A/N Hey guys, looks like I'm on a roll with this story so I'm going to see if I can keep going for a couple more chapters before I focus on my other stories that I've been neglecting, so sit back and enjoy.
I was trembling, feeling helpless and terrified from being in the carnivore's grip but I managed to not panic since that was sure to get me killed for showing any kind of weakness, but that didn't mean that I was going to give this guy what he wanted until a scary thought hit me.
'Oh god, is this Tem's killer?' I thought as my heart pounded, and the thought of how this guy might be the one to have killed Tem scared the shit out of me while I tried to come up with a plan to escape.
I knew that my chances were low, but I refused to die since I told Haru a while ago that I would try to stay safe, and I kept my word so I got ready to run while my hand rested on one of the carnivore's arms that were slightly thin but had muscles that were built for hunting as I felt tense and felt the short fur on his arm.
Suddenly, one of the carnivore's large hands started moving around my body and went down to one of my legs, his palm tracing the fabric of my slacks like a child discovering something for the first time, mixed with adult lust and attraction as his hand left a trail of warmth and tingling sparks behind until his clawed hand started gripping my left arm in a tight hold that left me no room to break free and escape.
'Shit, if I don't find a way to break free soon, I'll be royally fucked,' I thought anxiously as my mind was running different kinds of scenarios to escape, none of them ending without injury or death as desperation was starting to set in.
I didn't know if my attacker could be reasoned with so that he could snap out of it, but it looked like I might not be able to escape my eventual death while still having the burden of not knowing who I was and I couldn't help but think that I was going to die as some nobody in this world who didn't even know who he was or where he came from.
It was those thoughts that made me choke back a sob, but I couldn't refrain my body from flinching and the low growl that came from the carnivore made me freeze up again as I was rendered paralyzed from both fear and terror.
Then the carnivore snapped his head up suddenly and he stared at nothing in particular while I was helpless, losing hope of escaping and I wondered if this was how Tem felt when he died, just nothing but terror and helplessness when his killer ripped him apart until the carnivore holding me started whimpering slightly and I felt him twitch around behind me.
I realized that he was struggling to fight his instincts as he rocked my body in sync with his so if I timed this right, then maybe I could get out of this alive and unharmed as I got ready and waited for the right moment.
As I was about to escape, the carnivore stopped moving and I noticed that something was seriously wrong before his mouth released a snarl that caused horror to flood my system, a chill running down my spine before the carnivore started showing his teeth that caused terror to rise up in me again as they gleamed menacingly.
I winced when I felt a stinging pain coming from my arm and my heart nearly stopped at the sight of the carnivore's claws digging into the skin, blood dripping onto the ground while I was horrified of the implications of what's happening.
'No, It can't end like this! I don't want to fucking die, not like this!' I thought frantically as the carnivore raised his jaws, deadly fangs ready to rip me apart as I started struggling and the carnivore tightened his grip that caused more pain in my arm until I felt regretful that I was going to die as some nobody and thought about Haru while I knew that I wouldn't be able to keep my word.
I didn't register the carnivore's name being called or feel the pain in my arm as his claws ripped out, but I did notice him freeze up with his hold loosening and I found myself swinging an elbow into the carnivore's face hard as it knocked him senseless into the ground before I ran as fast as I could.
I didn't remember much else, just running for my life as the echo of the carnivore's snarl ringing in my ears and the pain in my arm forcing me to keep running while I didn't look back to see who my attacker is and was only focused on survival.
The next thing I knew, I found myself entering my dorm room and the others were thankfully asleep since my injured arm would only have them worried and I wasn't up for a bunch of canines crowding me while asking questions about what happened.
I quietly made my way to the bathroom since a first aid kit was in there, then I carefully shut the door to not wake anyone up before I turned on the light and went over to the sink, seeing that my uniform was ruined from being drenched in blood and the stench of iron, cold sweat, and fear so I was glad that the school provides me with enough uniforms to last for two weeks.
