Episode 4: The Curse of Idolatry

"Dammit!"

(The Wolf Rabbit shouted upon witnessing his character die in a video game, he seemed irritated by the resulting match and communicated with his friends through the Headset he wore. It was oddly adjusted as its Manufacturers were not used to making a Headset for a Rabbit shaped head the size of a wolf's.)

"Man, we were NOT prepared for this map."

(One of the boys spoke over the headset to the rest of his team. Aki sat down in disappointment and stared at the ceiling in defeat, however his expression changed once his phone chimed to notify him of a text message from a certain Deer Girl. He grew a smile on his face and almost ignored the ongoing conversation between his team mates on the online shooter.)

Lee:"We could try a new one, though I think I know where we messed up, we weren't anticipating close range combat so maybe we could switch to shotguns?"

Kai:"I thought about that, but wouldn't it be better to keep rifles and just use the Samurai swords for Melee."

Mark:[Was Inaudible to Aki because he forgot he had him muted]

Lee:"Ooh! That could work!"

Kai:"I dunno, one of us would have to be the medic for that to work."

Lee:"Hey, Aki! You ok with being Medic?…Aki?"

(The Boy almost missed his chance to answer as he was busy texting Sarah, eventually his friends kept asking if he was there and he finally answered with "Yeah, I'm with Mark, new map." but the boys were silent as they realized the response.)

Lee:"That…wasn't the strategy Mark suggested. You ok man?"

(Aki snapped back to the game he was playing and set down his phone before picking up the controller and giving a proper response to his teammates.)

Aki:"Uh, Yeah…just uh…had something come up is all…"

(He said while looking back at his phone and smiling. His Mother walked by his room with a basket of laundry and smiled, she noticed he was far more cheery these past few days. She was well experienced enough in social interactions to know he had made a new friend that just so happened to be a girl, in the context that such a way of phrasing it would typically bring.)

Aki:"Awww! I hate being the Medic!"

(She heard him say to his friends over the chat group, they begin to play the game again as Haru left her Son to enjoy his night. Unfortunately her smile faded as she remembered what she told Juno a few days ago, she would have to tell her children the truth about their father, who was out doing his "Job" as he usually does every night.

Haru looks at a drawing on the refrigerator that Aki made when he was so young and begins to reminisce about that night. Both Legoshi AND Haru remembered that day well, the time he told their son that he 'Retired' from the role of Beastar.

9 years ago

A 7 year old Aki is laying on his stomach on the living room floor as he draws cartoons with crayons, in a Baby stroller near him is his newborn sister Winter, whose eyes aren't even open yet. Haru approached her son while carrying a basket of laundry as she looked to notice what he was drawing on the blank sheet, it seemed to be a crude sketch of a Wolf with a cape hanging off his shoulders. Haru knelt down as she picked up a sock that Aki left behind and asked her child a simple "Hey, Whatcha drawing?" to which the child eagerly responds by holding up his paper and saying "I drew dad! See!" as He said with a big grin, Haru chuckled with a gleeful smile as she simply responded "That's really nice, It looks just like him!" as she proceeded to carry the basket with her to it's designated spot. But as she reaches the corner where she typically places it, the door to the Apartment opens and in walks Legoshi, he seems weary and bothered by something. While the young pup continued to draw, Legoshi and Haru spoke about something that seemed important, however the carefree child just didn't pay attention, he just continued to draw his father in the light he saw him in.

Later that night, the boy was being tucked into bed to sleep, but before his father left, he wanted to speak to his son about something he discussed with Haru earlier.)

Legoshi:"Hey…Aki…Can I ask you something?"

Aki:"What is it Dad?"

Legoshi:"How would you feel if I…Wasn't- the Beastar?"

Aki:"What do you mean?"

Legoshi:"Well, I know it might be obvious, but I haven't had as much time to spend with you and your mother…and with your little brother or sister on their way…Well, I don't wanna miss out on spending time with my family. I just want to know if you'll still see me as you did before."

