The Beast Within

Chapter Two

By KellyQ

A couple of guards led by Yliaster made their way to Rudger's house. Yliaster wore a white suit and his hat cast a shadow over his face so no one could see his eyes. For the past two days, he had been harassing Rudger to get Hakase fired from his position. Hana had already been fired from her job as a teacher a while ago, making it harder for the Fudo family to buy things to survive, like food and clothes.

Yliaster stepped up and knocked on the door. A moment later it opened and Rudger's brother, Rex Godwin stood there.

"Where's your brother?" one of the guards spat.

"I'm not sure," Rex answered calmly. "Do you want me to deliver a message to him?"

One of the guards sneered before Yliaster spoke in a sickly nice tone. "Have Rudger meet us tomorrow with Mr. Fudo at the research lab."

"I will," Rex promised, stepping back. "Now if you'll excuse me," he went on, taking hold of the door, "I need to get back to my studies."

The two guards narrowed their eyes as the door closed on their faces.

Once Rex closed the door, he narrowed his eyes. My brother is going to get us all thrown into prison if he keeps this up! He wanted to question Rudger's choices, but Rex didn't want to see anyone of his friends or family get hurt either. Rudger, I just hope you're doing the right thing.


Rudger stared at Hakase, wondering if he heard right what his friend and crush was going to do. The two were in a cellar that was covered with spider webs and mold. "You're going to do what?"

Hakase held his ground, even though he knew Rudger could do anything he wanted. "Hana is trying to get us to a safe place. Away from here," Hakase explained again. "And I need your help."

Rudger sighed with a disapproving look in his eyes. Hakase studied his friend for a moment.

"I don't want to do this either," he said, concluding that Rudger wasn't pleased about his choice. "But in order to keep us safe, we're going to have to leave."

Rudger glanced away. "Fine. I'll help you escape when you're ready."

Hakase placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. The soft gesture got Rudger to glance at his crush. "When this is over, we'll continue our research, okay?"

All Rudger did was nod his head sorrowfully. When there was nothing more to say, the two made their way out.


Hana turned when her husband walked in to see a depressed look on his face. Concern flashed across her features as she watched him sit at the table. Hana made her way over, knelt in front of him and hugged her husband. Hakase wrapped his arms around her and buried his face on her shoulder, taking in her scent of lilac and herbs.

"Everything's going to be okay," Hana reassured in a loving tone, trying to soothe Hakase's pain about the choice he made.

She knew how highly Hakase felt for the Godwin brothers, and she was going to support her husband all the way.

To Be Continued ..