The metallic smell lingers in the bathroom and as I hold it over the sink to wash most of the blood and clean it, I finally got a good look at the injury that was deep and bleeding heavily while consisting of four claw marks.
At that moment, I was grateful that it wasn't worse so I was lucky that my attacker only got the upper side of my arm, or I would've bled to death and that made me run a hand through my hair while I sighed stressfully.
'Goddammit...that has to be, what, the second time I nearly died when I add being shot twice on my list of near-death experiences? I'm seriously fucking lucky that I didn't get killed just now,' I thought tiredly.
I don't even remember running back to room 701 or entering the dorm while also barely remembering the incident that just happened other than the fear, the blood, and the sensation of warm fur around me so I just wanted to forget what just happened.
Either way, I worked quickly in disinfecting the injury and bandaging it until I was finally finished, my limbs burning from exhaustion and my heart doing its best to support my heaving body before I stumbled over to the toilet and opened the lid.
Not a second later, I was emptying my stomach of all its contents while I heaved and coughed until there was nothing left, knuckles white as I gripped the toilet seat and was shaking all over.
The events of the day have taken their toll on me, so much that I couldn't suppress my sobs anymore as I broke out crying again from the stress of today's events while tears ran down my face, then I sat down and my back rests against the tiled wall as I hug my knees as tight as I can.
I attempted to muffle the loud sobs by biting my hand as my body shook from unspoken sadness, longing, and grief while I was drowning in my despair and the trauma I just experienced.
Sadness because I was all alone in my situation, grief because I lost all memory of who I was, and longing since I wanted my memories back and who the hell knows how long it would be until I remembered who I was and that's if I'll ever recover my lost memories, which made me feel worse than I already am.
A lot has happened in the last few days where I woke up on a boat without any memory of who I was, beat the shit out of two cops, discovered a safety deposit box of mine that was filled with things that looked like something a government spy would have, got enrolled in a school full of animal people, made a few friends, got assaulted by a carnivore-hating deer before nearly killing him, and almost died a second time.
What did I do to deserve this? What kind of person was I to suffer through all of this insanity that has become my life? I was so completely lost in my misery that I failed to realize that the door was opening and once I did and discovered that it was Jack, who was quietly entering the bathroom, I struggled to hide my tears and sobs.
For a few awful dragged-out moments, he just stared at me in silence while I deliberately focused my gaze on the tiled floor and knew that it was no use trying to hide my misery since he could probably smell the blood.
"You're crying," Jack said quietly.
"Yeah, no shit," I snapped at him before I could stop myself, and seeing him flinch at my hostile tone caused me to feel guilty before I muttered, "Sorry, I shouldn't have treated you like that...it's been a long day."
"I can tell," Jack said, his voice soft but strangely careful and distant like he was talking to a porcelain doll, then he slowly approached and stopped short when I flinched before he finally crouched down with his snout in my line of sight and for a second, I'm reminded of my attacker's muzzle until I managed to convince myself that Jack wouldn't hurt me since he was too kind for that.
"Why are you crying?" Jack asked tentatively, and those four words caused more tears to flood my eyes as I whimpered, wept, and sobbed even worse than before.
"It'll be okay, I got you," Jack told me as he pulls me into a hug with his head resting on mine, then I wrapped my arms around his midsection and held onto him like a lifeline while he continued to soothe me by gently rubbing my back with a hand.
"Hey, I know we don't know each other really well, but I'm worried about you so what happened?" Jack inquired with concern and worry in his voice, making me tighten my grip around him but not enough to where it would be uncomfortable.
Nonetheless, I could tell that I was seriously worrying him because of the heavy scent of blood in the air and the bandage on my arm, and I understood that I couldn't hold in all the pent-up emotions of the past few days anymore.
"Please don't leave me alone right now...I'm not okay, I thought I was and I want to be, but I'm not...I can't remember who I am or where I came from, not being able to remember what kind of person I was and that fucking terrifies me, Jack, so please stay with me," I begged with my shoulders shaking violently with every breath.
