Chapter 10: The Stealth Mission.

Friday classes came and went as they had the previous few days, with very little to differentiate this day from any other. The only thing that had really been weighing on Yasui was how... off he'd been feeling lately. It was like he'd woken up on the wrong side of the bed to the extreme. He just felt... moody. While Yasui was eating lunch by himself as usual, Shinrai walked over to him and sat down across from him.

"Heya, Yasui."

Yasui looked up from his tray with a mouth full of rice and rapidly finished his bite.

"Mff… hol on… sorry. Hi, Shin. What's up?"

"You remember the study group thing we did last week?"

"Yeah."

"Well they all texted me to ask we were doing it again. You up for it?"

"Uh… I guess? Same time?"

"Yeah, around five or so."

"Neat, I'll be there."

"Cool beans…. Sooo… what's up?"

Yasui glanced back up, surprised that Shinrai was still there. Typically Shinrai ate lunch with his other friends and they mainly only spent time together around dinner.

"Oh, uh, nothing much."

"Any big plans for the weekend?"

Yasui scratched his chin.

"Well, I have a sort of interview or something tomorrow at noon, and then I'm meeting a friend for some advice about club stuff. I also want to call my parents again. Last time we didn't get to talk long, which really bummed me out."

"Oh yeah, I remember that. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate."

"Mhm, and you?"

Shinrai glanced around and dropped his voice.

"Well… apart from you-know-what tonight, not much."

"Oh, that's right. I kinda forgot about it. I, uh, still don't know if I'll go with you."

"It's fine if you don't. We'll find a way to make do or something. I personally just want you there because it would make me feel a bit… you know… safer."

Yasui gave him a quizzical look.

"Really? How?"

"Well we are three herbivores wandering around at night. Having a carnivore there who I trust would make me feel a lot better."

"You trust me like that?"

"Heck yeah, dude. If there's anyone I want watching my tail it's you. You already climbed a rickety shelf in the dark to rescue me earlier this week."

"Wow… that's… thanks Shinrai."

Shinrai furrowed his brows.

"For what?"

Yasui looked away and rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Well, you know, for saying that. It means a lot to me."

"Sheesh, I didn't say anything that incredible. Whatever, I don't want to pressure you or whatever so let's talk about something else."

"Okay, whatcha wanna talk about?"

Shinrai shrugged.

"I dunno that's why I'm asking you."

"Well I don't know what we should talk about. Usually you eat lunch with your other friends. Did you guys get into a fight or something?"

Shinrai sighed.

"Not exactly. I've just been feeling more… invisible around them lately."

Yasui cocked his head.

"Invisible?"

"Yeah, like I'm not even there to them. Don't get me wrong, we're still buddies and all, but it's just that they're so alike and I'm really not. They're both really smart and talented, and their parents are rich so they just have more stuff in common. I just end up feeling like an extra around them more and more. Like, they'll be talking about what they did over vacation and stuff, about how they went to their beach house or home in the countryside or whatever. And it's just… my family still lives in a tiny apartment near the east side of town. The only reason why I can go to a fancy school like this is that some great uncle or whatever set up a trust fund to send as many of us as possible to nice schools."

Shinrai shook his head and sighed.

"I'm sorry, Yasui. Everytime we hang out I just seem to make it all about me."

"Oh that's fine. I never know what to talk about anyway. I mean, I never really had much practice talking to anyone who wasn't, you know, related to me."

Shinrai propped his head up on his arms.

"I still don't see why that is. It's not like you're a tool or anything, so what gives? Were the other kids you went to school with just jerks?"

Yasui sighed and massaged his arm as he thought of the right words.

"Well… when I was in second grade I got, uh, bullied. A lot. There were these three bigger kids who would make fun of me and whatever. Eventually it got better, but the other kids still kept their distance because of how awkward the whole situation was."

"Oh, that sucks. I'm sorry about that."

Yasui slowly took a drink from his milk carton before speaking.

"I keep forgetting to ask, but do you have any siblings? I thought I heard you mention a sister once."

"Oh, I guess I have never really gone into much detail about them and all. Yeah, I have a sister named Hana. She's three years older so she's still in school here."

"That must be nice that you can still see her. I know I miss my sisters."

"Yeah, I guess I do kinda tend to take it for granted that we go to school together."

"Hmm, is she nice?"

Shinrai shrugged.

"I mean, I guess. We don't really spend time together except on territory day. I mean, we're siblings so we tend to annoy each other."

Yasui laughed.

"I hear that. My brother and sisters get on each other's nerves all the time. Especially one thing, my second youngest sister Mina used to have nightmares when she was little so she would sneak into my bed and grab my tail."

"Wait, what?!"

"Yeah, she would just… sneak into my bed because she was too scared to sleep. And the next morning I'd wake up to her cuddling my tail or arm or whatever. She didn't outgrow that until I was in middle school, no matter how many times we told her it was getting weird."

Shinrai snickered.

"Yeah, that is kinda weird. Okay it's actually really weird on second thought."

"I mean when we were younger it wasn't! My parents actually thought it was cute. But then I hit middle school age and she wouldn't stop doing it and we had to have a sit down and sort it all out."

"Yeash, that must have been a weird time for you."

Yasui shrugged.

"I dunno I was always asleep at the time."

Shinrai shook his head and stole one of the carrots on Yasui's tray.

"Why can we never just have a normal conversation, like where we just talk about stuff we have been doing."

"Okay, what have you been doing?"

"Uh… nothing much, I guess? How about you? You, uh, play any cool video games lately?"

"I don't own any, remember?"

"Oh."

They sat in awkward silence for a bit before Shinrai coughed.

"So, uh, read any good… books?"

"Yeah, I was just reading this murder mystery one I found at the library the other day. I just wish you could borrow more than one book at a time."

"Cool, cool. I, uh, never really read anything but manga. Real books are just really long, you know?"

Yasui picked at his hand and hummed.

"Well… I could recommend some books I liked as a kid if you want? Not that I'm trying to be insulting or whatever! It's just that they're, uh, shorter. Do you like fantasy books? Like, knights and princesses and stuff?"

"I guess? I mean, I like fantasy games and all."

"Well, I used to read this series called Redcrown. It's, like, about this kingdom called Redcrown and all the people that live together there. And each book happens at different times with different people but sometimes they'll mention something from an earlier book that's a legend now or something so, uh, there's that if you're interested. The, uh, first book is called Northward Winds. It's only a couple hundred pages long."

Shinrai finished the carrot he had been nibbling on and tilted his head.

"I'll have to check it out. I'm always happy to try new crap. Oh! I forgot to ask, how's the club stuff coming along?"

"Really good! I have another member now!"

"For real?! Sweet! Who is it?"

"Her name's Chaussette. She's in middle school."

Shinrai grinned.

"Eheheh, carefully Yasui. She might have a thing for you."

"Hm? What do you mean by that?"

Shinrai leaned back a bit and smirked.

"Well, I might not be an expert on women by any stretch…."

Yasui interrupted.

"I thought you were deathly afraid of women."

"Quiet you. Anyway, as I was saying, I might not be an expert on women but I do know this. Back when she was in middle school my older sister had a huge thing for her club's president. And my mom and dad met in their school club."

"Whoa, really?"

"Mhhhhm! That's how you get the ladies… apparently. I mean, you do tend to have long periods of time together so it only makes sense."

"Oh… well hopefully that isn't the case here."

Shinrai leaned in a bit.

"Why's that? Do you think she's really ugly or something?"

"Well… I wouldn't say that. It's just…."

That she's a snake? That she's pretty much a large sentient noodle? A nice noodle, but still a noodle.

Yasui sighed.

"Let's just say there are compatibility issues."

"Well I won't pry. Anyway, I gotta get going. I need to drop something off at the mailbox before class starts. See you at study group!"

Yasui waved as Shinrai left.

"See you!"

Yasui wasn't sure what to expect when he went to the same room as last time for the study group he had suddenly found himself part of. Would the same people from before be there? Would nobody bother to show up? Something in between? Upon entering, Yasui saw that all the same people were milling about same as last week.

Shoot, should I apologize for being late? Wait, I'm technically early. These people are just super early!

Shinrai was gazing on with interest while Tenbe, the rather sour toucan from before, was vacantly staring at his… friend(?) Shiro the Doberman. For his part Shiro was absorbed in his own little world trying to carefully extricate every last morsel of peanut butter from a small jar he had. And Tao the jaguar was reading a small paper booklet at one end of the table. Shiro slammed the jar down and stifled a burp.

"How long was that, Tenbe?"

