The Cherryton Cooking Club

by Mr.Dr.Sadperson

Taking place one year before the events of the show, this story is a simple look at the (relatively) normal lives of average students attending Cherryton Highschool.

13. Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Many Meetings

"This… could be a problem."

It was Sunday at Cherryton, which meant one very important thing for Yasui. It was laundry day. However, as he looked in his meager closet, he realized he had made a huge blunder. He hadn't left anything to wear while his other clothes dried. He began to rummage through his bag of dirty clothes to see if anything could be worn again.

"Let's see… food stains… mystery stains… maybe this one?"

He held up one of his uniform shirts and sniffed it before gagging and shoving it back into his bag of smelly laundry. As he thought about it, maybe putting all his dirty clothes into a closed bag was a bad idea. They all currently stunk to high heaven with the stench of dank mushrooms and a thousand locker rooms. He exclusively had a pair of underwear to wear today.

Crap, maybe I should have "accidentally" taken that swimsuit from yesterday. At least that was clean.

He sighed and stooped down to pull the bag out so he could get started. He was going to have to find some way to hide his partial nudity until his clothes dried, which could take all day. As he strained his back, he saw something in the back of the closet. Something he had forgotten about.

"... It's that or be naked I guess."

In a matter of minutes Yasui was dragging his laundry down to the laundry room in the carnivore dorms… dressed in the suit Miss Diana had given him for lunch the first time they spent an afternoon together. As far as he knew, he was probably having the most formally dressed laundry run in Cherryton history. Fortunately the halls of the dorm were quiet on Sundays, with only a few boys to give him weird looks as he hurriedly dragged a sack of dirty clothes while wearing his Sunday best. Soon he was sitting beside the washing machine as it whirred away, cleaning his clothes.

These laundry machines sure are convenient. I bet Mom would love to have one back home. She always just had to hand wash them all in a tub.

It took a bit before he realized that he could actually do something besides twiddle his thumbs as he waited. He had a phone now! He pulled it out of his pocket and pushed the button to unlock it. He had taken Miss Diana's advice and plugged it in overnight so it was all charged up. He awkwardly swiped his finger around and tried to think of something to do with it.

Let's see… I could call my parents. But wait, I'm supposed to do that tomorrow around dinner so they all can be there. Hmm… maybe I could call one of my friends? Wait, I don't have any of their phone numbers. The only ones I do have are Diana and Charles. Well, here goes nothing.

He opened the little app that read "contacts" and clicked on Diana. From there he clicked the little button to call her. He held the phone up to his ear as it rang. Eventually the female leopard's familiar voice came out of the speaker.

"Hello!? Is everything okay?"

"Huh? Why do you ask? I mean, yeah, I'm doing fine, but what made you think there was a problem?"

"Well, you are calling me out of the blue and all. Did you need something?"

Yasui shifted awkwardly, not entirely comfortable with phone calls yet. Over the course of his life had used his family phone around three times. And then he had borrowed a phone to call home about twice.

"Well… I just kinda wanted to talk if that's okay. I'm waiting for my laundry to finish and need something to do."

There was a slight pause before he heard laughter from the other end. Finally Diana pulled herself together and commented.

"Well this is a reversal of the norm. Usually it's the young animals that have to be pestered to call us old fogies."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Should I not call you or—"

"No, no! I'm happy to talk with you. It's just that most beasts your age prefer to text rather than make phone calls."

"Oh… how do I do that?"

"The little app at the bottom of your screen that looks like a text bubble. It's like writing tiny messages to people. And you can send them pictures and the like."

"Oh, right. Charles showed me that yesterday. My bad."

"It's quite alright, Yasui. This is a pleasant surprise if I'm being honest. I don't usually get calls for pure conversation as opposed to business."

Yasui hummed and adjusted his seat.

"Well, that's good I guess. So what are you doing, Miss Diana?"

"Well I'm in the middle of my daily yoga routine."

"Oh, sorry if I'm messing that up. I probably shouldn't just call people out of the blue, huh?"