"Don't worry, it's alright," Jack reassures as he instinctively buries his muzzle in my hair, and surprisingly, it comforts me as he added, "I'll stay with you and you might not be okay now, but you're going to be okay...you'll be okay, Eric."
Minutes had gone by while Jack and I were still hugging each other as I continued to be rocked by violent sobs until I looked up at him with teary eyes.
"Jack," I spoke up shakingly.
"Yes?" Jack questioned.
"Thank you," I choked out gratefully.
With that said, the two of us stayed there until my sobs had subsided, then Jack brings me a set of pajamas and helps me get settled into my bed, and like an older brother, he stays by my side until I'm ready to let go but before he could go back to sleep, I grabbed his arm to stop him and he looked at me.
"Do me a favor, please don't tell the others about this because I don't want them to worry," I said, and Jack nodded.
"Don't worry, I won't say anything and if you ever want to talk, I'll listen," Jack offered, causing me to show him a weak smile.
"Thanks, man...really," I replied, then Jack smiled back warmly until I let his arm go and he went to bed before I proceeded to try and get some sleep.
I barely got any sleep thanks to having nightmares of getting ripped apart by a large menacing figure with sharp teeth, then it was morning and I got out of bed before the others woke up until I went over to the mirror that was on the wall to examine myself.
I looked like hell with my eyes being completely bloodshot and my hair being messy from tossing and turning around in my bed while dark bags were under my eyes, making me let out a quiet sigh as I grimaced and went into the bathroom while hoping a shower would help perk me up.
Once I was done with my morning routine in the bathroom, I went and got dressed in a fresh uniform while hiding the bandages on my arm with my sleeve and covering up the smell of blood with a can of air freshener to avoid any suspicions.
Pretty soon, the others were waking up and getting out of bed except for Legoshi since the curtains to his bed were still closed and I yawned while Durham went to use the bathroom, then Jack and Miguno started chatting to each other while getting ready for today until Collot went over to Legoshi's bed and yanked open the curtains.
"Legoshi!" Collot called out, and I could see Legoshi laying on his bed and opening his eyes to look at the sheepdog's smiling face.
"You can't just sleep the day away, you know? Rise and shine, Mr. Scary face," Collot said as Legoshi sat up looking as exhausted as I was, then Collot pulled his cheek playfully before dragging the large wolf out of his bed while Durham left the bathroom and Voss sat on his bed until Durham took one look at Legoshi and chuckled.
"Legoshi, something tells me that you didn't study for the math test today either, huh?" Durham remarked while adjusting his pants.
"Nope," Legoshi groaned tiredly while he was being dragged across the floor.
"Well, I sure as hell know that feeling," Durham commented as Collot helped Legoshi stand up.
"Hurry up and get changed, Legoshi," Collot said before he went to take a shower and get dressed.
I noticed that something was seriously bugging Legoshi as he stood in front of the mirror and stared at his reflection, though it was probably none of my business while Jack looked concerned as he gazed at Legoshi with a slight frown.
I scratched the back of my head as I went to grab my backpack and put it on, then Legoshi, Voss, and Durham finished getting ready before all seven of us left our dorm room and I saw other carnivores leaving their rooms and heading to the cafeteria for breakfast.
"Damn, the cafeteria's probably crowded by now," Collot pointed out in surprise while a raccoon neighbor of ours smiled at us.
"Morning," the raccoon greeted, and Durham nodded at him.
"Morning," Durham replied before looking at Collot and adding, "It should be fine, the procyonids are also on their way there."
"Eric, you look like crap so did you get any sleep last night?" Miguno asked and I rubbed the back of my head, recalling the attack and I sighed.
"Not really, just have a lot on my mind lately," I lied and Durham smirked at that.
"Not surprising, considering the math test is coming up so I'd do your best if I were you or your ass is grass," Durham remarked wryly, making me send him an unamused look while Jack was busy zipping up Legoshi's backpack since the large wolf left it open.