The toucan raised an eyebrow.

"Why would I have been keeping track?"

"Well… can you at least guesstimatate?"

Shinrai chuckled.

"Dude that was like two minutes. I'm impressed."

Shiro licked his chops and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Yeah, that's not even my best time yet. My tongue is like, way strong. I've been eating applesauce and pudding out of the container with no spoon for years."

Tao snickered.

"Maybe you should lead with that when you talk to girls."

Shiro grinned.

"Yeah! You're right! It's interesting and impressive! Nice advice, bro."

"I meant like… oh forget it."

Tenbe noticed Yasui and yawned.

"Oh good, whatshisface is here. Guess we can start."

They all looked over at Yasui and greeted him as he sat down. Shiro slid a paper over and smiled.

"Take a look, duder. I totally nailed that homework we worked on last time!"

Yasui picked it up and read over the teacher's comments.

"While it seems that you are finally beginning to grasp the material, I must impress on you the importance of correct terminology. For example, the northern tribes of Eurasia were not led by "That Badass Gingis Han" which I am assuming is just a misspelling of Ghengis Khan. Also he did not have a "turbo squad of hype beasts on speed dial." I also got your note about you finally finding a tutor as well as your… insightful comments about how you freed your head from the ladder of your roommate's bunk after you got it stuck there on a bet, and am happy to know you are serious about your education. I would recommend you give him this message as I know you sometimes struggle with large words. Keep up the good work. Grade: 25 out of 60."

Yasui blanched. He'd never seen a grade this low, not even from Yone who hated school and blew off his studies for the most part. Shiro leaned back in his chair and rested his arms behind his head.

"That's like twice as high a grade as I usually get. So if I get twice as smarter from this group once, imagine where I'll be once I've come loads of times."

Yasui reluctantly nodded.

"Yeah… for sure. Uh, wow, uh… geeze this is really… good for you Shiro. I… appreciate your hard work."

"Really?"

"Totally. I, uh, can see that you're really trying to learn and all."

Shiro blushed and turned away.

"Awwww, thanks buddy. If only my family could hear that. They're always like 'Shiro you lazy moron quit screwing around and get serious about school!' or 'Why can't you be like your sister!' It's super lame."

Wow… this guy has baggage."

Tenbe yawned and slouched in his seat.

"Tick-tock, I got stuff to do."

Yasui nodded and sat down with the rest of the guys.

"Alright, so what are we working on?"

Tao pulled out some papers and shuffled through them.

"Well, this Seaspeak class has been killing me. I just… how are you supposed to learn this junk!? I mean the way you introduce yourself is, uh, 'Glub-blub-bluub-blu?'"

Shiro made what sounded like he was blowing a raspberry and made a popping noise with his mouth. Everyone looked at him in confusion. He shrugged.

"What? I was just replying?"

Shinrai frowned.

"Wait, you're… good at Seaspeak?"

"Meh, sorta. Two years ago I got the flu and had to sit in one of the quarantine rooms they have at the nurse office. The remote was missing and the channel that the tv was on was a Seaspeak soap opera called 'Galoob-lub-glub' and man, I got hooked. I watch it religiously to this day."

Tao slid him his homework paper and asked,

"So can you help me?"

Shiro laughed.

"Nope. I can't write it at all. And apparently when I speak it my grammar is so bad the teacher wants to claw his ears out. But I can understand it kinda good."

After that they began doing their best to do their conversation homework for Seaspeak. This homework entailed finding a partner and having small conversations with them compromised of typical greetings. Shinrai was the first to have a real blunder.

"Let's see… I think it was… Glib-gloop blap bloob?"

Shiro winced.

"Okay so you totally just asked to see my dingus."

"What?! You're screwing with me."

"No dude, you meant to say something like 'Glib-gloop plap ploob' which is, like, 'May I come in?' And you said—"

"Yeah yeah, I get it. You're up, Yasui."

Yasui cleared his throat.

"Hmm… Bluuuublblb blop pop?"

Shiro scratched his ear and shrugged.

"You need to go Bluublblb not Bluuuublblb. What the one you said means is that you're in pain, not that you're doing good."

Yasui clasped his head and thumped it against the table.

"I am in pain! All these words sound exactly the same!"

Shiro chuckled.

"Yeah, they kinda do. Seaspeak is a pain in the buns to learn. Heck I still don't even really know it. I can sorta just muddle through ok."

Yasui sighed.

"That really doesn't inspire confidence you know."

This study session didn't last nearly as long as the previous one. After only a little over an hour everyone was tired and discouraged. They all said their goodbyes and began to trudge their separate ways. As Shinrai and Yasui walked towards the cafeteria for dinner, Shiro chased after them.

"Heeeeey! Wait up!"

They turned as he got to them. He picked at his ear as he asked,

"So, uh, can I hang with you two for a bit? If that's cool?"

Yasui shrugged and deferred to Shinrai, who also shrugged.

"I don't see why not."

"Right on. We getting some food or what?"

"That's the plan."

Shiro wiped his finger and grinned.

"Nice. I think it's spicy noodles night. Or was it bean burgers and fries? I can never remember."

Shiro walked in silence a bit before saying,

"Honestly it feels like my life has been spiraling so far out of control that the only thing I even notice anymore are meals. Like, it's all just one big cycle of crap with the only break from the boring being food and whatever… or I don't know, could just be me. So are you guys smart or dumb like I am?"

Yasui and Shinrai gave him astounded looks before Yasui let out a long sigh.

"Sheesh dude where do you even expect me to start with that?"

"I dunno, like I said, I'm pretty frickin' dumb. I probably ate too much glue and crayons as a pup or whatever. My brain just goes… *plrrrrrrp* most of the time I just bable."

This guy makes my head hurt.

As they sat down Shiro began voraciously devouring his food while somehow managing to talk between bites.

"So thanks for letting me join you guys. *sluuurp* Mm, my roommates have been, uh, busy for the past few days."

Shinrai pushed a few carrots around his plate as he asked,

"Oh, what have they been doing?"

"Uh… you know… stuff."

Shinrai raised an eyebrow.

"Stuff? What type of stuff?"

"Super, like, secret stuff. Stuff you can't tell people about."

"Oooookay?"

Yasui kept quiet and focused on his meal.

What sort of stuff are his roommates doing that has him this cagey? Are they drinking? Or smoking? Or doing… adult stuff!? Oh geez.

Shiro whistled awkwardly and tapped his fork.

"So how about you, Shinny-boy. You got any sort of plans for the weekend?"

Shinrai grew a bit distant at that as he carefully thought over his reply.

"Well… nooooo. I mean… yeah no."

Yasui took a drink of milk and piped up.

"Wasn't there some sort of game you wanted to get this weekend?"

Shinrai immediately fixed him with a piercing gaze.

"Game! What game! I don't know what you're talking about!"

Shiro made a definite effort to look away as Shinrai, while profusely sweating, continued.

"And if there was something like that we definitely wouldn't want to talk about it in public!"

Yasui shrank back and held his hands up placatingly.

"Okay okay! My bad!"

Shiro coughed.

"So, uh, how about this milk! Sure is… milktastic."

Shinrai threw on a clearly fake smile.

"Totally! So very milky!"

With how uncomfortable the atmosphere had become, Yasui was more than happy to finish his food and leave early. He cleared his tray and stood.

"Alright, I'm going to go. See you guys later."

Shinrai quickly jumped to his feet and chased after him.

"Ah, Yasui! Hold up a second!"

"Yeah?"

Shinrai sighed and wiped his palms against his pants.

"So… will you come with us? Tonight, that is."

"I still just… what if we get in trouble?!"

"I know, I know. Just… please. Please come with us."

Yasui crossed his arms and thought before sighing.

"Fine. But if we get caught I will… I will… I'll be very angry at you!"

"Thank you! Thank you thank you thank you!"

Shinrai was practically skipping at this point.

"You would not believe how worried I've been about this whole thing! I'm just so scared of getting caught! But, with you and your super good fox senses we'll be okay!"

What have I gotten myself into.

With instructions to meet Shinrai and his friends at eleven behind the herbivore dorms, Yasui headed off to get ready. He sighed as he did,

"Oh geez, why'd I have to say yes!"

The rest of the day was spent in tense preparation for Yasui, who decided to be absolutely sure he had everything he needed all set out, just in case. He also made sure to plan his route before he was sneaking around after dark just to be certain he knew where he was going, and, he had to admit, because it also made him feel a bit like a spy plotting an escape route from some secret base or something. He was both nervous and excited. He was nervouscited.