(Aki gets out of his tucked in bed, stands up to his father then leans in and hugs his dad as he reassures him.)

Aki:"Dad, You're a Hero…Beastar or not, you help people…It doesn't matter what you are…You'll always be a Hero to me…"

(Legoshi leans in and returns his son's hug as he begins to smile and tear up.)

Later, when Aki was fast asleep and Legoshi was alone with Haru again.

Haru:"I just think it's horrible that you lied to him…"

Legoshi:"I…I know…but I'm scared as to what He'll do if he sees what I do…And I'm worried as to how long I can keep making excuses until he decides to just follow me on a job. It's dangerous and I hate the idea of them getting hurt because they wanted to see their dad in action."

Haru:"And if you don't come back?…What happens if you just 'Disappear' one day?"

Legoshi:"…Tell him I ran away…I'd rather they hate me and see me as a coward than risk their lives doing what I've done…"

Haru:"Legoshi-!"

Legoshi:"Please!…Everyday, I see Aki draw more and more pictures of me, he even asked me how I became the Beastar and if he can become one too…If he gets hurt doing anything dangerous, just so he could be like me…I-…I don't think I could-…"

Haru:"Fine… But promise me…You'll NEVER make me go through such a thing."

Legoshi:"I promise…'

(Legoshi's response was immediate, but Haru knew this might as well have been empty, his words were hollow in comparison to the scars on his back that Bill gave him, the Ear that was torn from those Komodo Dragons, All the cuts and bruises on his body were saying 'I can't promise that' despite his voice and face saying the opposite, making her understand the total message meaning 'I never want to put you through that…' It was a Miracle alone as to what little of his Komodo dragon DNA his Grandfather gave him could heal. While he got his ear and teeth back, the scars on his eye and back were still there, as if to remind Legoshi that he is still Mortal. Haru, realizing this, took a deep breath as she then made one more request.)

Haru:"One more thing…Promise me…You'll tell them the truth someday…Please!"

Legoshi:"…I will…I promise…"

Present Day, 9:08 PM

(Haru reminisces the promise Legoshi made to her all those years ago, all while she was staring at the Drawing Aki made as it laid on the Refrigerator. She takes it down and devotes her full attention to it as she dreads whatever challenge Legoshi is enduring his night run, she continues to think to herself as she grips the child's drawing tightly.)

"Legoshi…It's been almost 10 years since you made that promise…and even though you haven't broken it…I can't stand the idea of the 'what if' alone…I'm sorry…But seeing Juno and Louis with their child…It reminded me of why it's so important that you make this world a better place… I knew you couldn't keep your promise… And they HAVE to know…I'm sorry…but I have to break mine…"

(Haru then places the drawing under the magnet that keeps it tied to the fridge as she then leaves to tell Aki and Winter about something important. The picture then tilted a little as it began to become crooked and seem off center.)

Meanwhile, at the other end of Town

Across the streets and alleys of the metropolis, posters upon posters telling anyone and everyone within seeing distance that Louis wishes to run for Mayor and graffiti tags that all spell out different messages.

"Legoshi is NOT Alone!"

"The Wolf is Watching!"

One was even an ambiguous cartoonish sketch, assuming what this Hero in the night might look like. After they rose as Beastars, Many people began to see both Louis AND Legoshi as examples of justice, when it came to politics, Louis was a man who wanted equality and fair justice, when it came to action, Legoshi was the one to step in, stopping Devourings and attacks whenever it was happening before him. These weren't the only two taking action, many Politicians and Leaders rally with Louis when it comes to finding the fairness of a situation, more and more protests break out demanding that the segregation rule be abolished (Most of these were done by people who grew up in hybrid schools such as Cherryton) as for the city streets, many Carnivores and even Herbivores of great strength prowl the night, stepping in when Evil rises up to devour the innocent. But despite all the progress they made, it was still only a fraction of the world they lived in, the majority ruled and many more voted to keep the segregation law in place and Devourings still occurred. While many considered what these two did admirable and impressive, they were still only two people and the world was quite the big place, though the two weren't even at the halfway point in their lives and their ambitions were still high, so their hope carried them further and the future was seeming bright and favorable.