When Legoshi looked at me, his eyes widened slightly before he quickly avoided eye contact and I didn't know if it was just me or not, but I could've sworn that I saw a hint of guilt and panic in his eyes so I assumed that being so tired was making me see things as we continued our way to the cafeteria while I was yawning.
As we arrive at the cafeteria, we approached the board that displays the menu and Miguno started to read through it with a thoughtful frown as he concentrated.
"Let's see...today's carnivore breakfast is bread, scrambled eggs, and bean steak," Miguno said before Collot perked up.
"Nice, I'm stoked!" Collot exclaimed excitedly while Jack looks at me.
"That reminds me, do you eat the herbivore or carnivore meals?" Jack asked curiously while the others turned their attention to me as I shrugged.
"Well, humans are omnivores so they can survive on any diet and it really doesn't make much of a difference to me," I explained nonchalantly, then I saw the herbivore menu for this morning, and perked up until I added, "Huh, they have donuts? Screw it, I'll have the herbivore breakfast since vegetables are healthy and they might help wake me up more."
Though embarrassed, I chuckled as I was being stared at for my choice of breakfast before we went to get our meals, and the herbivore who handed me my breakfast stared at me like I was an alien until I went with Jack and the others to our usual table before Miguno nearly stepped on a tiny female chipmunk student during our stroll there.
"Woah, sorry about that so go ahead," Miguno said sheepishly, letting the chipmunk walk past him as the rest of us sat down at our table and Miguno joined us.
"Damn, that was close since I was about to step on one of those small girls over there, so I seriously need to get glasses," Miguno told us while looking embarrassed.
"Goes to show that we need to watch where we're walking or we might kill one of the small students by accident," I pointed out, and the others couldn't argue with that logic as Miguno looked at Legoshi.
"So, Legoshi, you did say that I would look great with glasses, right? Tell me more about that so would it make me look smarter or attractive?" Miguno questioned curiously, only Legoshi didn't respond and simply stared down at his bread while Jack chuckled.
"Seems like Legoshi is off in his own little world as usual so I think you also look good with glasses, Migs," Jack complimented and Miguno smiled.
I stopped listening to the rest of the conversation and focused on eating my breakfast as I noticed Legoshi looking at one of his hands and started appearing ill for some reason, only an argument had broken out by two students and it made me look to see that it was a fox and painted dog shouting at each other.
"You bastard, what's your damn deal?! You realize that you've been stepping on my tail this whole time, right?!" the painted dog yelled and the fox scowled as he was grabbed and shaken.
"I said I was sorry, so what more do you want?!" the fox retorted, making me sigh as the fight was ruining any hope for a relaxing day for me. Seriously, didn't these morons have anything better to do than to cause a scene?
"But you fucking laughed when you said it like the whole thing was funny, you damn fox!" the painted dog shouted lividly, making me roll my eyes at the blatant racism being thrown at the smaller vulpine.
"Look at all those lines on your face, a little too much stress?" the fox mocked with a taunting grin, causing me to look at Jack.
"Hey, does this crap happen a lot?" I inquired and Jack shook his head.
"Not really, but it does happen once and a while," Jack said before I sighed.
"Seriously, it's too early for this shit," I muttered, just before the painted dog lunged and I was startled by him biting the fox's arm while everyone around me and the others screamed in horror and alarm.
"Ow, did you just fucking bite me?! Do you know what's going to happen now?!" the fox yelled in pain as he and the painted dog fell to the ground before rolling around and fighting fiercely.
"Holy shit, shouldn't someone put a stop to that?!" I exclaimed in shock.
"Uh, I wouldn't get in the middle of that unless you want to get torn up," Durham warned uneasily, then I clenched my fists and was about to intervene anyway when someone beat me to it.