"That is good etiquette moving forward. But this is a nice change of pace. Usually I just listen to some music while I do my exercises, but I can easily talk instead. Excuse me for a moment."

There were the muffled sounds of Diana shifting around and then a long, deep breath. She then spoke again.

"Okay, I'm back. So, anything in particular you wanted to talk about?"

Yasui scratched his neck and thought about it for a second.

"Uuuh, well… oh! You said I should go see the headmaster today, right?"

"That would be wise, yes. He probably is the one who gives you permission to make a booth or not. So the sooner you get his seal of approval the better. He also will probably be your best bet for getting answers to any questions you have about the festival in general."

"Yeah, that's probably smart. I know I've said it a few times, but thanks for helping me with all this stuff, Miss Diana. I'd probably still be cluelessly trying to decide what sort of booth I should do, rather than trying to get all the right permissions and… stuff."

Diana hummed and replied.

"Well, I'm just glad I can help. It feels nice to be this hands-on in a project for a change. I feel so much more emotionally invested in this festival booth of yours than I did in any of my past dealings. It's quite a nice change of pace."

"Well I'm glad it isn't a hassle for you. So, uh, what exactly is… yoga?"

There was a pause before Diana responded.

"You know, I'm not entirely certain how to describe it. It's all these different poses and stretches that help build flexibility and strength… I believe. I just know what I'm supposed to do, not exactly what it accomplishes. Charles got me to do it when I mentioned feeling the need to do some sort of exercise."

"Huh, should I be doing exercises too? I just realized that I'm not as active as I was back home. I don't want to get so weak that I can't help out on the farm when I get back. Not that I'm very strong as is."

"Well it couldn't hurt, and it does help with stress. Maybe try running after classes? I used to do that when I was in school."

"Hmm… that's an idea."

There was silence for a bit before Diana asked,

"Did you want to ask me anything else?"

"Well, I guess not. I was just bored."

"Oh… okay. Oh! Maybe you could text one of your friends? You do have a phone now."

"That's a good idea, I should go track them down and give them my phone number."

"Well good luck with that!"

There was silence for a moment before Diana continued.

"Well then, I really hate to cut this short, but we both seem to have things to do unfortunately. If you want to talk again later just text me first and I'll give you a time that works for me."

"That sounds good. Thanks for talking."

"No worries! I'm always happy to. Bye now!"

And with that, she hung up. Yasui checked his washing machine. Twenty minutes left.

Yeah, I've got time. I guess I'll start with Jack since he might be in his dorm.

Yasui ascended the stairs to the seventh floor and knocked on the door to room 701. Yasui didn't hear any voices from inside, but the door was slightly ajar. He pushed it open and peered inside. It was all dark and quiet.

"Hello? Anyone here?"

Yasui slowly walked inside, looking for any signs of life.

"Jack? You in here?"

Yasui stood in the center of the room and looked around. It was the same as he remembered it, a bit messy but not as disgusting as his roommates kept the room they shared. The only part of it that didn't make Yasui's skin crawl was his own bunk that was nice and clean.

Yeah, if Mom saw how those guys leave our room, she'd probably pop a blood vessel.

Yasui sighed and gave his options a quick once over.

Well, I could either try to find him and give him my number myself, or maybe I should just write it down for him and leave it on his bunk.

Yasui finally decided to go with the second option. He looked around for a scrap of paper and a pen, and upon finding it, wrote out a short note.

"Let's see, how about… 'Dear Jack, this is Yasui. I just wanted to let you know that I have a phone now. Here is my phone number, in case you want to talk to me. With regards, Yasui.'"

Yasui read it again and sighed.

It's a little… formal sounding. Whatever, it works. Now, where's Jack's bed?

Fortunately, these boys had written their names and drawn pictures of their faces over each bed. Yasui climbed the ladder to Jack's bed, which was the one over the bed labeled "Legosi", and placed the note on his pillow. However, as he was about to climb down, he noticed that the strange smell that clung to this room was especially strong here. He wrinkled his nose as the pungent odor filled his senses. Once again he was struck by just how… weird of a smell it was. He didn't agree with the other boys of room 701 that it was necessarily a bad smell, but it was definitely super weird.

