The Beloved Pet Ch4
#8 of The Beloved Pet (Abandoned)
After spending some time at the pet shop, the protagonist is finally sold.
Posted to DA on 6/20/08
Posted to FA on 5/28/09
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"Sold"
One day a particular "customer," who looked much like my Centuri friend though taller then the avian, took considerable interest in me. By this time I was use to the casual observations of many a customer, but this one was different. He spent ten minutes looking at both myself and my good friend. Each time he gazed upon me was an unnerving eternity. His gentle yellow eyes seemed to pierce my flesh and gaze right into my soul. I wanted to flee to the rear of the cage and hide with in the shower, but my own fear and something in his gaze paralyzed me and all I could do is sit there shaking with fear hoping he would switch his attention to someone else. I knew that my friend must have been experiencing similar sensations and I hoped he would just leave us both.
Finally he left the hall, however, my relief was short lived as the "vets" removed myself, my centuri friend, and five others, two of which were Terran, two of which were centauran, and one of a species I did not recognize, from our cages. The Terran, who had arrived just yesterday was trying franticly to escape but his handler easily restrained him. He must still be entertaining thoughts of escape. The others lightly fidgeted, an action which caused their handlers only a minor inconvenience. My friend and I sat still, and while I could not determine the emotions he was experiencing, I was paralyzed with a sense of sheer bewilderment. While this was going on, I looked up to notice that my handler was the same avian who welcomed me during that first meal. He looked down and showed a light smile, upon which I quickly looked away. He said something, which in the stress of the moment, I didn't even bother trying to understand. After traversing several narrow hallways we arrived in a large room. The seven of us were each fitted with a thick but relatively comfortable collar, which was attached to one of ten, eight foot tall obelisks, which were coated with a slick substance to prevent climbing. After our handlers left I noticed that my friend was attached to the obelisk next to me. Must have been the avian's idea, I thought. There was just enough slack on both of our chains so that we could talk face to face with only a foot separating us. I asked him what was going on. He explained that the "customer" had taken considerable interest in the seven of us and wanted to observe us in a setting where his presence was not obvious. He knew this because he had been subject to this before. He mentioned that as a customer observed his selections, some would be returned until only one was left. This remaining one would be returned last, sedated, given a thorough physical, and then handed over to their new master. With the prospect that I might not see my good friend again, I asked what his name was. He said it has Sodar. I told him my name, Vasili. After some time passed the "vets" returned and removed every one except myself, Sodar, and one of a species that I didn't recognize. Sodar mentioned that they were being returned to their cages and the 3 of us were now on the short list to be this customer's pet. Some time later the unidentified one was removed leaving only Sodar and myself. At this I asked how long Sodar had been here. He said that he had been here so long that he had lost all concept of time, a sentiment that I could easily agree with. I thought my time here to be three weeks, but it could have just as easily been 3 months. I also asked him if he wanted to be the final choice. He expressed apprehension at the idea, which I was feeling as well. This fellow could be nice and loving, or he could mean and sadistic; and I don't like gambling with my well-being.
After some more time two handlers, one of whom was the avian who had apparently taken quite a liking to me returned. We both expected that the customer had made his decision and chosen one of us over the other. I had accepted the fact that regardless of his choice, this could be that last time I would see Sodar. However what happened, and what we expected were quite different. Sodar and I were removed at the same time, a move that confounded both of us. On the way back the avian who was carrying me said something to me in a loving tone, which I, once again, made no attempt to translate. Once we were returned to our respective cages we shared our confusion. Sodar had mentioned that generally one would be left for a while then removed last, when a "customer" had made their decision. This however was different; we were both returned at the same time. It was at this point that my eyes and the rest of my body started to feel really heavy and staying awake required constant struggle. Sodar mentioned that he was feeling the same sensations and ventured the possibility that we were both the chosen one. With this I noticed something that in the stress of being scrutinized had escaped me earlier. There was another customer who had looked at both of us, though he had focused primarily on Sodar. He looked very similar to the one who focused his attention on me with the exception of minor differences in the coloration of his fur. This seemed to confirm Sodar's theory the both of us had been purchased. In any case my lack of energy brought about a gentle surrender to my slumber. Barely conscious Sodar and I were carried over to separate exam-tables. My last waking sight was the friendly avian and my new master standing over me.