Oh crud I hope nothing goes horribly wrong. If I get kicked out of school I'll never be able to live with myself! And what would my parents….

Yasui stopped dead in his tracks.

"CRAP! I FORGOT TO CALL MY PARENTS!"

Yasui immediately took off at a run for the main office, hoping that it was still open. Fortunately it was, so he was able to find one of the public use telephones and dial his family's home phone number.

"Please be there, please be there!"

There was a brief pause before the sound of his mother's voice came through.

"Hello? Who is it?"

"Mom, it's me. I—"

"Yasui! Oh, hold on."

There was a slight muting of the sound as she yelled,

"Everyone! Yasui's calling!"

There followed various scraping sounds as the rest of the family assembled. Above it all, Yasui's youngest sister yelled out,

"Yasui! Why did you wait so long to call us!"

Yasui winced.

"Sorry, I really meant to I just…."

I just what? Forgot to? Was too scared to? Got all caught up believing they'd forgotten about me?"

Before he could reply his mother cut in.

"Now Lily! Your brother is probably busy with school! Don't make him feel bad."

Yasui laughed mirthlessly.

"No, I deserve that. I just let myself get too busy to call. I'm sorry guys."

"Oh, honey, it's okay. You called now so that's all that matters. How are you doing? Classes going okay? You aren't getting picked on are you?"

"No, classes are good. Loads harder than I'm used to so I have to study more."

There was a grunt from Yone.

"Holy crap, even harder than the classes here?! Sounds like hell."

Yasui laughed.

"Yeah, I even joined a study group with one of my friends. This place is kinda brutal."

Kime piped up.

"You know, it's still weird to me to think of you having friends. I guess I'm so used to you being the most shy person I know that the idea of you, you know, talking to people is just weird."

Yasui winced.

"Uh… well…."

His mother gasped.

"Kime! What's wrong with you!"

"I was just saying! Besides, I wasn't finished! I was going to add that I'm proud of you. Who knows, maybe he'll even get a girlfriend."

There was more chatter before his dad asked him a question.

"Are you happy?"

This made Yasui pause. Was he happy? He didn't really know. He'd been trying so hard to keep moving so he wouldn't have to ask himself that. He gulped.

"Honestly… I really miss you guys. A-and I miss home. And I-I."

Yasui sniffled and quickly rubbed his eyes as moisture began to cloud them up. He tried to laugh.

"Gosh, I'm pathetic. Sorry, I don't know what's going on. I just got something caught in my throat I think."

His mother's soft voice broke the silence.

"Yasui. There's no shame in being homesick. You must feel at least a little scared and alone in that big school. It's only natural."

Yasui sniffed.

"Y-yeah. I'm just a little… yeah."

At that moment Yasui wanted nothing more than to hug his mom. Yone took the phone and said.

"Don't you go getting all mopey on us, Yasui. You better be happy or I'll walk all the way to that big city and kick your tail!"

That got a choked laugh from Yasui.

"I believe you. Don't worry, I'm fine. And I promise I'll call more often. How about… the day after tomorrow, after dinner? Just so you can be sure I'm alive."

His mother sighed.

"I'd love that, sweetie, but don't let us be a burden. Be sure that you make the most of your time."

"I will, don't worry."

"And Yasui?"

"Yeah, Mom?"

"I love you. We love you, and we're so very proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom. I-I really needed to hear that."

"And I want you to know this. You're so much better than you think you are. I know you've always been hard on yourself and think people don't like you, but you have so much to offer. So please, give them a chance. They all will see exactly what I see in you. One of the sweetest, most genuine boys I've ever met."

Yasui couldn't stop the tears from coming now, but he did manage to keep them quiet.

"Mph… I… I love you guys! I miss you all so much!"

"And we miss you. Oh! I almost forgot! Keep your eyes peeled for something in the mail."

"I will."

"And did you find the gift I packed in your bag?"

"Gift? What gift?"

"Look in the pocket of your raincoat. I made you a good luck charm. Well, actually two. You could give the other one to that friend of yours, that one who let you use his phone before."

Yasui smiled.

"Maybe I will. Thanks, Mom."

"Well, I'll let you go. Save some news for when you next call, that way you'll have to remember."

"It's a deal."

This time everyone spoke at once.

"Bye, Yasui! Call again soon! We miss you!"

"I miss you too. Thanks guys."

And with that the line went dead. Yasui took a steadying breath and returned the phone to its base. He hurried up to his room to take a nap before the night's adventure. Before he did, he checked the pocket of his raincoat. Inside were two woven cords made from the lemongrass his mother grew. He held them to his nose and sniffed. They smelled like home. Dangling from each cord was a curved, white object. A tooth. One of his old baby teeth. Yasui shook his head.

Oh geez, I forgot about these. I never did understand why everyone said that your baby incisors were good luck. Maybe I should keep these hidden, other people might think it's a bit… nasty.

He studied them for a moment before sighing. This was a part of his culture,whether he liked it or not. There was no use wondering what made traditions into traditions. He wrapped one around his wrist and made a simple slipknot to keep it tight before tucking the other into his pocket.

I have a feeling I'm in for a long night.

(Later that night.)

Yasui checked his clock. It read ten thirty. He sighed and rolled out of bed.

Might as well get moving. So help me if I get caught because of this I'm going to cry.

He cautiously opened the door and peaked out into the hallway. Everything was quiet and still. He slowly slipped out and closed the door behind him, keeping a close eye out for any lights on that would indicate that anybody was awake. Satisfied that he was in the clear, he snuck slowly towards the stairs. Once at the top he closed his eyes and focused, straining his sensitive fox ears to pick up on the slightest noise. He could hear the slight hum of the air conditioning, the sound of water flowing through the pipes as someone used the bathroom, and just barely he could hear the wind picking up intensity outside the building. No nearby footsteps could be heard.

So far so good.

He crept down the stairs, freezing at every creak and squeak he heard, his imagination causing him to see dorm supervisors and security guards lurking in every shadow. He finally reached the ground floor without incident and saw the exit door waiting for him completely unguarded. Even still, he made sure to stay low and creep beneath any windows that were on the doors around him. He slowly pressed the door handle and slipped into the cool air of a breezy summer night. He didn't relax until he had left the carnivore dorm behind and was hiding in the shadows cast by some shrubs outside the male herbivore dorms. He allowed himself to relax somewhat when he was certain he was hidden from all but the keenest of eyes. He had wisely decided to not wear his uniform and was dressed in the darker earth tones of his clothes from home. Coupled with his dark, rusty red fur, this made him almost invisible when still.

Wow, I guess this is my nocturnal predatory instincts kicking in. Foxes are primarily ambush predators I guess…. Sheesh, it would be pretty easy for me to wait here and snatch some defenseless herbivore up to devour them.

Yasui blinked and shook his head, trying to thrust that intrusive thought from his mind

Where did that come from! I-I'd never attack a herbivore! I'm not that kind of fox, no, I'm not.

He settled back down and peered out between the leaves at the door to the dorms. Ten minutes passed before the door opened a crack and three shapes slunk from inside. There was a rabbit, an alpaca, and a squirrel Yasui knew well. Shinrai and his friends. He watched as they crept towards his hiding spot and stopped mere steps away from him. If he had wanted to he could have reached out and touched the rabbit's ears. As soon as they had left the dull illumination offered by the lamps that lined the walkways, they became tense as their eyes were cast into impregnable darkness. The rabbit took his phone from his pocket and used his hand to cover most of the flashlight bulb as he turned it on. His voice came out as a soft whisper, but to Yasui's attentive ears mixed with the stillness of the night he could have been shouting.

"Shin, where's this friend of yours?"

The alpaca shushed him and whispered.

"Turn your light off! Somebody might see!"

"I have it covered up! Besides, we need to find this guy!"

"I don't care, turn it off! According to Shinrai this dude can see in the dark anyway."

The rabbit sighed and shut off the light, plunging them into darkness again. Yasui was definitely glad he had night vision. Shinrai tried to look around but couldn't see anything that wasn't in the lamplight. He hissed,

"Yasui! Are you here!"

Yasui whispered back.

"Yeah, I'm right here."

They all jumped and stifled exclamations. Shinrai turned in his direction and looked around.

"Uh… I can't see you. Grab my hand so I can find you."

He reached out blindy and Yasui touched his hand. Shinrai fumbled around and grabbed onto his sleeve. He let out a sigh of relief, clearly relieved to have something to hold onto.

"Okay guys, let's get going. You all hold onto me and Yasui will lead us. Once we get to the wall we can turn on a flashlight and get introduced."