"What does that smell even smell like? It's… I literally can't even place it."

Yasui sniffed the air and followed his nose down as the smell that was neither good nor bad grew stronger. It seemed to originate from the bed directly below.

Oh yeah, they did say it was that Legosi guy's bad BO. But it really doesn't smell like BO. I don't know what it smells like, it's just kinda… a smell I guess? Weird. It must be pretty strong if just his bed smells this pungent.

Yasui had gotten so caught up in trying to make sense of this bizarre odor that he didn't realize how far away from the ladder he was leaning. Just as he realized his precarious position, his fingers slid off the rungs and he plummeted into the bunk below… and straight onto the occupant of said bunk. There was a loud snorting sound as the large wolf was jolted awake before he reflexively grabbed Yasui by the arm with a grip like a vice. This caused Yasui to yelp in pain and flail about, resulting in him and the larger carnivore to become a frantic tangle of limbs. Eventually Legosi grunted out,

"Wh… what are you doing?! Get off me!

He pushed Yasui onto the floor and pinned him down with one massive paw. The wolf's eyes were still bleary from sleep as he squinted down at the small vulpine.

"Who are you? And why are you in my room?!"

Yasui whimpered and threw his hands up to protect his face, cowering away from Legosi.

"I-I-I-It's me! Y-Yasui!"

"Uh… who?"

"J-J-Jack's friend!"

"…."

"T-the guy who k-k-knocked himself out by f-f-falling out of that t-tree!"

Legosi rubbed his eyes and yawned.

"Ooh… Frisbee, gotcha."

Yasui desperately nodded and cringed away as much as the larger boy's hold on him would allow.

"I-I was just l-leaving a note… for Jack. I-I just got a p-phone number, I mean phone!"

"Oh… okay."

Legosi seemed to finally notice that he still was holding the much smaller boy to the ground and hurriedly let go.

"Oh! Uh, sorry about that. I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Yasui winced and rubbed his arm. It was definitely going to bruise. Legosi let out a sigh and returned to his bed with a groan of pain. He mumbled,

"Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I-It's fine. It's my fault anyway."

Legosi massaged his eyes and croaked out,

"What time is it?"

"Uh… like… almost eleven?"

"Mmmmmgh."

Yasui swallowed his fear and inched closer. The wolf looked tired and weak with sunken, bloodshot eyes and drooping ears.

"Ah… are you… uh… sick?"

Legosi sniffled and pulled the blanket back up over him. Yasui noticed his voice was much more congested sounding than usual.

"Yeah. I woke up with a bad headache. *Sniff* So I told my roommates I was going to lie down for a bit. Now my head feels like it's going to explode. And my throat is killing me and my nose is all plugged up. I think I caught a cold."

Yasui's terrified expression relaxed a little bit. His usual familial role of resident household nurse kicked in as he let out a sympathetic "oh no" and shuffled a little closer. He gulped, still scared, and asked.

"Uh… d-do you want me to check your temperature? I u-used to take care of m-my little sisters when they got sick."

Legosi sniffed, clearly feeling awful, and shrugged.

"Sure, if you want to."

Yasui apprehensively reached down and pressed the back of his hand to Legosi's forehead. He sucked in his breath and withdrew after a moment.

"You have a pretty bad fever. I think you need some medicine."

Legosi coughed and licked his dry, chapped lips.

"Yeah. I'll have to text Jack and see if he can pick some up for me when he gets back. But that probably won't be for a while. He's running an errand for his mom today."

Yasui picked at his ear as he thought for a bit before quietly murmuring,

"I… uh… I have some medicine. I-In my room that is. My, uh, Mom told me that I should bring some just in case I got sick. Do… Do you want some?"

Legosi coughed again and closed his eyes.

"If you're offering it to me I'll take it. I'm in pretty rough shape right now."

Yasui nodded.

"Okay, just hold on a sec, I'm going to go get some stuff. Oh! But first, uh, let me get you… aha!"