Legoshi ignored all of the citizen made propaganda as he was leaping across rooftops, keeping his senses open to any and all dangers he could perceive as it was his job to stay vigilant about the dangers of this city and to protect all the people in it. But as he continued, he couldn't help but think to himself, of the situation between him and his son as well as him and the world he defends. He began to monologue to himself as he realized his conundrum and began to compare it to his past experiences.

"A long time ago, my Grandfather was a crime fighter, he and a Horse named Yahya were candidates to be the next Beastars, their dream was to be the first dual Beastars, one Herbivore, one Carnivore. The thing that stopped that dream was my Grandmother, he fell in love with her and because of that…he couldn't be a Beastar. The role of such is supposed to be devoted to their job and their job only, Yahya was left to be the only one suited for the title after that. Because of this, people don't know that Haru and I are married, let alone the fact that we have two kids…Louis is an exception to this though, but he has something I don't…Confidence. He challenges people to ask him why having a family is so impossible while maintaining the role of Beastar, it's how he managed to marry Juno. Louis is an amazing guy though, he could stare the Devil in the eye and not be deterred, he lead the Shishigumi and earned enough of their respect to maintain their loyalty, even after he left their syndicate, He found a secret that allows him the luxuries and rights that the many Beastars before him couldn't have…He found a way to overcome his doubt. A skill I still struggle with to this day…It's why I lied to Aki and Winter all those years ago…I'm too terrified to tell them where I go…but I'm too Naive to stop being one of the Beastars…"

(Legoshi stops his roof hopping when he reaches one in particular, the one that had his partner Gohin. He approaches The Panda as he stands among the ledge, scouting the area for danger and threats, Gohin usually would keep an eye out for weird behavior and wait until they reached a point when he knew they were bound to strike, but for the past few weeks alone, these acts of Predation have been more and more Common, as if to keep the two on their toes. Gohin and Legoshi continue to scan the city slums as they converse further about the Wolf's 'Personal' life.)

Gohin:"…Everything's clean on this end of town…You know you'll have to tell him someday."

Legoshi:"I know…"

Gohin:"But Will you?"

Legoshi:"I…I'm just…(Sighs) I'm just trying to find the right time to…"

Gohin:"Yeah, look how well that sort of patience turned out for Tem."

Legoshi:"That's not funny!"

Gohin:"Good, because I'm being serious! You kept prattling on about Tem when we first started, I'd figure you'd keep in mind his biggest regret before he died."

Legoshi:"…I…(Sighs) You're right…I need to tell him…When Summer comes and school break hits…I'll tell him…He doesn't need any stress during the Mid-terms."

Gohin:"Good, but you do know I'm gonna stop by and see if you kept your promise, Right?"

Legoshi:"I kinda figured…I'll make sure he knows by then-"

(Legoshi stops himself as the two hear a woman's scream, both the Panda and Wolf turn their heads to the direction and rush to the edge of the roof that leaned towards the cry for help. Gohin was the first to leap down the tall building as he used whatever balcony railing and industrial device as platforms to ensure he falls at a more preferable rate, behind him was Legoshi doing the same thing as the two rushed to action.

They finally tracked the cry to a small alley, within its shadows was a sheep woman who was dressed in formal attire, she seemed petrified by the towering creature that stood over her. No matter how hard Legoshi looked at this figure though, it seemed as though he was incapable of being specified in terms of species. He was big and muscular like a Bear, but seemed to lurch and slouch like a Reptile, his back seemed more pronounced though, like that of a Wolf. He stood tall, revealing his massive height of 7.5 feet as he turned to the two vigilantes and began to explain to them something, the reason behind his goals.)

"So…You finally came…I must say I'm impressed from the mark you left on the world alone, more and more Carnivores and even some Herbivores were the ones to answer cries from people like this woman, of course I put them out of commission so my chances of running into you would be greater, there may be less men to stop evil but I feel the risk is worth it in the end. I hope you understand that I never intended to harm this woman, you may ask her yourself…Not a scratch…I only used her to cry for help, because I KNEW you'd come! Legoshi!"