Shinrai tugged on Yasui's sleeve and whispered.

"Okay, where we're going is the back corner of the school way. It's a straight shot from the corner of the dorm."

Yasui nodded as the other two grabbed hold of Shinrai.

"Got it. I'll let you know if the ground gets uneven."

They set off at a slow pace, Yasui being careful not to hurry his nervous charges. For their part, the three herbivores were doing pretty well despite being blind and visibly frightened. They seemed to be drawing solace from holding onto each other. The only real mishap was when Yasui tried to guide them around a cluster of trees and the rabbit tripped on a root. He fell and let out a muffled curse as he clutched his leg. The alpaca turned in his general direction and asked,

"Don? You okay?"

The rabbit sucked in a breath and groaned.

"Yeah…. Just peachy. Can somebody help me up?"

Yasui walked over and held his hand out towards him.

"Here, my hands right in front of you. At eye level."

The rabbit sighed and mumbled his thanks before groping for the outstretched hand. He stiffened when he touched Yasui's hand… Yasui's clawed hand. He immediately wrenched his hand away and scrambled back.

"What the hell! Shinrai! You didn't tell us this guy was a-a-a carnivore!"

Yasui saw the alpaca flinch and back away somewhat, looking around nervously. Shinrai launched awkwardly.

"Haha, uh, whoops? I guess it sorta… slipped my mind. Uh, here."

He reached into his pocket and drew out a small, dim flashlight which he used to illuminate them somewhat.

"Uh, guys, meet Yasui. Yasui, meet my friends Don and Kashi."

Yasui stepped into the light and gave a weak smile.

"I-It's nice to meet you."

The rabbit got to his feet and stormed over to Shinrai.

"I did not agree to go fumbling around in the dark with a fox of all beasts!"

Shinrai held a hand up defensively.

"Hey! Calm down! Yasui is a nice guy. He wouldn't—"

Don crossed his arms.

"Wouldn't what? Devour us! What makes you so sure! How well do you even know this guy!"

Kashi rushed over and got between the two.

"Guys, calm down and turn off that light! We'll be seen. Let's move to the wall and talk this out there. There's a nice hiding spot there where the light won't be seen. Okay?"

Don scowled.

"I do not want to wander blindly in the dark in a far off secluded part of the school with a carnivore!"

Shinrai huffed.

"I get that you're scared of carnivores but now you're just being discriminatory! I trust Yasui, isn't it enough?"

Don laughed.

"Seriously?! You trust a fox… a fox! Only one of the most sneaky, underhanded beasts around!"

Yasui uncomfortably cleared his throat. He was very uncomfortable and starting to feel a little bit mad.

"I'm right here you know."

Don rubbed his temples and sighed.

"Look. No offense. I'm sure you're a decent guy. But put yourself in my shoes. More than half of all devourings happen like this. An herbivore goes walking in a secluded place with a carnivore they know and they wind up dead. You have to get why I'm more than a little against this!"

"I-I…."

I what? He's right honestly. If the tables were turned I'd feel the exact same. There's no changing the fact that I'm a carnivore and he's… well… prey. It's instinctual to be scared.

Yasui averted his eyes. The three herbivores exchanged a few furtive looks before Kashikoi sighed.

"Okay, we need to talk this out. Uh… I'm sorry, what was your name again?"

"Yasui."

"Yasui, would you mind waiting here for a bit. We'll be back shortly."

He steered the other two towards a dense clump of trees and began exchanging heated whispers. If he had wanted to, Yasui probably could have listened in, but he thought it would be for the best to give them some privacy. Even still, he could tell things were getting a little heated. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the faintest silhouette of them gesturing and waving their arms. Eventually, they seemed to reach an agreement and headed towards him. They used the partially covered flashlight to retrace their steps until they were back where they started. Yasui, for his part, was getting more than a little nervous when he noticed how incredibly upset and… embarrassed Shinrai looked. The squirrel coughed and squirmed awkwardly.

"Uh… they agreed to let you lead them, I mean, us."

This whole night had been stressing Yasui out and had been nothing but irksome since he met with Shinrai and his unpleasant friends, so he naturally was beginning to get a little annoyed. Yasui crossed his arms and huffed.

"You make it sound like this was my idea. You practically begged me to help you."

Shinrai gulped, a look of apprehension dawning on his face.

"Yeah, hehe, um, okay. But, uh, they said that… please don't be upset. But, well…."

Yasui raised an eyebrow as Shinrai gave his friends another meaningful look. They remained firm. He groaned.

"They… want you to wear this."

And with that he held out his belt. Yasui's face contorted into a look of confusion. The small loop of imitation leather was way too small for him to wear.

"Uh… how exactly am I supposed to…."

Slowly it dawned on him. Why they would want him to wear a small loop of imitation leather, or more accurately, where. Yasui felt a prickle along the back of his neck as his confusion and frustration slowly turned to disgust and outrage.

"Are you being serious."

"I know, I'm sorry but—"

Yasui snarled,

"You expect me to wear a muzzle!?!"

Shinrai blanched as his friends both took slow steps backwards.

"C-calm down! Please! I-I told them—"

"You ask me for my help! Ask me to break so many rules for you! And then, when I decide to help, because, you know, I thought you were my friend, you treat me like-like- like some sort of savage!"

Without realizing, Yasui had taken a slow step forward. Shinrai's friends were both frozen in place, eyes wide and mouths agape as Shinrai stumbled backwards and landed on his rear. Yasui froze as his growing anger was immediately extinguished when he noticed the look of terror on the squirrel's face. Without realizing, he had been advancing on the smaller boy, fangs bared and claws extended.

I guess I really can't blame them. I mean, I did just show my true colors, didn't I. Deep down I really am a savage, all carnivores are, aren't we. I should know that better than anyone.

Yasui returned his face to the same dour, almost frowning mask he had always been taught to use to hide his fangs and relaxed his posture. He stooped down to where Shinrai was and reached out. The squirrel was still frozen, eyes fixed on him. Gently, Yasui picked the belt up from where Shinrai had dropped it and slipped it over his snout, drawing it tight enough to make opening his mouth impossible.

Besides, it's not like I don't muzzle myself all the time internally anyways. Now it's just there for everyone to see.

As Yasui stood, he held his hand out to Shinrai, and looked at his own shoes in shame for his outburst. Shinrai gulped and took the offered hand so that Yasui could help him to his feet. The rabbit let out the breath he'd been holding.

"Holy crap, I thought he was going to eat you."

Yasui's ears flicked at that and Don immediately clapped a hand over his mouth. As Shinrai got back to his feet, still trembling from the sudden adrenaline rush, he replied.

"H-heh, n-nah. I… I told you. Yasui's my friend. He'd never…."

He trailed off and squeezed Yasui's hand as he addressed him.

"I'm sorry. I know this is really… I'm sorry."

Yasui met his eyes and spoke as best as he could.

"Nhh, Ihm srrr. Ih shnn hr shrrrn mh fngs."

Kashi wiped a bead of sweat from his neck and whispered.

"Okay, now that that's over with can we get moving before we get caught?"

This seemed to refocus the boys. They all nodded before Don pointed to an area of the wall.

"There's a small hole just down there. Once we're through we climb down the hill until we hit the main road. From what I looked up, the main road is due north from the hole."

Shinrai nodded and took hold of Yasui's sleeve again.

"Okay, back in formation. Can you still lead us, Yasui, because the longer we keep that light on the better the chance of somebody noticing it."

Yasui silently nodded. Once Don and Kashi had a hold on Shinrai they turned out the dull light of the covered flashlight and let Yasui lead them. Sure enough, only a short way from them was a small hole in the wall just barely big enough for them all to crawl through. Once they reached it Yasui tapped Shinrai and grunted.

"What was that, Yasui? Are we at the hole?"

"Mhm."

They all took turns squeezing through, with the herbivores taking much longer as they fumbled blindly in the dark. Once through, they all got back up and Kashi whispered.

"Okay, which way's north?"

There was a pause as they all waited for someone to answer. The silence was broken when Don squeaked out a quiet "crap". Kashi slapped his hand to his face and took a deep breath.

"You mean to tell me… that you have no idea what direction is north?"

"Uhhm… yes?"

"Unbelievable! Of all the idiotic things you've done this is the most idiotic so far!"

"Can it! I don't hear any genius ideas coming from you!"

Shinrai interjected.

"Maybe we can use the stars to navigate? Like in the old days?"

Kashikoi sighed and massaged his eyebrows.

"That would work, if any of us knew anything about stars, and if we weren't in a city where the light pollution is so bad you can't see them!"