Yasui spotted a ratty looking mini fridge in one corner and opened it. A small collection of sodas and juices were scattered around inside but Yasui was able to find a bottle of water and gave it to Legosi. The wolf gratefully accepted it and practically tore the top off before chugging two thirds of the bottle. Yasui winced as it became obvious just how dehydrated Legosi was. As fast as he could, Yasui rushed to his room and retrieved the little wooden box his mother had packed for him. Inside were small containers with the contents written on top. Box in hand, he returned to room 701. By now Legosi had finished the water and was having another round of coughs.

"I'm back! Uh… do you have a kettle or something? I want to boil some water."

Legosi wearily gestured to the other side of the room and croaked,

"Yeah, Collot has an electric one. He uses it to make noodles when he wants a snack."

"Nice. And, uh, how about… oh! Perfect!"

Yasui picked up a box from one of the cubbies on the side wall and inspected it.

"Would your roommates mind if I used some of this tea? The green one?"

Legosi shook his head and immediately winced in pain.

"Tsk, no. That's Voss's. He doesn't like it. It was a gift."

Yasui set to work making a cup of tea and headed for the bathroom as the water heated up. He also grabbed a washcloth that was hanging up to dry in the little section labeled "Legosi." For teenage boys they were surprisingly organized. Yasui suspected that one of them, probably Jack based on what he had seen, was responsible for this. He turned on the faucet and soaked the fabric in cool water before wringing it out so it would just be damp. He soon was back at Legosi's bunk and placed the cool towel on his forehead.

"There you go. Uh, that should make you feel a bit better?"

Legosi cleared his throat and nodded.

"Yeah, a bit. Thanks."

With that, Yasui got to work on the tea. He poured a cup full and got out the container labeled "Cold Med." Inside was a thick, syrupy paste flecked with various herbs and flowers that had been ground up and mixed in. Legosi sniffed again and croaked.

"What's that?"

"Oh, uh, my family's typical remedy for colds. It's just honey, ginseng, ginger, eucalyptus, some licorice root, some red clover and elderberry."

"Wait, by medicine you meant, like, herbal medicine? Like, the stuff those naturalists are all about."

Yasui stared in confusion and slight embarrassment.

"Uh… yes?"

"Does it work?"

"It, well, for me it does."

Legosi coughed.

"I guess it can't hurt."

Yasui used the small, flat stick his Mom had packed to scoop some of the concoction up and mix it into the tea. He packed it back up and wiped off the stick before giving Legosi the cup.

"Okay, here you go."

Legosi winced and sat up a bit, adjusting the towel.

"Well, I hope it works."

He tried to smell the tea first, but apparently was too congested to smell anything. With a sigh he drank it, making a face at the taste of it.

"Ugh, that's… a bit of a funky taste."

"Yeah, sorry. The honey helps it a bit though. And here."

Yasui opened another container and dipped a tissue in the jelly-like substance within. Legosi raised an eyebrow.

"What is it?"

"It's beeswax with lavender and eucalyptus in it. It helps with the stuffy nose. You just rub some around it. Although, be warned, you won't be able to smell pretty much anything for a while. Also it feels really strange and makes your nose feel a bit numb."

"I don't think I could smell any less as is."

He accepted the tissue and dabbed the substance around his nostrils; he then immediately snorted and let out a loud sneeze, his eyes watering.

"Gah! This stuff is powerful!"

Yasui winced.

"I warned you."

"Geez, yeah. You weren't kidding. But… wow. Yeah that does feel a bit better. Thanks."

"No problem."

Legosi settled back against his pillow and closed his eyes.

"So, uuuuh, you're really into that natural medicine stuff?"

Yasui shuffled awkwardly and tapped the small box he was holding with his thumbs.

"Well… I guess. It's mainly because where I'm from, uh, the nearest doctor is about an hour away. And also all those store medicines are pretty expensive. So Mom usually just makes any simple remedies we need. I mean, it's not for everything, just minor stuff like colds and headaches and… yeah."

There was silence before Yasui continued.

