AN: Well...this took a lot longer than I thought. It's been over a year since I finished Kingdom Fall and I'm only now uploading the first chapter of that promised second story. I even uploaded another completely separate story in between. All I can say is that I had to put this away for a while so as not to get burned out. I also have had multiple other ideas that I had to get a start on (some may have been abandoned due to loss of interest). I never forgot about this one and have finally reached a point where I can start uploading every Wednesday and Saturday and not leave you readers waiting. As a reminder, during one of the last chapters of Kingdom Fall, I dropped the bombshell that Melon and Sebun were in a relationship. It was an unusual pairing that popped into my head and wouldn't go away. This is the story of how that came to be. Enjoy.

Ch 1: How They Meet

A sheep woman named Sebun in her early thirties leaves her office building. 'Yet another crappy day. At least most of my coworkers call me by my real name now.'

Animals all around go about their lives, barely giving the Merino Sheep a second glance.

'I'm still a therapy animal as they call it. What a joke. It's all a power play by carnivore superiors.' She's completely on auto pilot as she gets on the train for home. 'Too bad Legoshi's not living at the Hidden Condo anymore. He and Haru got a new apartment after they married.'

The carnivores in the train car are staring at the sheep woman with curiosity. Herbivores of her stature riding in the mixed carriage so casually are unusual to them.

'They're expecting a child any day now. Lucky them. Early twenties, married, and a kid on the way. Meanwhile, I'm over thirty, single, and with no child anytime soon.' She gets off the train, not knowing a large carnivore is following. 'I feel so lonely these days. My only friend left at the Hidden Condo is Zaguan and he visits Legoshi and Haru so much, he's barely ever home.' Sebun stops in front of an alleyway a few blocks from the Hidden Condo. 'Would anyone really miss me if I was gone?' The ewe's thoughts get interrupted as she's grabbed.

"Finally," a deep voice says as its owner takes Sebun into the alley. "Been so long since I had real meat."

Sebun struggles to get free, but whoever has her is much larger and vastly stronger. They also have her by the head, obscuring her vision and keeping her from calling for help. 'I'm going to be eaten by this guy.'

"You'll be a nice meal, Little Lamb."

'Zaguan. Haru. Legoshi. Goodbye. I'll miss you guys.' Sebun suddenly drops down to the ground. Once she gets her bearings back, she can hear the sound of fighting. The sheep runs out of the alley and clings to the nearest light pole. After taking a few deep breaths, Sebun looks back into the alley.

A polar bear falls unconscious right at the alleyway entrance.

Stepping out from the shadows is a dark horse. "I'm getting too old for this."

Sebun stares at the older man. "You're Yafya."

The horse nods while closing his eyes. "That's right. There's no need to thank me. I am just saving a fellow herbivore in—" Yafya's interrupted by the feeling of something small hitting him in the chest and clattering to the ground. Looking down, he sees an old and empty soda can now at his feet. The horse looks back at the sheep who threw the can at him and is sending him a very angry glare. "—danger."

"You're a monster."

Yafya is too confused to be insulted by this claim. "The bear tried to eat you."

"I'm not talking about that! You made a close friend of mine feel ashamed of himself just because he's a carnivore!"

The horse stays silent.

"He could've died from blood loss because you made him feel so bad that he believed he had to rip out his own fangs."

This confirms to Yafya who Sebun is talking about. "Legoshi."

"That's right."

"For the record, I didn't tell him to do that."

"Maybe not, but you made him feel that was the only way to make up for being born as a carnivore, something that absolutely is not an inherently bad thing."

"His fangs grew back."

"That's only because Legoshi's part Komodo dragon, but that's not the point. You guilted him about being a carnivore as if it's a sin in and of itself. That makes you such a loathsome and despicable man in my eyes."

Yafya doesn't know what to say to this.

"I hate that you had to be the one who saved me, because now I owe you."

"Excuse me?"

"You saving me makes me have slight admiration for you. I hate it considering what you put Legoshi through and the rumors of what you've done to other carnivores."

Yafya feels uncomfortable having his previous practice (that he stopped doing) of cutting up criminal carnivores and burying their remains in his carrot garden brought up.

"The only way to get rid of the anger I feel is to do some favor for you. That way, we can be even."