"That's enough!" Legoshi shouted suddenly, causing the fight to stop as we all stared at him in complete bewilderment for his outburst before Legoshi widened his eyes and clapped a hand onto his mouth in shock.
"What the hell is up with you, Legoshi? Seriously," Jack whispered in disbelief, just before the fox stood up and glared at Legoshi while approaching him.
"Who the fuck are you yelling at? Did you think you'd kick my ass just because you're bigger?" the fox questioned with a sneer on his face, and I knew that this was starting to get out of hand as Legoshi holds his hands up in surrender.
"No way, you got it all wrong," Legoshi reasoned nervously while quickly shaking his head.
"Oh, I got it all wrong, huh? Give me your neck, I'll bite into it nice and gently," the fox threatened, prompting me to stand up from my seat and walk into his point of view.
"Excuse me, I think you and your friend need to leave the cafeteria," I stated stoically before the fox glowered at me.
"What, do you also think that you can take me on just because you're bigger than me?" the fox retorted, only I wasn't reacting to his hostile attitude and stared back cooly while the others were gawking at me.
"Not at all, I'm simply saying that you and your friend are causing a scene while scaring everyone, so you two should take your grievances somewhere else and let these people here eat in peace," I reasoned calmly, then the fox chuckled with a nasty smirk.
"You know, just because you're human, doesn't mean that you deserve special treatment so how about I bite you instead, asshole?" the fox threatened as he showed his teeth menacingly, then I found myself hunching over into a defensive posture while a low animalistic growl left my mouth without me realizing it.
"Oh shit, this isn't going to end well," Miguno muttered, only I wasn't listening and still growling with my eyes narrowed into sharp points and the hairs on the back of my neck bristling as I showed my teeth and my hands twitched while the air turned thick with tension.
"Oh come on, being a carnivore isn't so easy either," a voice interrupts, snapping me out of it as my eyes widened and I stood up straight before slapping a hand over my mouth while I was shocked by what I did.
I cringed as the girls around us started squealing excitedly as I looked for the one who spoke up, and I promptly froze at the sight of Louis approaching since I had hoped to never encounter him again and felt like hitting my head against a wall for drawing attention to myself.
"They're not always lucky enough to have both personality and fighting strength," Louis continued as he stops right next to Legoshi, and I quietly moved aside so he wouldn't see me before I sat back down in my seat.
"Well, if it isn't the superstar rich kid himself, Louis the Great," the fox mocked as he smirked, only Louis didn't react to the taunt.
"Exposing your fangs in public is considered bad manners," Louis said calmly, then I started glaring at him irritably since he was being a hypocrite after assaulting me and shoving his hand in my mouth yesterday.
"Heh, you're in a tough spot yourself because if you want the title of the next Beastar, you need to work on gaining popularity," the fox countered slyly, but Louis didn't rise to the taunt as he simply stared at him with an arched brow as I was puzzled since the title Beastar was really familiar for some reason.
"Have you ever thought about the actual reason as to why we need the Beastar in our world? Instead of me, just worry about yourself," Louis said smoothly, and the fox widened his eyes since he wasn't expecting that.
And just like that, the entire cafeteria turns against the fox and the painted dog by screaming for them to get lost, and I watched with weary eyes while a part of me was scared of the obvious power that deer has in this school.
If he wanted to, Louis could create a nasty rumor about me and no one would come to my defense, so he could easily make my life hell and I'm surprised that no one is hostile to me yet since the knowledge of me committing attempted murder on the most popular boy in school is bound to spread like wildfire and make my situation even worse, though I needed to focus on avoiding Louis if I wanted to survive since my next unexpected reaction could actually kill somebody.
"Impressive, you spin everything so that you can come out on top!" the fox growled before the painted dog grabbed his arm.
"That's enough, let's go!" the painted dog hissed as he pulled the fox away, and they leave the cafeteria while haunted by the disgusted glares until Louis looked at everyone.