"So, uh, it was mainly my great grandmother who came up with the final version of all these medicines. And she wrote them down and gave them to my Mom and her sister before… well… she… died."

"Oh. I'm sorry about that. It sounds like you were pretty close to her."

Yasui nodded and kept his gaze averted. Legosi yawned and adjusted his pillow.

"You can go now if you want. I know you're uncomfortable around me."

"What? Uh… I mean… I don't, I didn't, that is… I'm not uncomfortable… I guess."

Legosi grunted as he reached for his water only to find it was empty. With a sigh he put it back.

"You don't have to apologize for it. I'm used to it. I know I'm… intimidating."

Yasui scratched his leg and sighed.

"It's nothing about… you as a person. It's just… wolves make me nervous. And lions. And bears. And… most large carnivores."

Legosi nodded. Yasui took that as a sign to keep talking and awkwardly stumbled on.

"It's just… I got picked on a lot when I was younger. And mainly by the bigger kids. So it's just, you know, old habits and whatever."

"Oh…. I'm sorry."

Yasui nodded this time before noticing that the sick canid was looking pretty weary.

"Oh, sorry. I should let you sleep. Do you want me to get you more water first?"

"If you could. I appreciate it."

Yasui did so and began to leave the room before Legosi croaked out,

"Hey, uh, Yasui?"

"Huh? Yeah?"

"Thanks for the medicine. I owe you one."

Yasui looked down awkwardly, embarrassed by the sudden praise.

"Oh, uh, thank you. I really… uh… no problem… dude. And sorry for being… awkward. Like, when I screamed in your face the first time we met. Sooo… yeah. Bye! Sleep tight!"

And with that Yasui closed the door, but not before internally berating himself as he returned to his room.

Sleep tight?! What am I, his mother? Gosh I sounded like such a loser! I don't think I could ever look him in the eyes again after that! Why am I so awkward!

Yasui sighed once his box of medicine was tucked safely away again before blowing a raspberry.

Welp, guess I should go try to talk to Mr. Headmaster. Or at least get on the list to meet with him. After I finish my laundry and get it drying of course.

It was thirty minutes before Yasui began his trek across the school grounds towards the main building. He followed the signs that directed him towards the faculty offices and then looked for some direction as to where the headmaster was. However, he was beginning to think this was a lost cause. In his haste he had failed to consider one thing. Today was Sunday, and most of the teachers were at home.

Yeah… probably not going to find the headmaster today. He's probably at home doing whatever. Well, at least I can scout out where his office is for later.

Yasui wandered around a bit until he heard voices from down a short hallway. He saw an empty desk with chairs in front of it for anyone who was waiting. He had found the headmaster's office. However, he was surprised to find that the door was slightly ajar and light was coming from inside. A slightly weary sounding older male voice was talking.

"Yes, I am aware. But some parents are still concerned. I mean, have you watched the news? According to some beasts, we should cancel the whole festival because it could give this group, Red Smile or whatever, many more victims walking around after dark."

A different voice, this one cool, haughty, and vaguely familiar replied.

"That's absurd. You can't seriously be expecting everyone to just sit in their dorms during the Festival of the Meteor. There has to be another solution."

The first voice answered.

"That's why I asked you two here today. I have an idea. Ojiro, your club doesn't participate in the festivities, right?"

A different voice answered. This one was deeper than the slightly familiar one and less precise sounding.

"Well no. But we do tend to all go together or in a couple groups just to have fun and enjoy the other booths."

The first voice spoke again.

"Good, well, my idea was to have your club act as a sort of… unofficial security voice. Just to keep an eye on things and make sure nobody ends up having to walk back alone."

The one called Ojiro sounded perplexed.

"Sorry, but I don't understand? Why us?"

The second voice spoke up, sounding even more cold.

"Yes, headmaster. I would love an explanation as to why you believe that these… animals should be performing this role. Why not just have everyone form groups to walk back and forth between school and the festival grounds?"

The headmaster replied.