The horse stares at the much shorter sheep. 'Such a defiant glare from her. I wonder.' "I believe I do have something you can do for me."

"FYI, not anything sexual."

"Not what I had in mind." Yafya pulls out a pencil and notepad. He starts writing. "You are not my type anyway. What's your name?"

The sheep feels wary of this horse knowing her name, but ultimately believes it'd benefit her in the long run to give an honest answer. "Sebun."

"Alright, Sebun. Take this." Yafya rips a sheet of paper from his notepad and hands it to the sheep. "Show it to the receptionist at the city prison."

Sebun reads over what the horse has written.

'I, Former Sublime Beastar Yafya, hereby give Sebun the Merino Sheep my permission to visit my special project.'

"Special project?" Sebun's mind finally registers the horse's last words. "City prison?!"

"That's right," Yafya says with a nod.

"You want me to visit some prison inmate?! You're nuts!"

"I thought you owed me."

Sebun grumbles to herself.

"If it makes you feel any better, you're only obligated to go once." Seeing that the sheep is softening a little, Yafya decides to sweeten the deal for her. "My special project is also visited on a semi regular basis by Legoshi and his wife."

This makes the decision much easier for Sebun. "I'll do it."

"Good, now go home. I'll prep this polar bear for the police to receive."

The sheep nods and quickly walks away. 'I can't believe I got myself roped into this. Me visiting some prison inmate I don't even know.' Despite her thoughts being quite active, Sebun is able to keep her eyes and ears alert for any more carnivores coming after her. She makes it to the Hidden Condo without any more incidents. The sheep decides to stop by and see her seal friend Zaguan. She knocks on the door of his apartment.

No answer. Not even a sound.

'Should've known. He's visiting Legoshi and Haru. Would've been nice to have a friend to talk to after the night I've had.' Sebum heads to her own apartment. With little else to do, she gets herself ready for bed and watches TV until it's time for her to sleep.

The next night…

Sebun's day has been the same as any other. Get up, go to work, endure that, then leave. However, the sheep receives a pleasant surprise as she leaves her building in the form of a friend. "Legoshi?"

The young wolf gives her a little smile. "Hey, Sebun."

"What are you doing here?"

"It's been awhile and I thought I'd walk you home."

The ewe narrows her eyes at the wolf. "Yafya talked to you."

Legoshi stiffens. "Uh…"

Sebun sighs. "Look. I was careless and didn't keep watch over my surroundings. I don't need a bodyguard."

"But…you're my friend. Hearing about a friend almost dying makes me want to look out for that friend and keep them safe. You're that friend if that wasn't clear."

The sheep can't keep herself from smiling at the young wolf's awkward but very heartfelt words. "Thank you, Legoshi." She leads him over to a nearby bench where they sit down. "Did Yafya also tell you about our agreement?"

"He did. I'm not sure you should go through with it."

"I only have to go once. Besides, whoever this inmate it, I'm sure they'll be unable to do anything dangerous to me."

Legoshi looks over at his former neighbor in shock. "You mean you don't know who it is you're visiting?"

"All I know is that they're Yafya's special project."

Legoshi stares at the sheep feeling concern. "Sebun. That prisoner you'd be visiting…is Melon."

It takes a few seconds for Sebun to recognize that name. The memories of some previous discussions with Legoshi and news reports fill her head. The image of the leopard-gazelle hybrid in his mugshot makes the ewe shudder.

"I visit him. So do Yafya and a doctor I know named Gouhin in an attempt to rehabilitate him."

"And Haru?"

"She kind of inserted herself. I'm not willing to get on her bad side by trying to have her stop going. Haru would send me to the couch and that's really not good for me right now. Since she's carrying our son, it makes me very clingy."

"Where is she now?"

"Zaguan's keeping her company."

"That's good." Sebum thinks over her agreement with Yafya after finding out the identity of the prisoner he wants her to meet. "So…Melon."

"Yeah," Legoshi says with a nod.

The ewe sighs before getting off the bench. "Let's go."

The wolf stands up. "Don't worry. The trip home will be a lot safer tonight."

"We're not heading for the Hidden Condo yet, Legoshi. I'm visiting Melon first."