I tuned out the rest of the conversation and was glaring at my box of soy milk while keeping my breathing even since a part of me is panicking, terrified that Louis might reveal what I did to him in front of the entire cafeteria, but I was also pissed at him for assaulting me and having the influence of the school to get away with it so if looks could kill, my soy milk would be in flames.
"Hey, what did that poor milk ever do to you?" Durham piped up wryly, and I sighed while looking at him.
"Nothing, just thinking about something sour," I evaded before I finished eating and forced myself to calm down since barely getting any sleep last night after being attacked has made me more irritable and short-tempered.
The others exchanged glances with each other, and I didn't blame them since I looked like I was about to explode at the slightest thing as I stood up with my empty tray and Jack stepped forward.
"You know what guys, we should get to class," Jack suggested carefully, which I was thankful for since I wasn't in the damn mood to be questioned about my current attitude.
I went with the others as we dumped our empty trays in the trash and once again, I sighed while rubbing the back of my neck since I had a feeling that this was going to be a long day until I remembered that I had to meet with Haru later and that made me feel a little bit better since it would be good to get away from everyone right now and just chat with a someone who was an understanding person.
"Hey, Haru," I greeted as I saw her watering a flower bush, then Haru looked to see me and her ears twitched in excitement as she smiled.
She waves at me and I approached her before she wrapped her arms around my torso, taking me by surprise at first since I wasn't expecting this kind of physical affection, but I hugged her back and had to bend down slightly because of our height differences.
"Hey, good to see you, Eric," Haru said as we quit hugging each other.
"So, my classes are finished and I have free time, now what do you want to do?" I asked before Haru perked up.
"Well, I know everything's been stressful for you lately, so I know a place that's perfect for you to relax," Haru told me before she gestured for me to follow her.
Haru led me to the rooftop while I ignored the looks of pity that were sent at me and we stopped in front of a door, which surprised me since I wasn't aware that this school had a rooftop that wasn't on the map, and I had studied the layout of the academy extensively when I first arrived here.
"So, ready to be blown away?" Haru asked mischievously, then I nodded before she opened the door.
I was nearly blinded by the bright light that poured into the stairway, then I lowered my arm and gasped when I saw a beautiful garden consisted of flowers and plants of every color decorate the rooftop while small insects such as bees and butterflies go about their business.
"Welcome to the gardening club, Eric. So, what do you think?" Haru asked with a grin, and I struggled to say something.
"Holy shit...it's beautiful," I breathed out in wonder and astonishment, enjoying the sights as much as I could while Haru smiles.
"Thank you, so I'll make you a deal...if you ever want to get away from the stress of everyday life, then you're welcome to come here as long as you become a member of the gardening club or at least help me out once and a while," Haru offered, then I nodded.
"Deal, now how about you show me what you do around here, and then I'll help you out with anything you need," I said, just before we got started with the tour until I finished getting familiar with the gardening club.
"Alright, now that you know the place, you should roll up your sleeves if you don't want them to get dirty," Haru pointed out, causing me to tense up since I wasn't exactly eager for her to see my injured arm, but I let out a sigh and reluctantly rolled up my sleeves before Haru saw my bandaged arm and her eyes widened in shock.
"Eric, what happened to your arm?" Haru inquired in concern, then I shrugged while smiling sheepishly.
"Ah, I just had a little accident last night where I cut my arm, so it's nothing to be worried about since it doesn't hurt as much now," I evaded, only Haru looked even more worried.
"Are you sure?" Haru questioned, and I chuckled while waving it off.
"Pretty sure, now how about we forget about my arm for right now and get to work since this place is supposed to be an escape from the stress of everyday life," I insisted before Haru sighed and reluctantly quit pressing until we got to work.
After a while, we worked together while chatting about our lives and Haru was sympathetic when I told her I had amnesia before she wished me well and hoped that I would regain my memory, then we watered the flowerbeds when the door to the stairwell opened, causing me and Haru to look until I was surprised to see Legoshi and his fellow club member Kibi, who was an anteater.