"We'll be doing that as well, Louis. But, to answer your question Ojiro, it's quite simple. First off, having a large group of larger carnivore classmates watching over them will probably help the other students feel safer and allay their parent's fears. And also because of all the groups made of primarily large carnivores, you are the ones that your herbivore classmates trust the most. Ojiro, you especially are trusted by the herbivores of this school. They believe in you and feel safe around you. And especially if you two can work together on this, we can easily quell any nervousness before it gets out of hand."

There was a brief pause before Ojiro answeredz

"Yeah, I'll think about it."

The headmaster spoke again.

"And you, Louis?"

There was silence before a frustrated sigh came from Louis.

"If this is necessary, then fine. If Ojiro and his muscleheads decide to follow your plan, I will as well. This festival is a big deal for the Drama Club and I won't let it get canceled if I can help it."

The headmaster laughed.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that. Sorry to bother you two on a Sunday."

Yasui panicked as he realized that he had been eavesdropping this whole time. It really hadn't been his intention to but he had just the same. The door opened and out walked a male deer, a male lion, and an older male tiger. The deer was still chatting with the older tiger (presumably the headmaster) when the lion noticed Yasui. He got the headmaster's attention and gestured at Yasui.

"Uh, I think he's probably here for you."

The tiger looked up and smiled.

"Ah! Hello! Did you need something?"

Yasui gulped.

"W-well… actually… yes. I was just… Can I have a meeting? I want, I mean, my club—"

The headmaster gave Yasui a kind smile and gestured towards his office.

"Of course. Louis, Ojiro, would you mind waiting here for a moment."

Louis looked aggravated at having more of his time wasted and the lion just shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. Yasui nervously followed the tiger, shrinking under the two older student's searching gazes. Once inside the room, the headmaster closed the door and sat behind a modest sized wooden desk. There were a few knick knacks on it as well as a handful of photos and papers. The tiger sighed and slouched back in his chair, massaging the sides of his head.

"I can't thank you enough. Whenever I have to have a meeting with both those two together I can almost feel my blood pressure rising. They just stress me out with how tense they make everything. They are both very dear to me of course, as all my students are, but whenever they meet you could cut the tension with a knife!"

He seemed to think better of saying that and grimaced.

"Uh… can we both pretend I didn't say that?"

Yasui nodded, still sitting in nervous silence. The tiger gestured towards a small pot with some steam rising out of it.

"Coffee? I had brewed some before they arrived and never got to have any."

Yasui gulped.

"Oh, uh… yes, please."

"Cream and sugar?"

"Black… please."

The headmaster raised an eyebrow.

"Hmmm, a purist are you? Can't say I share your preference."

Yasui accepted the mug that was offered to him and stared into the dark mirror within.

"It's because my Dad always said that good coffee is it's own flavor. Only bad coffee needs a little help."

Yasui watched as the headmaster spooned a copious amount of sugar into his coffee before adding a hefty amount of cream. He gave Yasui a wry grin.

"Well, to each their own."

Yasui followed the headmaster and took a sip of his coffee. It was pretty good coffee, if a little burnt tasting from sitting for so long. Yasui smacked his lips, enjoying the bitter taste. He was aware how weird it was that he actually enjoyed bitter things, but that sharp feeling on the back of the tongue was actually pleasant to Yasui. The headmaster smiled.

"Now then, let me introduce myself formally. I am Headmaster Gon, but you can call me just about whatever you want. I've never really taken this job very seriously…."

He took another drink before adding.

"Well, I mean that in the "serious" sense of the word. As in I try not to take myself too seriously in the job. I do however take my duties seriously. And as such, I must ask, how have you found Cherryton so far?"

Yasui tapped his cup with his claws as he thought.

"Well… it's been a lot to get used to. But so far I've enjoyed being here."

Gon gave him a knowing look. For a large tiger, he had surprisingly calm and gentle eyes.

"But you miss your home. It's only natural."

"Yeah, I do. Sometimes more than others, but I'm really trying not to get too caught up in that."

Gon nodded and took a sip of coffee.

"That's good to hear. By the way, how is that old curmudgeon of a headmaster you used to have? Sho and I knew each other in college."