Legoshi looks at Sebun as if she grew three heads. He certainly studies her as if she has. "Huh?! Seriously?!"

"Yep. Might as well get it out of the way now instead of allowing fear to have the time to make me back out. Visiting hours aren't over, are they?"

"No. There's still a few left."

"Great. Let's go." Sebun turns and stars walking in the direction of the prison. "It's kind of a long way, so we should hurry."

Legoshi follows the sheep while pulling out his phone to make a call. "Hey, Haru. I'll be home late tonight. No, there haven't been any fights. Sebum's going through with her visit right now. Really? Okay." The wolf speeds up to be beside his friend before holding his phone out to her. "Haru wants to talk to you."

Sebun takes the large phone. "If you say I'm making a dumb choice, I won't be changing my mind."

"That's not it at all," Haru's voice says over the phone. "I'm actually congratulating you on your courage. Good job not letting fear control you."

"Thank you. How's the baby?"

"Kicking my ass. He makes walking such a chore, which really sucks when he's pressing on my bladder. I have to go the bathroom ten times more than usual. Don't let me get started on the crap ton of protein supplements I have to take to satisfy this little guy's carnivore half."

"I'm sorry, Haru," Legoshi says into the phone's speaker.

"Don't. This is all a natural part of hybrid pregnancies. The protein supplements were to be expected. Besides, he's coming out any day now. We won't be having to deal with this much longer."

"You two decide on any names yet?" asks Sebun.

"Not yet," says Legoshi.

"We have a few ideas," says Haru. "We'll wait until he's born to set one for him. Sebun. Zaguan wants to talk."

The ewe smiles a little. "Okay. Put him on."

There's a pause before the seal's voice calls out. "Hello?"

"Hi, Zaguan."

"I am glad you are safe."

"Thanks."

"You are going to see a criminal?"

"Yes."

"Do not let them hurt you. I want to keep all my friends."

"I'll be wary. Bye, Zaguan."

Everyone says goodbye to each other, then Sebun hands the phone back to Legoshi.

The rest of the walk to the prison is filled with the sheep and the wolf conversing.

"So, is Yafya really training you to become a Beastar?" asks Sebun.

Legoshi nods. "Yeah. He thinks I have what it takes. Haru's the one who convinced me to do it."

"And I thought she used to be against it. You know, just wanting the simple life."

"She said something about realizing that I'd always get myself involved in problems, so I would do better with it if I had an official status."

"Well, Haru is right about all that. You two doing anything really exciting?"

"I don't know about exciting, but we are looking into some gang of carnivores."

"A specific species?"

"No. It's some group filled with those who were Back Alley Market enthusiasts and who refuse to see fish as something to eat."

"Let me guess. They had certain kinds of herbivores as their favorite snack and refuse to give it up."

"Basically."

"That polar bear that attacked me last night was speaking in a way that suggested he may be part of it."

"Thanks for the info." Legoshi suddenly looks sad.

"Hey. Don't worry. You'll get them."

"It's not that. I just thought…when I'd be doing Beastar stuff, my friend Louis would be involved."

"He's the CEO of Horns Conglomerate."

"Yeah. He also has a baby on the way. Maybe he's just too focused on all that and can't find the time to try being a Beastar. I just wish he was talking to me though. We promised we'd be Beastars together."

Sebun hates that Legoshi is so down now. "If I were you, I'd choose to keep my focus on what I've got instead of what I don't. I'd say it's on Louis to bridge the gap, not you. Given the time, maybe he'll come to his senses and talk with you again."

Legoshi nods. "Okay. We're here."

The ewe looks up at the prison. "What should I expect from Melon?"

"He'll try to freak you out. You're new, so it's an opportunity for him to attempt getting a good scare in. He's devious, mischievous, and clever. Us regulars have gotten used to it, so he's more snarky towards us."

"Good to know."

The pair enters the reception area.

The female golden retriever behind the desk sees the two approaching and smiles. "Hello again, Legoshi. Here to visit Melon?"

"Not me." The wolf gestures to Sebun. "Her."

The receptionist looks down at the sheep. "What's your relation to the prisoner?"

"None," says Sebun. "I've never met him."

"Oh. Are you a medical or psychiatric doctor?"