(The Chimera turns to the two and faces them in a revealing manner, but most of his body was covered in black clothing and wrappings, concealing his Species to the two.)

Legoshi:"Who are you?! Why did you want to talk to me?"

Chimera:"Isn't it obvious, I wish to send a message…Idolatry is dead…and I will end any who step up to the plate!"

(The Mutant looking creature shouts as he rushes Legoshi and begins fighting with him. Legoshi barely dodges his first attack as a scratch was left on his face, he rolled out of the way of the next attack but this creature was faster than the others, he was already swinging another strike, had it not been for Gohin, Legoshi would've been slashed by this Animal's sharp claws. Gohin stopped the strike by punching the Chimera in the side of his head, sending the Uber-Hybrid flying through the alley. He skidded to a stop and stood tall, he began to chuckle slightly as he paced a little, Legoshi and Gohin took this opportunity to try and decipher what type of Animal this beast was, but his height, scales, reflexes, everything just did nothing but confuse the two as they couldn't narrow their answer down any further.

The chance was cut short as the Chimera lunged to slash at Legoshi again, but the Wolf managed to kick the Mutant with his leg once he was close enough, sending the Chimera flying back again. The Beast recovers mid-air, skidding across the pavement as his claws reduced the velocity he was going, "Impressive, I almost forgot how fast a Grey Wolf can move!" he says as he then stood tall as he slowly approached the Grey Wolf. Legoshi tried to take advantage of this taunt the Mutant was doing to try and further decipher his DNA, but it was near impossible, his legs were hind like a Goat, he had Antlers that took on the pattern of Horns, his scent was unnatural, like his DNA was made of chemicals and sterile Flesh, even his claws, as large as a Bear's Fists but long and sharp like a Reptile's. No matter what Legoshi could perceive of this menace, all he could decipher is that he was not normal and that he had a grudge against the Wolf, he began to think to monologue to himself mentally as he realized the strange attributes this Mutant had. "What are you, you're fast like a Cheetah, strong like a Gorilla, you have scales AND Antlers?…You can't be a Hybrid…What ARE you?" He stops his pondering As the Chimera was feet away from his prey, Legoshi reacted by throwing a punch towards the Chimera's throat, only to be countered by the Mutant who rammed his fist against his opponent's. Legoshi was a powerful Wolf, but his knuckles cracked once the large Reptilian fist of the Chimera clashed against them, Legoshi couldn't help but buckle as a reaction as he fell to the floor and held his hand in sheer pain. The Chimera towered over him, covering his Quarry in his massive shadow, Legoshi looked up to see his opponent one more time, assuming the Mutant's next action was to take Legoshi's life and fulfill his mission. But before anything else could happen, Gohin rushed from behind and grabbed the Chimera in a hold, the Mutant simply chuckled as he stated "A Bear's strength is immense…almost as powerful as an OX!" as he easily broke free from Gohin's grasp and forced his scaly leg down unto the Panda's Shin, shattering the bone. Gohin collapsed in pain, falling to the floor as he held his now loose leg, he could feel the fragments of the bone within the muscle of his shin, he was roaring in pain and was on the verge of tears. The Chimera then turned back to Legoshi, who managed to figure out why he was doing this, he did this to intimidate the Wolf, he counter-attacked his punch and avoided attacking their weak spots, he wanted to PROVE he was stronger and faster than his opponents. All Legoshi could do was ask "What do you want from us?" As he continued to hold his knuckles in pain, compared to Gohin, he got off easy from this fight. The Chimera kneeled before the Wolf and stated "Simple…I want to kill you and that one legged fool!…But I can't do it like this…so I'm using this opportunity to inform you that I declare a War…against both Beastars! Tell the Deer, he's next!" as he then stood tall and leapt to a great height, like he was a rabbit. He vaulted over one of the Building's edges and left the Panda and Wolf to rot in their pain, the only other person there was the victim who cried out for help earlier to flush these two out, overwhelmed with a sense of duty and guilt, she called and Ambulance and the two were about to be rushed to the nearby Hospital.