"Can I help you?" Haru asked, and Legoshi started looking nervous as he looked around while I was puzzled as to why he and Kibi were here until Legoshi opened his mouth.
"Um, I-" Legoshi started to say, only to be interrupted by Kibi.
"Oh crap, I forgot about an errand I need to take care of!" Kibi shouted suddenly, causing Legoshi to quickly look down with a dumbfounded look.
"Huh?" Legoshi said dumbly.
"Damn, I have to go back right now!" Kibi exclaimed, then Legoshi's eyes widened in disbelief before leaning down and they started whispering to each other while I was sweatdropping at what was happening.
"Excuse me, aren't you guys here to pick up flowers for the welcoming ceremony?" Haru questioned in confusion, causing Legoshi and Kibi to look at her.
"Uh, yeah...it's just-" Legoshi stuttered and was cut off again.
"This wolf will take care of it!" Kibi declared before ditching Legoshi by darting into the stairwell and shutting the door behind him.
"Wait, what?! Hey!" Legoshi protested as he spun around to open the door, only to stop and he hesitantly stood up fully.
It was awkward between the three of us, the only sounds being the wind and the insects going about their day as I started shuffling my feet around uncomfortably and let out a cough, grimacing at how suffocating the silence felt.
'Shit, talk about awkward and it goes to show that I'm not cut out for this club crap, at least when it comes to actually talking to people about club business,' I thought as I rubbed the back of my head, then Haru let out a tired sigh and I was thankful that she decided to speak.
"Those rumors always spread so quickly, so he probably got scared of me," Haru said, and that caught my attention as I subtly looked at her in confusion until I recalled that harlequin rabbit and assumed that she spread nasty rumors about Haru as Legoshi perked up slightly.
"Aren't you as well?" Haru asked, and I noticed the wolf's posture falters more while I was wondering what was bothering him until Legoshi turned around and slowly approached us before Haru eventually managed to get the necessary information out of him.
"Well, let's see...you want roses, and we clearly got plenty so look around," Haru chirps while I held a drawing that showed what the roses were for until Haru added, "If you need any help, I'm sure my friend here can assist you."
"Actually, Legoshi and I are roommates so we know each other," I clarified, and Haru perked up.
"Oh, even better so I'll let you two chat for a little bit," Haru told us happily before she gave me a thumbs up and left me and Legoshi alone as she wanders off to the side, caring for the plants, disposing of weeds, and distributing fertilizer while I looked at Legoshi.
"Well, let's get started then, so why does the drama club need roses?" I asked curiously, and Legoshi fidgeted slightly while I started wondering what had him nervous around me all of a sudden.
"Uh, we need the flowers to decorate the auditorium," Legoshi replied before I looked at him in interest.
"That's nice, and I'm guessing it's to fit the play you told me and Jack about yesterday morning?" I questioned while Legoshi looked uncomfortable.
"Um, yeah, that's right," Legoshi replied before an idea came to me.
"In that case, I have a request," I said while Legoshi was avoiding eye contact with me.
"A request?" Legoshi asked while I nodded.
"Yeah, I'm sure Haru wouldn't like me just giving these flowers away for free, so would you mind help me carry those to the back?" I inquired as I gestured at a few larger plants that were standing off to the side.
As Legoshi looked to be contemplating my request, I went behind him and moved his tail behind his suspenders before it caused the large wolf to jerk up and let out a startled yelp as he quickly looked back at me in shock until I smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, I should've asked before touching you, but your tail is really big so I had to make sure you didn't knock over any plants by accident," I explained sheepishly, and Legoshi shook his head.
"N-No, i-it's alright," Legoshi stammers, still looking stunned that I touched him so unexpectedly and I couldn't help but recall how soft and fluffy his tail was when I grabbed it.
Feeling my face turn red from embarrassment, I shake my head to clear the cobwebs and clear my throat awkwardly before picking up the first plant so that I could carry to a spot with more sunlight, though I couldn't help but want to get Legoshi more since he rarely talked about himself and I was curious about what kind of person he is.