"Well now what are we supposed to do!"

"I don't know! I was just in charge of finding a way past the wall!"

Yasui attempted to speak.

"Ghhhs. Ghhhs."

However they continued quietly bickering until Yasui got desperate enough to growl deep in his throat. That had the desired effect of making all three boys immediately shut up. He cleared his throat.

"Ihh knnnw whiih wrr nng nrrfh."

Don squinted and asked.

"You… know what is our… course?"

"Nnhm! Whrrrt irrrg nrrrph! Nrrrph!"

Kashikoi snapped his fingers.

"I think he's saying he knows which direction is north!"

Don frowned.

"How exactly does he know that?"

Shinrai shrugged.

"I dunno, he's from the mountains so he must have some cool wilderness tricks or something."

Yasui rolled his eyes and faced dead ahead before slowly scanning his vision across the horizon, paying careful attention to the edges of his vision. Sure enough, in a diagonal to where they were standing he saw the ring around his vision get darker. That meant that it was magnetic north. (Author note: just to clarify foxes actually have geomagnetic vision much like certain migratory birds. It appears as a dark ring on the edges of their vision.) Yasui hummed to get their attention and set off for the north. Shinrai readjusted his grip and led the other two behind him. It was smooth sailing for a while, until their path suddenly dropped down in front of them. Apparently this part of the hill had a large rocky outcropping that made a small drop about a meter tall. Yasui stopped and tried to warn the others.

"Mhhhm! Mhhr mph drrrr."

Shinrai stopped immediately but Kashikoi apparently didn't realize his friends had stopped. He continued forward only for his foot to pass through empty air. He yelped as he pitched forward, only for Yasui to barely manage to grab the back of his shirt and help him get his balance back. The alpaca shuffled back and gulped.

"Oh crud, that was close. Thank you."

"Mhhm."

Don squinted into the darkness and whispered.

"What's the matter? Is there something in the way?"

Kashi nodded to nobody in particular.

"Yeah, I just almost fell. I think there's a drop here or something."

Don let out a sharp "pssh" and scowled.

"Thanks for the warning, oh most skillful guide."

Yasui narrowed his eyes and was half tempted to let the rabbit take a dive when Shinrai chuckled sarcastically.

"Oh really? How's he supposed to tell us anything when you made him wear a muzzle!"

"I… good point. That's on me."

Yasui peeked over the edge to see what the deal was. The slope was actually relatively gentle, not enough to walk down but easily manageable if you sat on the edge and slid down. Yasui walked over to the closest boy, who happened to be Kashi, and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Huh? Who is that?"

"Mhhmiimu."

"Oh. Do you need something."

"Mhm. Trrrst mhh."

"Uh… was that… 'trust you'?"

"Mhm."

"Uh… okay? I'm assuming you have a plan."

"Mhm."

Yasui carefully moved and pushed Kashi into a sitting position with his legs dangling down the slope. He grabbed his forearm, same as his brother used to do when he would help him get up and down from tall places, and began.

"Mhm, mhhn mree."

"Got it."

"Hmmrn, mhuu, mreee."

Yasui carefully pushed the alpaca forward, helping him slow his descent as Kashi skidded down the slope. Once his feet hit the bottom, Kashi gasped.

"Oh! Is this the bottom?"

"Mhm."

"Oh okay. Hey guys, it's not very big, you can slide down it with some help."

Don, upon hearing this, got onto his hands and knees and felt around for the edge. When he found it, he swung his legs over and took a brief moment to prepare himself.

"Okay, time to go."

Kashi swung his head towards the source of the voice and asked,

"Uh, if Yasui isn't helping you you might want to wait for him. You don't know what—"

But it was too late. Don slid down and, with nothing to slow his descent and no prior knowledge of the drop, ended up catching his foot on a root and flipping over to dangle just above the ground.

"Oooww. Crap, I'm stuck."

Kashi sighed.

"You couldn't just wait for Yasui to help you?"

"I'm not helpless! I don't need the help of any carnivore to do anything!"

"Mhm, well, good luck getting unstuck."

"Wait no! Can't you help me get down!?"

"I have absolutely no idea where you are. Sorry. Only somebody with night vision would be able to help you."

Don sighed in resignation.

"Fine…. Hey, uh, Mr. Fox—"

Shinrai interjected.

"Yasui. It's Yasui."

"Geez sorry, you know I have probs with names. Hey, uh, Yasui? Little help ple-oooh!"

Before he could finish, Yasui leaned over and the rabbit by his leg. With a quick tug he freed him and let him slide the rest of the way to the bottom.

"Ugh, thanks I guess."

Kashi snickered a bit before saying.

"Alright, the only problem now is Shinrai. Yasui, you might have to push him. He's scared of heights."

Shinrai stamped his foot.

"I am not! I-it's the jumping part that bothers me. And sliding, also sliding. I'm fine with heights so long as I'm climbing up or down."

Don rubbed his butt to ease the soreness from his drop and snarked.

"Which you can't do in the dark. Sorry, Shin. You're going to have to face your fears."

"I-I…."

The squirrel slowly shuffled forwards, feeling for the edge with his toes. The search seemed to only heighten his anxiety as Yasui could practically smell the fear coming off him. Striding forward, Yasui tapped Shinrai on the shoulder and hummed a quick "Hmm-hm" to get his attention.

"Huh? Oh, uh, d-don't worry. I can do this. I—"

"Hmmmm."

Yasui turned around and reached for Shinrai's arms. Once he had them, he pulled Shinrai against his back and put the herbivore's arms around his throat.

"Huh? Oh! Yeah! This will work! Thanks, Yasui."

His relief was palpable. Once his passenger was secure, Yasui proceeded to give Shinrai a piggyback ride over to the drop. Looking down, he judged the distance before nodding, deciding which was the best course of action. With little more than a light "bump" sound, Yasui jumped down to the bottom, bending his knees as he landed to end up in a crouch.

Just like with Yone back home. Practicing our superhero landings from the roof of the shed.

Don began to stumble towards where Yasui landed.

"Shinrai? You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Yasui just carried me down with him. Made it easier."

Kashi smirked.

"Figures. Alright, lead the way then."

As Yasui reoriented himself to which direction was north, Shinrai whispered into his ear.

"Hey, uh, would you mind if I just stay up here? On your back that is? It's just that my legs are really short so they're all tired out from keeping up with your big canine legs."

I hadn't thought of that. He does need to take two or three steps for every one of mine. Sheesh, imagine if I was as tall as that wolf roommate of Jack's. It might be more like six or seven steps for one of mine.

Yasui nodded.

"Mhm. Mm mmmhm."

"Thanks, buddy. Also, don't tell anyone, but I just really like getting carried around. It's just fun."

Don was still dusting himself off while Kashikoi was trying to locate everyone.

"Uh, guys? Where is everyone?"

Don grunted, still trying to get all the grass off his face. Shinrai let out a low whistle and loud-whispered.

"Over here! We're over here!"

The group gathered once again and Shinrai tapped Yasui's shoulder.

"You'll need to hold their sleeves or hands or something."

Don flicked his ears and huffed.

"Are you seriously hitching a ride on his back?"

"My legs are tired! I'm way shorter than you guys."

Kashi fumbled around before he managed to grab Don's wrist and then held onto the back of Yasui's shirt. Now they were forming some sort of demented daisy chain.

"Okay, Yasui. We're good to go."

"Mhm."

After that last hurdle, the rest of the trek was smooth sailing, and it wasn't long before the lights along the main road began to illuminate the path. Dully at first, but eventually the herbivores were able to walk without a guide (the ones that were walking that is.) Now that they could all better see each other, Don and Kashikoi took a moment to look at the fox currently carrying their friend while muzzled. Don cringed.

"Dude! You didn't warn us he was a little kid! I wouldn't have been so hard on him if I knew that."

Shinrai perked up before looking down at his current mode of transportation. He snickered.

"Oh, Yasui's the same age as us. He's just short."

Yasui gave him a baleful look and began to slowly pry the squirrel from his back. Shinrai whined and clung on tighter.

"I was just kidding! No need to get mad! But no, Yasui is our age."

Kashikoi looked around before tapping his own snout.

"You can take that off. And sorry about the precaution."

Yasui slipped the belt off and handed it back to Shinrai. He worked his jaw a few times and licked his lips before shrugging, still a little peeved.

"It's fine. I get why you asked me to. We've never met before so you can't be too careful."

