. Regthar put on tight shorts that highlighted his wrestler figure. Only Esteban remained still in his travel clothes.

"It's a lovely, comfortable place. I haven't been out in nature for years," Bluma said with a sigh.

“Yes. This place makes you want to sleep all day, don't you think, love? “Sorah added with a sigh.

“Hehe, that's why I chose it. I knew everyone would like it, Regthar said.

“And what do you think, Esteban, do you like what you see? “Lilethe asked hys lifemate.

“I see a cute pair of skunks wearing sexy bras. Obviously I like what I see!

“Ha, ha, ha... Grrr... Good answer, son. I too like this beautiful Ulkarian renzar that adorns the landscape “Regthar added, smiling.

“They all look pretty good, actually,” Sorah added. “You too, Bluma.”

“Awww, thank you dear.

“That's true, Mrs. Triny. You have an enviable figure, heh “the human commented.

“He, he... you're very kind, son.

“Esteban, why don’t you make yourself comfortable too? Do you want me to help you with my telekinesis?” Doren suggested.

"No need, love. I'll go get my bathing suit from the store, I won't be long," the engineer replied, then left the shore.

“This reminds me of my childhood in Grom. Mom used to take Natany and me to places like this.

“She was a ranger, right?” Lilethe commented.

“Indeed. We traveled a large part of the planet thanks to her. She loved her job so much that she gave her life for it “the male said melancholy. Lilethe leaned her torso on him trying to comfort him.

“I’m sorry, Regthar,” Doren said, moved.

“No... It's okay. That happened a long time ago and now is not the time to remember sad things. We came here to have fun and enjoy ourselves, hehe “the renzar said quickly.

After a few minutes, Esteban returned with a bucket of water in his hands. He sneaked up behind Regthar to wet his head. When he was about to accomplish his goal, the renzar reached back and caught him in the act.

“Ha, ha, ha... How fools humans are! They forget that we Rezar have a superior sense of smell. I smelled you from miles away, ha, ha, ha!

“Damn!” Esteban said when he was discovered. Regthar then stood up and lifted the human onto his shoulders.

“You wanted to get me wet? You'll see…” he exclaimed, then walked towards the lake and threw the boy into the water. Everyone laughed out loud. Even Hajo got excited and started moving towards Esteban. The little renzar soon stopped touching the bottom and began to float naturally. The engineer, seeing him, exclaimed in amazement:

“Look, Regt! Hajo can swim now!

“Grrr... Of course he can! We are renzar! “said the fighter proudly, then he also took a dip.

“I'll go wet my fur too. The lake water is kinder than the salty sea. Are you coming, love? “Lilethe said to Doren.

"Let's go!" hy replied happily.

“Go easy. We'll go later “said Sorah relaxed.

The two skunktaurs held hands and waded into the water together. They both approached the spot where Regthar, Hajo and Esteban were swimming freely.

Meanwhile, on the shore, Bluma commented:

“Sorah, remember when you and Regthar came to Chakona. And look at you now. You've created a wonderful family. And you two have improved a lot. I'm happy for both of you...

“Bluma, you are an important part of our recovery. Without you, everything would have been more difficult. You are also part of my family and I love you very much.

“Awww, Sorah... I love you guys too.

“And it is precisely these strong ties with Chakona that make me doubt whether I should accept Father's offer “added the Renzar with her head bowed.

“Hmmm, it's true that I would hate to see you go. But it's not my selfishness that should matter, but your happiness and that of your family. Look at me, Sorah “the fox added, taking her hands”. Whatever decision you make as a family, I will support you and I will be happy if you are too.

"Oh, Bluma!" said the renzar, hugging her longtime neighbor with the affection of someone hugging a sister. The fox noticed that a couple of tears spontaneously sprang from the renzar's face.

***

At the police headquarters, Natany was still locked in her office trying to calm down. Suddenly, the door opened and Chakat Joel approached her with a slow step.

“Natany. I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but feel your emotions from the outside.

“I made a terrible mistake, Joel... I don't deserve to wear the uniform. I don't deserve anyone's love “the renzar replied without stopping crying.

The chakat, moved, approached her and enveloped her in a warm embrace.

“Awww, Natany, don't be so hard on yourself. We all make mistakes. You're not a bad person. I know you well. You just let yourself get carried away by your strong emotions. What you did was wrong, I agree, but look at yourself now. You're hurt too. It's like you gave yourself that blow. Repenting is a good start to repair the damage done.

“I have to talk to Gerak and apologize. Despite his deception, I shouldn't have treated him like that...

“Tell me, Natany, have you ever been in love? “Joel suddenly asked.

“No... This is the first time... I guess...

“Hmmm... You must know that genuine love is a force that lovers must learn to control. It can bring you great happiness or plunge you into tragedy. In first love, jealousy is natural in people like you, who lack our chakat empathy.

“Oh, Joel. I wish I felt like a chakat now, and I hadn't been so stupid.

“Natany, you are suffering twice: from Gerak's deception and from your own actions. Deal with one thing at a time.

"Yes, you're right," the renzar said, sobbing. "That's why I must speak to Gerak and ask for his forgiveness now."

“But you seem very upset right now, Natany. You need to calm down first.

“I'll be fine. Don't worry.

“Natany, do you want me to accompany you to talk to that Rakshani?

“Would you do it, Joel?

“Of course! I'm on my way out. Besides, my empathy sense suffers a lot when Trend is in a bad mood. And I admit that I haven't seen him this angry in years “the chakat mentioned.

"Thank you, friend," Natany replied, returning the hug.