The Chimera knew that anyone watching him would call him a fool for not taking this time to strike down Legoshi, but he had his reasons.)

"I only did this to prove that I could kill them, I want them both to prepare, to prepare themselves for another attack. Once they reach their peak, I will broadcast their downfalls and Deaths. The whole WORLD must watch these two die, but I want them to be stronger and smarter than ever before I do…I want the world to see the Beastars at their Apex fall like dominos!"

(The Mutant smiled as he went across Rooftops to evade any further attention, he was beyond satisfied that this little skirmish went so well.

Less than thirty minutes later, Aki was still in his room listening to music, distracted from the commotions of the outside world…That is, until Haru walked in. Aki noticed his Mother's presence and as annoying as he found it that his Mom would walk in so carelessly, he saw from the expression on her face that something was wrong, he removed his earbuds and spoke to his Mother.)

Aki:"Hey Mom, what's going on?"

Haru:"Aki…We need to talk…"

Aki:"(Sighs) Ok…I know bribing Winter to take the blame for breaking the china was wrong, but I did get her ice cream afterwards like I promised!"

Haru:"It's not that-…Wait…What did you say about the china?"

Aki:"…Uh…So what did you want to talk about?"

Haru:"I'll remember that after your father gets back from work!…Speaking of, I…Need to tell you and Winter something about your dad. Come out whenever you're ready."

(Haru says as she leaves the Room once more, Aki was concerned about this, he never saw his Mother look so worried before, it took him a while to ready himself for the worst news, he always lived by that code, 'prepare for the worst, hope for the best' as it helped him greatly in the past and would continue to prove doing so.)

[Meanwhile]

(The staff In the Hospital continued to go about their Nightly business after patching up Gohin's leg. While the Painkillers worked fast and they managed to make sure no damage was permanent, The Panda was still required to stay off of it for the next Month, officially putting him out of commission until then. Of course this did not sit well with him, he felt responsible for allowing such an injury to happen and tried convincing Legoshi to return home to his Family.)

Legoshi:"Gohin, I'm sorry that I allowed this to happen."

Gohin:"Legoshi, you need to stop acting like every bad thing that happened was your fault, It's more on me for letting him gain the upperhand anyways."

Legoshi:"But I just stood there, I could've done something to stop him."

Gohin:"Out of curiosity…Why didn't you?"

Legoshi:"I…I dunno…I…I felt-…frozen, I could feel the cold sweat I was covered in. I felt like my muscles were fighting me…the only other time I felt this was…"

(Legoshi has a small flashback as he remembers the time he lunged and nearly killed Haru, the very first time they met. The fear that Legoshi felt then was horrifying, like he was being possessed…and yet he felt the even more terrifying sensation of being free, but the one he felt when he was being beaten by the Chimera, it… was something else. It felt like he was drowning, but no matter how much he flailed and moved about, he felt like he was about to die, like a Guillotine was to strike his neck and all he could do was watch and wriggle as it happened. He wasn't sure if it was the menacing Aura this Mutant projected, or if it was something internal that he never struggled with before.)

Gohin:"So you were afraid?…Congratulations, you now know what an Herbivore feels like everyday…No doubt that's what the bastard was after, how often can anyone say they scared the Beastar of all Animals? Legoshi, what you did was natural, plenty of other people would've done the exact same thing or worse…But you WILL have to learn to fight it and control it, if you don't…the next time you freeze up could be your last."

Legoshi:"So THIS…THIS is what Haru felt everyday when we first met?…How could she even manage being around someone like me?"

Gohin:"I doubt she doesn't feel that way anymore, but no doubt that she either learned to conquer her fear…or it eventually went away. She has kids with you, a LIFE with you…this is just another Hurdle you have to overcome though, it's life and you have a duty that risks it everyday."