"No. I work for Metal Mouse."

"The athletic footwear company? Are you wanting to recruit Melon for advertising?"

"No. Just a visit."

The retriever frowns. "I'm sorry, but without some kind of relation to the prisoner or any official business, I can't allow you to see Melon, Ma'am."

Sebun pulls out the folded up piece of paper from Yafya and gives it to the retriever.

The receptionist unfolds the paper and reads it. Her eyes widen. "Oh! Well…if you got Yafya's permission, then of course you can see Melon."

Sebun follows Legoshi to the visitor's room.

The wolf opens the door for the sheep. "I'll be right out here."

Sebun nods before stepping inside. She sees other animals sitting at stalls with phones to their ears. Opposite them, on the other side of plexiglass, the sheep sees inmates have phones to their own ears to communicate with their visitors. Sebun walks over to an empty stall.

A prison guard switches out the chair for one that'll accommodate the ewe's size.

Sebun gets in the chair and takes the phone so she won't have to reach for it later. She is between two other visitors.

On the left is a tigress visiting her husband, a wolf.

On the right is a goat visiting his identical twin brother.

Sebun makes a conscious effort not to listen in on any conversations while looking at the currently empty seat across from her. The sheep's eyes look up at the motion of the door opening on the prisoners' side.

In walks Melon, a leopard-gazelle hybrid. He has gazelle horns on his head, the naturally broad physique of a carnivore, leopard spots covering the whole of his right side, and bare fur on his left. His feline eyes show confusion at the sight of the unfamiliar sheep, but a wicked glint is soon in its place with an unsettling smile to accompany it. The hybrid's tongue licks at his fangs before he steps forward.

Despite the desk and the plexiglass separating them, Sebun can't help but feel as if doom is approaching. 'All those carnivorous features paired with the gazelle horns makes him look like a demon from hell coming to claim my soul.'

Melon sits down while smirking at the sheep on the other side. He grabs the phone on his side and places it to his ear, waiting for his visitor to do the same.

Sebun slowly places her phone to her ear. She can feel the eyes of the rest of the visitors and inmates on her. 'They're all wondering why I'm visiting Melon. I'm starting to wonder that same exact thing myself.'

The hybrid stares at the sheep in silence for a few moments, purely to unsettle her. "You lost?"

Sebun has to stop herself from shivering at the sound of Melon's voice. 'It's high pitched like a male herbivore, but with a growl to it like a carnivore.' "No. I'm not lost."

"Do you have a death wish?"

"Of course not."

"Too bad. I may not be able to taste as a hybrid, but I could still eat you quite easily."

Sebun doesn't allow her fear to make her lose her composure. "I'll pass."

'This woman is scared. Heh heh. Although, she's trying to keep composed and not allow it to freak her out.' Melon's smirk gets bigger. 'I accept that as a challenge. But for now, I'll be satisfying my curiosity.' "Why are you here?"

"A favor for Yafya."

"The Old Man? Why do you owe him?"

"Saved me from getting eaten by a polar bear."

"Really? Well. I never took him for being the type to hold saving a life over somebody's head."

"I was the one who insisted."

"Huh. Color me fascinated. Why's that?"

"Considering what he's done with carnivores in the past, I didn't like the idea of ending it with him rescuing me."

"You're concerned over what the old man has done to carnivores after almost being eaten by one? You're weird."

"There are good and bad carnivores in the world, same applies to herbivores. I happen to be friends with the greatest carnivore who has ever lived." Sebun checks behind her and gives a smile to Legoshi looking in through the little window of the door. She waves to the wolf and she gets one back.

Melon is surprised by Legoshi's presence. 'How does he get all these herbivores to flock to him despite his appearance?' "How do you know him?"

"We're friends. He used to be my neighbor before he got a new place with his wife."

"Right. The rabbit. She's pregnant now."

Sebun turns back to Melon. "That's right. They're having a son."

"It's a mistake."

The ewe is stunned by that statement. "Excuse me?"

"That wolf-rabbit hybrid will be rejected by society and either kill himself or become the monster they claim him to be like me. The best bet is to just put him out of his misery right now before he has to come into this shit world."

Sebun stares at Melon for a few seconds before responding. "General society may reject him, but he'll have plenty of support from his parents and all their friends, me included. So, you can take your suggestion and shove it."