The alpaca smiled and nodded appreciatively. Now that they were in a brighter setting, Yasui could really get a good look at the two boys. Kashikoi was a bit taller than he was and had a good-natured face with thick, curly fur and gentle eyes. Don on the other hand was a bit shorter than Yasui but still taller than Shinrai with grey fur and eyes possessed of an unusual brightness and energy, like they couldn't stand to miss any little detail.

Yasui turned around and for any landmarks that would help him figure out where they were. They were on the street that led to the road up to the main gates, right across the street from a building bearing a sign for "Bayside Furniture."

Okay, so it should be easy enough to walk straight away from that store and then go south to the hole in the wall.

Don pulled out his phone and tapped away before motioning for everyone to follow him.

"Alright, the store is about five blocks in…."

He looked at his phone a bit longer before pointing diagonally to the left.

"That direction. C'mon, the faster we get there the farther up the line we'll be."

Yasui gave him a wary look.

"Wait, line?"

Don rolled his eyes.

"Duh, it's a midnight release. There's going to be a line. Fortunately I preordered three copies so the three of us are guaranteed to get them, but you'll have to hope they don't sell out."

"Oh, uh, I'm not buying a game."

"Come again?"

Yasui shrugged.

"No money, no game… player things."

Don was looking at him like he just fell from outer space when Shinrai laughed.

"Oh yeah, I forgot how little you know about technology. Yeah, Yasui here had never even seen a movie until I took him to see one a while back. He lived on a farm in the mountains so apparently he didn't have a tv or whatever."

Yasui scuffed his well worn shoe into the dirt.

"It was more about how expensive all that stuff was. Just couldn't afford it."

Kashi nodded.

"So that explains the homemade clothes."

Don did his best to hide a smirk by pretending to rub his nose.

"I, uh, was avoiding bringing that up. Whatever, enough screwing around. Let's get moving!"

As they walked, Yasui moved a bit closer to Don so he could ask,

"So, you have to wait in line to buy stuff here?"

"This is a special case."

"Oh… so how much do these games cost?"

"Well this one is a couple thousand yen, but that's because it's brand new."

"Th-thousand!"

Yasui gulped and looked up at the imposing buildings.

Everything here really is expensive!

Kashi smiled and poked his head between the two of them.

"I take it things don't cost that much where you're from?"

Yasui shook his head. From on his back, Shinrai hummed.

"Sooo… how much do you pay for stuff like apples and carrots and stuff?"

Yasui froze and turned his head to give Shinrai a look of shock and mild disgust.

"You… pay for vegetables!?!"

Don looked at him like he was crazy.

"Uh, of course. What else would we do?"

"Grow them! It's super easy!"

Kashi laughed.

"Unfortunately most people in the city don't have gardens. Most don't even own houses with lawns, just apartments. The closest thing they have to a garden is a handful of window boxes to grow herbs in."

Yasui looked down at his feet and cringed.

"That sounds horrible. No garden, no trees, and this whole place smells weird."

Shinrai scratched his chin in contemplation before responding.

"I guess if you're used to that fresh country air the city probably would smell a bit weird. Sheesh, sometimes I forgot not everyone came from the same place as me."

Don checked his phone again and directed them around a corner.

"And here we are! With thirty minutes to midnight."

Around the corner, the street was crowded with a line of animals of all different species and sizes milling about and chatting excited. Some were even in costumes. A couple police officers were scattered around at various intersections to ensure nothing got out of hand. Yasui's heart sank as they took their place all the way at the back of the line. He was starting to feel claustrophobic with how many people there were. Glancing about, he saw a sign giving directions to a park just a few meters away. He gulped.

"Uh, Shin? Can you get down now? I want to go wait in the park. It's too crowded here."

Shinrai sighed and clambered down.

"Okay. I'll go get you if something happens."

Yasui nodded and darted away, vanishing down a side street. After he left, Don let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank God! I was afraid he'd be stalking us all night long."

Kashi shook his head, a wane smile on his face.

"I will admit I am glad to have a break from him. He's nice and all, but still a carnivore. I doubt I'll ever truly be comfortable with one."

Shinrai crossed his arms.

"Hey, I like Yasui!"

Don waved him off.

"Nothing against him personally, but you can't be too careful with his type. Never know when they'll get hungry and snap. Besides, you should know already that you can never trust a fox. They're natural born liars and cheats, the whole bunch."

Shinrai stamped his foot in anger before pointing an accusatory finger at Don.

"Hey, that's discrimination!"

"Shin, what's got you so bent out of shape all the sudden. You've been really touchy for a while. And now you're getting upset that we're, quite logically and naturally may I add, scared of a carnivore who could very easily tear us apart and eat us."

Shinrai closed his eyes and thought it over before sighing.

"Forget it. It's nothing. I'm just tired is all. I didn't sleep well last night."

Kashi laughed.

"Yeah, I hear that. I almost fell asleep during history today."

Don messed with something on his phone and grinned.

"Dudes, I am so hyped for this game. I already picked out which classes I'm going to start with. I'm thinking warrior, mage, cleric, and monk. I liked the changes to monk I saw in the trailers."

Shinrai shook his head.

"Monk? Why not rouge? Rouges are more fun."

"Because rouges haven't been good since Fantasy Quest 2. Their steal ability is almost worthless and the only bonuses they really get are to speed. At least monks deal solid damage and get multi attack."

Kashi snickered.

"Dude, I almost forgot about FQ2 rouges. That's when they tied your dodge chance to agility, so you just put shinobi wrap and stealth gear on them so they had an eighty percent dodge chance. That and the counter-dodge passive made them unkillable if you equipped the vampiric dagger."

Shinrai grew a nostalgic smile and sighed.

"Haaaa, good times, good times. But come on, they showed some cool stuff for rouges. Apparently they have more useful abilities for combat now instead of just exploring. And besides, ninja is such an awesome class advancement. Way better than blackbelt."

Don shook his head.

"I'll give you that, but rangers can advance into ninja as well, and it's usually pretty easy to shift from monk to ranger in the midgame. At least, that's what they made it look like."

"Ranger?! But rangers suck! You can literally get a better version of ranger by giving a rouge a bow."

Kashikoi shrugged and laid a hand on Don's shoulder.

"He has a point. Rangers are lame. The only cool skill they've ever had was volley and even that is a worse version of the spell 'conjure arrows.'"

Don shook his head in resignation.

"That's valid. But you forget that—"

As Don and Kashi began talking deep metagame statistics and strategies, Shinrai let himself zone out. He liked to play games, but sometimes his friends went a little too gung-ho with it. As he let his mind wander aimlessly, a breeze picked up a bit that made him shiver. He muttered to himself,

"Sheesh, it's actually a bit cool out when I'm not hanging onto Yasui. That dude's like a space heater or something. Speaking of, maybe I should go check on him."

He turned to his friends and said,

"Hey guys, I'm going to go check on Yasui. Text me whenever you get close to the front of the line."

Kashi nodded whereas Don rummaged around in his pockets and replied.

"Good idea. By the way, while you're gone can you swing by a convenience store or something and get me a snack and a drink? You know what I like. Here's enough money for it, and some extra for you to get one for your carnivorous friend. I really don't want him getting hungry on the trip back."

Shinrai rolled his eyes but took the money. As he did he looked at Kashi.

"You want something?"

"Hmm… sure, if you're offering. I just want a drink though, something with no sugar or caffeine, please."

He handed Shinrai some money and the squirrel trotted off in the direction of the park Yasui had gone towards. While he was walking, Yasui had already reached his destination and was sitting listlessly on one of the swings. He lifted his head up past the buildings and to the crescent moon hanging low in the sky. He could barely see a single star.

Geez I'm pathetic. I thought I'd be grown up enough to not blubber like a little baby over how homesick I am. But… I just can't help it. I miss my family so much it hurts. And talking to them makes it even worse afterwards. I just feel so alone.

"Yasui? Are you okay?"

Yasui started and swiveled his head towards the speaker. Standing at the entrance to the park was Shinrai, looking at him with a concerned expression. Yasui had been so absorbed in his own thoughts he hadn't even noticed him. The squirrel walked over to where he was and sat in the smaller swing beside him.

"Shinrai? What are you doing over here? Shouldn't you be in line?"

"They guys are holding my spot. Besides, I wanted to check on you."

"Huh? W-why's that?"

Shinrai crossed his arms and huffed.

"Because you're my friend, dummy. And I can tell you've been a little down today. Also, I feel like being muzzled didn't help that. It probably hurt a bit."

"No, it wasn't too uncomfortable."

"That's not what I meant."

Yasui sighed and looked down at his hands. His sharp claws were bright in the harsh glow of the street lamps.