Legoshi:"…I need to call Her…Then I need to warn Louis, tell him why the Devourings have been increasing recently and that we have a new problem."

[Meanwhile]

(Haru was in the living room with her youngest child, the latter keeping themselves distracted by drawing on a piece of paper. Eventually, Haru notices Aki enter the Living room and she asks both children to sit down to listen to what she is about to say. Upon seating themselves on the tiny couch, they gave their undivided attention to their Mother, who seemed to dread what she was about to say to her own young.)

Aki:"So…What's up with dad?"

Winter:"Is he okay?"

Haru:"He's fine, but there's something you kids need to know about him…About his job…He-"

(Haru barely managed to say anything until her phone started vibrating, grabbing her attention. She seemed annoyed at first as she muttered "Who could be calling this late?" but her agitated expression turned to one of shock and fear as she saw the ID. She then answered it and had a conversation with whoever it was that demanded her audience.)

Haru:"Hey, What's going on!? (Pauses) What!? (Pauses) But- What about you!? (Pauses) No, screw that! I'm coming over there now! (Pauses) This ISN'T for debate! I'm coming over right now!"

(Haru urges as she hangs up the phone and places it into her purse as she picks it up and places the strap over her shoulder, the confused kids begin to ask questions as Aki says "Mom, Is everything alright?" to which Haru remembered why she brought them out to begin with. She contemplated her next move carefully and as much as she wanted to take this opportunity to show them, she feared that the family would be placed under more stress than they could handle, so she simply told them "Your Father and I will tell you about it when we get back. For now, just babysit your sister while I go check on something! If it gets past 10, tuck her into bed and get some rest yourself, it's a school night and you both need to get plenty of it!" as she rushed out the door and left for the Hospital, leaving both Children to entertain themselves in the meantime. After a few seconds of silence, Aki took the initiative as he spoke to his sister "Wanna watch some cartoons?" as an offer, one she accepted with a subtle nod as he then grabbed the remote and turned on the Television.

Two hours Later, Haru would return home with the Father of the family, his hand in a cast from the fight he endured from the Chimera, though both parents agreed to tell the children that there was a Lion who was being hysterical as he attacked the Hospital and when Legoshi tried to calm him down, he smashed his hand with a Hammer. Haru regretfully lied to her own kin once more, but knew that if she told them the truth then and there, they would only worsen in stress and anxiety knowing that their Father almost died today and that a new threat has presented itself to the Beastars and the world they strive to protect.

Meanwhile, Louis was going through paperwork as his wife discussed a political issue with him, both were oblivious to the phone call they were about to receive as they conversed.)

Juno:"Do you think this will work?"

Louis:"No, but at this point, everyone was so busy rejecting the Rationale that I can't help but feel like throwing whatever till something sticks to the Wall."

Juno:"(Sigh) I can't believe I used to think that way, what would you think if the world was still like that? Carnivores and Herbivores completely unaware of the other's existence?"

Louis:"I think not much would've been different, it would suck because I never would've met you…so I'm feeling like it would've been boring and life draining, life doesn't feel worth living when death and love is so far away."

Juno:"I just hope this works."

Louis:"I do too…it drives me crazy that so many people are willing to bury their heads in the sand and ignore the world. If this doesn't work, I might go out with my men and spend the next few hours breaking things in that Junkyard outside of town."

Juno:"I dunno, I think making love is a lot better than making War. If it doesn't pan out, text me and we'll plan a little date. I'll even wear those bike shorts you like so much~."

(Juno said seductively as Louis took a sip from his coffee mug, he choked on it a little as Juno's words got him excited at the thought alone. After clearing his throat and smiling at the offer, he simply retorted "Well…I might consider this offer, but let's see how that pitch goes tomorrow, maybe we could use it as a form of celebration instead of compensation?" causing Juno to giggle at his words. Before anything else could be said, the phone on the desk began vibrating, grabbing the attention of both, Louis then picked up the device and answered it as he began conversing with Legoshi.)