The hybrid is surprised by the sheep's gutsiness. "Do you know who I am?"

"Melon. A leopard-gazelle hybrid. You've murdered more than forty animals."

"That's right. If you keep saying insulting things to me, I'll add you to the list."

Sebun feels fear rush through her, but she stomps it back down. "I'm out here and you're in there."

Melon makes the tactical choice to squint his eyes almost to the point of being closed and covers his mouth with a hand to hide his fangs as he speaks into the phone again. "I could break out and go after you."

Sebun is highly disturbed by the hybrid's change. 'If it wasn't for the spots, I'd believe he was a burly gazelle. He even took the growl out of his voice to sound like an herbivore. It's quite scary how easily he changed.' "You do that, Legoshi would be after you."

Melon opens his eyes and uncovers his mouth to show off his fangs. "I kill anybody who pisses me off. Besides, I'd love for Legoshi to unleash his killer instincts on me."

Once again, Sebun is afraid. It's not so much him showing off his carnivore attributes as it is the sudden change. 'Don't let him keep you cowering, Sebun.' The sheep somehow forces a bored expression on her face. "Wow. Petty and suicidal?"

The hybrid wasn't expecting this. "Huh?"

Sebun puts on a smile. "Am I really worth dying over?"

Melon's brain is almost fried by the question. 'What the hell does she mean by that?!' A frown appears on the hybrid's face. "Well…when you put it that way, my effort would be better off elsewhere."

For the rest of the visit, the two engage in a battle of wills. Melon tries getting his visitor to show any obvious outward sign of fear (flinching, screaming, running away, etc) and Sebun is putting all of her willpower into not giving in to her herbivore instincts while making comebacks that baffle the prisoner.

The hybrid's eyes are twitching as the visit goes on. 'What's up with this woman?! I can sense her fear, but she looks so calm! How does she do that?!'

The sheep's doing her best to keep from trembling. 'Just a little bit longer, Sebun. You'll only have to deal with Melon until the end of visiting hours. Your debt to Yafya will be paid. I'll never have to see this guy again.'

Loudspeakers in the room suddenly turn on. "Attention. Visiting hours are now over."

'Finally.' "Looks like that's it then."

The hybrid is relieved. 'She has been so frustrating. Good riddance.' "You can go back home and be safe for now, Little Lamb."

In that moment, all fear in Sebun vanishes and is replaced with rage. The sheep stands on her chair and glares at Melon. "DON'T EVER CALL ME THAT AGAIN!"

All the guards and the departing visitors on her side jump in surprise at the shouting.

Melon blinks at Sebun, shocked by the sudden change and very curious. "Or what?"

The sheep points at the hybrid. "I don't care how dangerous it would be. I'd get in there and slap you in the face!"

Melons just stares at the sheep. He feels like he should be angry, but instead…he lets out a snort before laughing up a storm.

The guards and the other prisoners on the hybrid's side are disturbed by the laughter.

Those on Sebun's side can't hear it, but they can tell what Melon's doing and are worried what it means.

The sheep is a little scared, but she feels more indignant than anything else. "I'm serious! I'd do it!"

Melon keeps laughing. "I know! That's why it's so funny!" The hybrid goes on like this for a bit before finally calming down. "I knew there was something different about you, but I did not expect that! Where has this been the whole time?! Now I'm kind of sad that you're leaving. You're so entertaining."

Sebun is pissed. "Don't expect me to ever come back!" She roughly hangs up the phone, jumps down from her chair, and stomps out of the room.

Melon has a smirk on his face as he sets his own phone back in place and lets some of the guards lead him back to his cell.

Sebun still has a frown on her face as she leaves the prison with Legoshi.

The wolf doesn't say anything to the sheep since he doesn't want her to snap at him. 'I'd been expecting Sebun to be relieved or shaking in fear as she left. I didn't think she would come out all annoyed and angry. What does it all mean?'

AN: Hmm. I don't know, Legoshi. What does it mean? Most of you probably already know that answer, especially if you've already read Kingdom Fall. Well, folks, Purkso Livin is back for eleven (maybe) chapters of this out of left field pairing. Hope you enjoy the ride.