"I don't blame your friends. I'm a carnivore, it's only natural to be scared of me. I mean, even I'm scared of me! What if I do snap, and go feral or something. If I killed someone, I-I just… I know deep down that I have the ability to become a monster, same as all carnivores. And it scares me sometimes."

Yasui forced a laugh and wiped some mist out of his eyes.

"Wow, I am so pathetic. Welcome to the pity party I guess. Since when have I been so overly emotional?"

Shinrai pumped his legs and started to swing.

"Well, we all have emotions, I guess. Heck, I feel so frustrated all the time that I want to throw something. I think it's puberty. We're all sweaty and hormonal and junk. Probably got all those weird chemicals in our brains making us act all crazy."

Yasui groaned and joined his friend in swinging.

"That's probably it. Gosh I hate feeling so awkward all the time. It's like I'm a prisoner in my own body!"

They swung in silence for a bit before Shinrai broke the silence.

"For what it's worth, I'm not scared of you. Well, not anymore."

Yasui turned his head to look at him, but Shinrai kept his eyes dead ahead.

"When we first started hanging out, I was definitely a bit scared of you. But I decided to try talking to you anyway. And it turned out that I really liked talking to you. You're super nice and smart. Also, you always want to help people and share your stuff, even when you have almost nothing. That's a really admirable thing."

"T-thanks. I, uh, didn't know I came across like that?"

"Don't get me wrong, you're also a moody pushover with really bad people skills, but a nice one."

Yasui frowned.

"Thanks."

Shinrai laughed and slowed his speed.

"But I was still scared of you, up until when we got stuck in the basement. When I broke that lightbulb, I immediately thought 'what if he tries to devour me?' There wasn't anything I could do to stop you if you tried. But, I tried to make it seem like I wasn't scared, just in case you might get triggered by that and go crazy."

Yasui looked down and frowned.

He really felt that way about me? That I was going to eat him?

"But—"

Yasui looked back over.

"—you were so careful and tried so hard to make me feel less scared that I realized something."

Yasui tilted his head, one ear flapping down as he did.

"What was it?"

Shinrai reached over and punched Yasui's shoulder in a playful way.

"That you're a total softy, you big marshmallow."

"Hey! I am not a marshmallow!"

"You're right, you're more of a big old teddy bear!"

"Quite you! Or I really will eat you!"

Shinrai made big puppy dog eyes and pouted a little before adopting a falsetto.

"Are you okay, Shin? Did you get a boo-boo? Want me to kiss it and make it all better?"

Yasui huffed.

"You wish I'd kiss you. You just like me because I'm fluffy and huggable. 'Yasui can you carry me? Can I touch your ear? Can I pat your tail?' You just want to snuggle my soft, fluffy fur you big weirdo!"

Shinrai blushed and stuttered.

"N-no! Shut up!"

"Ha! I struck a nerve there!"

"Shut up shut up shut up!"

He lept off his swing and halfheartedly punched Yasui repeatedly in the stomach. Each blow was barely able to be felt. Yasui laughed before picking him up from where he was standing and holding him at arm's length. He was more than a tille practised when it came to play wrestling with people smaller and more fragile than himself.

"Alright, Shinrai. You asked for it. Now I'm going to have to spin you."

"Wait, wh—yeAAAH!"

Yasui adjusted his grip and hoisted the squirrel over his head and spun in a circle as fast as he could. After a few rotations he began to feel dizzy and stopped, setting Shinrai down as he did. Shinrai immediately staggered away, groaning and laughing as his vision swam and blurred.

"WoAoh I'm GoNnA hUrL."

He spun on his heel and flopped onto the grass, still laughing like a drunk. Yasui joined him and watched as the buildings seemed to rotate around him. Shinrai held his arms straight out and giggled as he watched them sway.

"WhOa MaMa, ThIs Is WeIrDlY fUn."

"Ha, I used to do this with my little sister all the time. She'd wait for me to come outside and 'sneak attack' me from on top of the roof or behind a wall or something. Then I'd pick her up and spin her until she gave up."

Shinrai snorted and flopped his arms back to the earth as his vision settled down a bit more.

"You're lucky, I wish I had a brother like that."

"Like that? So you have a brother?"

"Huuuuh, yeah. But he's seven years older than I am and we were never really close. By the time I was old enough to really do anything he left for Cherryton. After that he was too busy to do anything with me. Well, not that he really tried anyway. I always imagined what it'd be like to have a brother my age. How we'd play games and get into mischief and always have each other's back. I mean, my sister and I are decently close, but still, she never really wanted to do anything I did. She just wanted to go shopping and go to cafes with her friends and whatever."

Yasui folded his hands over his stomach and stared up at the moon.

"Why're you telling me all this?"

"I dunno. I guess because you're a lot like my ideal brother I used to imagine having. You know, smart enough to help me with homework, really nice and generous, likes to talk about all sorts of stuff from really serious to super weird. Honestly whenever I start daydreaming about my imaginary brother, it's started being you I see. You know, all the stupid stuff we've done so far and how we've done things for each other and… I dunno, I guess in some ways I kinda wish you were my brother. I know, weird, but like I said I've always wanted one so that justifies it a bit."

Yasui was silent for a moment before tilting his head towards Shinrai.

"Thanks, I actually really appreciate that."

"Don't mention it."

"Oh, I have something for you! All this talk about brothers reminded me of it. Also, fair warning, I completely understand if you don't want it."

Shinrai propped himself up on his elbows and looked down at Yasui. Yasui reached into his pocket and handed him the second charm his mother had made. Shinrai turned it over in his hands and asked,

"What is it?"

"It's a lucky charm. My mom made me them. So I could have one and I could give another to a friend."

Shinrai held it up to inspect it further.

"What's it made of? It smells… fresh."

"It's dried lemongrass. Also—"

"Wait, is this a tooth!?"

Yasui grimaced.

"Yeah… it's one if my baby teeth. One of my canines. I know, kinda gr—"

"That is so freaking cool!"

Yasui flinched and gave him a confused look.

"Huh?! You think it's… cool? I thought you'd think it was nasty."

Shinrai quickly tied it around his wrist and admired it. On his smaller arm it was more of a wristwrap than a bracelet, but he grinned as he examined it.

"I feel like some sort of mountain barbarian! You know, tattoos and greatswords and bone necklaces and junk! This is awesome! Thanks dude."

"Well… your welcome. Just be careful, it is still sharp so you could cut yourself."

Shinrai held his arm aloft to admire his new accessory in the light better.

"I will, don't worry. Oh, by the way, the others asked us to pick up snacks and drinks for them on our way back. So we'll need to go to a convenience store."

Yasui sighed, content to just lie in the grass for a while longer.

"All right, let's get moving."

They stood and exited the park, retracing the path Yasui had taken earlier when he left the crowded street. Just around the corner from the line for the game store was a twenty-four hour convenience store called the "Speedy Stop" which sold all manner of food and drinks for insomniacs with cravings. Yasui observed as Shinrai walked down the aisles and selected an armful of different items. He grabbed a bag of veggie chips, a bottle of sugar free orange sparkling water, a diet cola, some assorted nuts, and a carton of strawberry yogurt drink. He then walked to the cash register with Yasui in tow. As he started to set his items down, he glanced over at Yasui and gestured towards the aisles of food.

"Go ahead and pick something. They gave us enough for us to get some food too. As payment for running this errand for them."

"Oh, well that was nice of them. Let's see."

He scanned the store before fixing his gaze on a small ice chest near the front. Inside was an assortment of ice cream bars of different shapes and colors. He approached and excitedly looked in.

"Ooooh, I always wanted to try one of these. But what flavor should I get?"

Shinrai shrugged.

"Up to you, I prefer hazelnut flavor myself. But strawberry or vanilla is good too."

Yasui scratched his chin as he looked the selection over. He stopped when he saw a brightly colored wrapper that read "Buddy-Bar, The Ice Cream Made For Sharing. Hazelnut Flavor." He opened the case and pulled it out before bringing it to Shinrai.

"Ah, hazelnut. Good choice, my friend."

Shinrai paid and grabbed the plastic bag full of treats. Yasui saw that it was practically half his size and offered to carry it, which Shinrai gladly accepted. As they walked back, Shinrai stuck his hands in his pockets and started humming some song from a movie he'd recently watched.

"You know, you should probably eat that ice cream before it melts, Yasui."

"Oh yeah, good point."