"So, you're a second year, right?" I asked, and Legoshi nodded while he was holding a plant.
"Yeah, I'm a second year," Legoshi replied.
"Huh, me too so it looks like we're the same age...at least, I think we are since I don't remember how old I am but, if I had to take a guess, I'd say that I'm seventeen also," I said as we kept working, and it didn't long for us to finish before I noticed Legoshi looking around the garden with his dark eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Where's everyone else?" Legoshi asked, and I shrugged.
"Well, from what Haru told me before you arrived, the last member graduated about four years ago and Haru took it over, so we're currently the only two members," I explained, and Legoshi looked surprised.
"It must be hard, just the two of you," Legoshi said sympathetically before I rubbed the back of my head.
"I wouldn't know since I just joined this club about a half-hour ago, but I'm guessing that it wasn't easy for Haru since she had to do all of this by herself...if you ask me, those plants need her because she loves them dearly and they won't survive without her.
Even though I've come to enjoy being here ever since Haru showed me this place, I don't think it could ever compare to her love for them since being around so much life helps get her away from the harsh realities of this world.
Actually, I think she needs them too because she's not exactly the strongest person in this school, not in a physical way at least so I think they help each other out in order to survive and I'm hoping I can help too, but I know that if I get too stubborn...I might screw things up or even risk my own life just to keep her safe," I stated quietly as I looked back at Legoshi, who watched me with interest in his dark orbs.
"Uh...um...your left arm...what happened?" Legoshi asked hesitantly, surprising me as I gazed at my bandaged arm that held the nasty cuts underneath.
"Oh, this? I don't really remember much, but I think I cut myself during my stroll back to our dorm last night, though it doesn't hurt as much anymore and I didn't say anything this morning because I didn't want to worry you and the others," I said as I shrugged.
"What, really?" Legoshi questioned with a look of surprise.
"Yeah, I know it's kind of unpleasant seeing someone wearing bandages after somebody just got murdered, but I'm not an herbivore so I doubt people really care that much, and thanks for asking but I'm fine since it was just an accident," I reassured, hoping that my excuse was believable enough before I walked away with a spray bottle and began tending to some flowers.
A short time later, Haru waved me and Legoshi over off in the distance before we met up with her and she took us to the shed, then we went inside until Haru looked through some kind of magazine while Legoshi and I stood near each other.
"Thanks for helping us, they weren't doing so well and now that they're in a sunny happy spot, I'll know they'll get better. I think we should pay you back, don't you agree?" Haru offered Legoshi before she looks at me and I nodded until Haru focused her attention back on the large wolf.
"What do you like to eat?" Haru asked, causing Legoshi to freeze at that before he started looking thoughtful.
"Um...uh...well...wait a minute...um," Legoshi struggles to say as he closed his eyes and rubbed his head, then a somber expression appears on Haru's face while it confused me.
"Oh, so it's that...I understand now," Haru said solemnly before she turns to me and forces a smile while she added, "Could you do me a favor and pack the roses for him, please?"
"Uh, sure," I said with a puzzled look and started wondering if I was missing something here.
Glancing between her and Legoshi, who seemed to be having an internal battle within himself, I left the shed and head to the roses before starting to carefully package them and also made sure to de-thorn them since I wouldn't want one of the drama club members to accidentally hurt themselves.
A/N Well guys, that's the end of this chapter and for those of you who are wondering, the first two arcs will follow the anime with some scenes in the manga being added in to flesh out the story more since they were cut out from the anime.
Also, like Haru, Jack is going to have a sibling relationship with Eric and there's a reason why Eric had that animalistic defensive reaction when he was threatened by the fox, but I'm not spoiling anything and the only hint I can give you is that it has something to do with the illegal assassination program he was in, so I'm interested to see your theories as to why Eric acted like that.
Well, let me know what you think and stay tuned.