Yasui pulled the frozen treat from the bag and tore open the wrapper. Inside was a light tan colored bar with two sticks poking out one end. It tapered towards the middle which Yasui assumed was where you were supposed to break it in two. He gripped both sticks and pulled them in opposite directions. With only a little resistance, he was able to shear the ice cream apart and offered the smaller half to Shinrai. Shinrai shook his head.

"No dude, that's your snack. You eat it."

"But it's made for sharing. It says so on the wrapper."

"I… okay that's a valid point. But still, I don't want to eat half of your first ice cream."

Yasui shrugged.

"Just give me a few pieces of your snack and we'll call it even."

Shinrai grinned and took the offered ice cream.

"Deal. Bottoms up!"

Yasui watched as Shinrai stuck the top of his piece into his mouth and sucked on it for a bit. He followed suit, wrapping his lips around the imperfect cylindrical shape and licking it. He found that it spread the sweet, nutty flavor better to slide the pop around his mouth and against his tongue. The only problem being he had to occasionally slurp any drips from off the bottom of the piece. Shinrai grimaced and let out a laughing "eeeeeew." Yasui gave him an innocence look.

"What?"

"Why are you eating it like that?!"

"Like what?"

"Dude, quite pulling my tail. Why are you practically giving your ice cream a blowjob."

Yasui furrowed his brows.

"A… what?"

"A-a blowjob! You know, the… uh… big suck, the slurp, the slob?! That! It's nasty!"

"Shin I still don't follow. What's a… blowjob?"

Shinrai's face was bright red and he looked ashamedly at the ground.

"Geez you are sheltered. It, uh, well… it's a… sex thing. When a girl, uh, puts a boy's... thing in her mouth and… let's not talk about this."

Yasui grew a look of disgust.

"Wait! You mean that people actually put other people's…."

He looked around nervously before leaning in and whispering.

"...Guy parts… in their mouths!?!"

Shinrai was turning a magnificent shade of scarlet and covered his face in embarrassment.

"Uuuuuuugh. Yes, but please stop talking about it."

"Ew! That's so… so… nasty! Blech! People are gross."

Shinrai muttered something and returned to his ice cream in silence. Once they made it back to the street the game store was on, they scanned the crowd for Don and Kashikoi. Fortunately the line appeared to be moving quickly, and the boys were soon reunited near the front of the queue. Don cheered when he saw the bag of snacks and quickly grabbed his veggie chips and cola. Kashi nodded his thanks as he retrieved his sparkling water which prompted a sneer from Don.

"Dude, how can you drink that stuff? It's so terrible. Only old people like sparkling water."

Kashi shrugged and took a sip.

"I like it. It's fruity but not too sweet. Good choice, Shin."

Shinrai was already digging into his mixed nuts when he waved Don off.

"I know what you guys like."

Yasui scanned the line and said,

"We're almost to the store. You guys should have your game in no time."

This prompted a bout of renewed excitement from the herbivores who began reminiscing about their other favorite games while snacking. Yasui crossed his arms and tilted his head back. He smiled a little bit as he realized that… he was having fun. This was actually pretty fun. Sneaking out, getting snacks, talking about games (or listening in his case.) He was glad he had agreed to this now.

Who'd have thought that standing in a line could feel so much like an adventure?

As the minutes slipped by, Yasui half paid attention to his friend and his friend's friends. He waited outside as they bought their own copies of the game and came excitedly rushing back out with bags in hand. After that it was just a matter of retracing their steps with the help of Don's phone back to the same furniture store as before. From there, Yasui, now muzzled again (to his chagrin),led them south back up the hill and towards the school. However, there was one thing none of them had factored in. Anything you climb down, you have to climb back up.

"Mmmmhm."

Don started at the sudden noise.

"What! What is it?"

"Hmm hmmph."

Yasui carefully grabbed Shinrai's hand, who was closest, and placed it against the steep slope jutting up in front of them. Shinrai immediately groaned and rubbed his other hand against his face.

"Oh crap! The cliff thing! I totally forgot about it."

Kashikoi immediately caught on and tapped his chin with a long, slender finger.

"This could be tricky. Yasui, can you climb up first with Shin on your back and try to pull Don and I up from the top."

"Hmm hmhm."

Yasui bent down again and let Shinrai clamber up onto his back once again. He sized up the climb ahead with a practiced eye.

Let's see, it's not too tall, and there are plenty of rocks and roots to use as handholds. This should be manageable.

Picking the best looking part to begin his ascent, Yasui gingerly began to pick his way up the craggy protrusion, utilizing his claws whenever the handholds proved to be a little less than sufficient. It only took a minute or so to reach the top where he deposited Shinrai, who immediately let his friends know.

"Okay, we're at the top. You first Kashi, cause you're heavier."

The alpaca approached the slope and took a deep breath. Yasui reached down and slapped his palm on the dirt as far down as he was comfortable reaching. Honestly, he wasn't sure if he was going to be able to lift Kashi given how much larger he was than him. Fortunately Kashi seemed to realize this and acted accordingly. Once he had grabbed hold of Yasui, he then reached out and blindly felt for a handhold. Once he had one, he used Yasui to pull himself up as much as possible before moving his feet to any point of purchase he could and sliding his free hand further up. It was slow going, but eventually he reached the top. Shinrai sighed in relief and called out.

"Okay, now it's your turn, Don."

The rabbit did not look happy about this and grumbled as he approached the base of the micro-cliff. Yasui repeated what he did last time, however, there was one big problem. Don was too short to reach Yasui's hand. Don seethed in frustration and cursed under his breath.

"Guys, I can't reach his hand. What do I do?"

Shinrai replied.

"Maybe ride on his back like I did?"

"I think I'm too heavy for that. He seemed to only just be able to carry you."

Kashi snapped his fingers.

"I have an idea. Yasui climbs back down to give you a boost up. Shinrai holds a covered up flashlight just bright enough for me to be able to see you barely. And once you're high enough I pull you up the rest of the way."

Don thought over and shrugged.

"Well, let's try it. Come on down, Yasui… please."

Yasui sighed and hopped back down. Once he was in position and had moved Don accordingly, he cupped his hands below Don's foot and waited for Shinrai's count. With the incredibly dim glow of the severely dimmed flashlight, Shinrai and Kashikoi could barely see the outline of Don. Shinrai whispered.

"Okay, three, two, one, boost!"

Yasui pushed up and Don reached for the faint outline of Kashi's outstretched arms. He grabbed onto his friend's right arm, but unfortunately his left slipped off when he grabbed. There was a yelp of pain and Yasui looked up just in time for a little spatter of something hot across his face. The most pungent, sublime smell filled his nostrils as his tongue, instinctually and without any direction from its owner, slipped out from his mouth, the muzzle proving just loose enough to allow this simple act. Yasui's eyes widened as a thick, metallic, salty taste bloomed across his tongue. Immediately his mouth began to water and he recognized what it was he was tasting. It was blood. But not his own blood from a lost tooth or nosebleed. This was different. This… was delicious.

Don hissed and shook his hand as Kashi grabbed onto Don's right arm with both of his hands. As he heaved him up, Kashi asked,

"What happened? Are you okay?"

"Gaaah, yeah. I'm fine. I just gashed my paw on a rock when I missed your other arm. Aaaaaagh! I think it's bleeding!"

Yasui felt something strange slithering inside his head. It wormed its way from his throat to his lungs, making him take deep, searching breaths to find that wonderful scent again. Finally it coiled in his stomach to become something new, something… bestial. A deep, dark craving. Even from just that little taste, Yasui had felt so very alive. He wanted more. He needed more! More! MORE!!! His tongue continued to search across his snout for any remaining droplets as Shinrai called down.

"Yasui, climb back up."

Yasui took deep breaths to try to calm himself back down, but the craving didn't go away. He needed to get these boys back to their dorms fast. Any delay and he wasn't sure he could resist his newfound craving. Even now his mouth watered at the thought of filling his maw with that thick, coppery warmth. Of tasting that forbidden nectar again. And perhaps what other forbidden fruits could be had from these herbivores. Something more than just the blood. Something even better. His instincts cackled and drooled inside him, urging him towards this end. Promising something that would change his life and satisfy all hunger better than anything else. Meat.

Yasui shook his head and slapped himself before scrambling back up the cliff. He was panting when he reached the top, whether from exhaustion or something else he wasn't sure. The rest of the trip was a blur, conflicting voices jabbered and growled inside Yasui's very soul. The only thing he could do was try to drown them all out. He wasn't sure how, but he managed to safely return the bots to their dorm. However, when Shinrai turned to express his gratitude and wish Yasui goodnight, he found nothing but empty space all around. The fox had already fled.