"Well, he was doing well last time I talked to him. He's gotten a little… chubby recently because he lives so close to the bakery."

Gon grinned.

"That racoon was always fond of his sweets. But, that's besides the point. Have you been fitting in well here? Made many friends? As headmaster I'd want to be sure you aren't feeling like an outcast here."

Yasui rubbed his elbow and shuffled around a bit.

"I've made a couple friends. Well… only two. And actually really only one that I was kinda getting close to."

"Was?"

Yasui sighed.

"Well, it's just… I'm a carnivore and he's an herbivore so I don't know if we can really be super close friends. Because isn't that a little… dangerous? Or maybe just unusual?"

Gon gave him a sad look and sighed.

"So many animals get caught up in species and size, that they don't realize that we're all much more similar than we are different."

He turned one of his pictures around to reveal a younger Gon standing beside two beavers as they were getting married. He tapped the beaver.

"That beaver right there has been my best friend all my life. So don't let anyone say you can only be friends with beasts of a similar species."

"Well, yeah. I never thought I couldn't be friends with herbivores, it's just that, well, isn't it kinda weird… sir?"

Gon leaned back and took a long drink from his coffee. He set it back down and clasped his hands over his stomach.

"Well… the way I see it, we're a tiger and a fox having a conversation in a school in a nation on an island on a planet that's hurtling through space at speeds we couldn't even fathom around a massive explosion we call the sun. Everything seems pretty weird the more you think about it."

He leaned forward and gave Yasui a knowing smile.

"Sometimes it's better not to overthink it. But, enough small talk. What is it I can do for you, unless you only wanted some coffee and the advice of an old tiger."

Yasui set his cup down and did his best to sit up straight.

"Well, I wanted to ask about the Festival of the Meteor. I'm the president of the Cooking Club, so how would I get to have a booth to sell food and… uh… other things."

Gon smiled.

"Aha! That's easy! All you'll need to do is fill out the application down at the office and I'll take care of the rest. The mayor and I have a system in place for this. Other than that it's just up to you to set up a stand or booth in the space you are allocated. I'll ask one of the two boys outside to steer you in the right direction. It'll be a good way to get introduced to your upperclassman."

Yasui was a little surprised at that.

"Wait, that's it? I just… fill out a paper?"

"Correct. This is something that happens every year, so we try to make it easy to do. Anything else I can do for you?"

Yasui shook his head. Gon nodded and took another drink of coffee. He immediately choked and set his cup back down.

"I almost forgot! I had been meaning to talk to you about the issue with your biology room. I heard about what happened and your claustrophobia, so I was thinking that we could try having you go to a different room that's a bit similar. The details aren't set yet, but it's in the works. Does that sound agreeable to you?"

Yasui nodded and finished his coffee.

"Yeah, that sounds great… Sir."

"Well then, I hate to shoo you off, but I have some nervous parents I need to set at ease. Allow me to see you out. Oh, and one thing."

Yasui looked at him attentively as they both stood. Gon smirked a little and looked Yasui up and down.

"Are you going on a hot date? Because you're looking sharp."

Yasui flushed even deeper red at that and mumbled.

"I, uh, ran out of clean clothes."

"Ah, I see. The same thing happened to me once back in my school days. I had to wear swim trunks and a sweater during autumn once. At least that looks good!"

"Thank you… sir."

Gon nodded and opened the door. Yasui had decided that he really liked Mr. Gon. He was funny despite being the headmaster. As the two stepped outside, Gon smiled apologetically.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Now, would you mind showing Yasui here to the main office and helping him fill out the Festival registration form? I would greatly appreciate it."

Ojiro nodded and Louis grew even more annoyed looking. Gon nodded to them both and started to close the door.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to send out some emails."

The door closed and Yasui looked uncertainly at the two upperclassmen. Louis immediately began to walk away before Ojiro called out.

"Hey, aren't you going to help him with his forms?"

"I'm certain you can take care of it. You do love playing tour guide."

Ojiro sighed and wiped his hands on his pants. He met Yasui's gaze and smirked.

"Sorry, that wasn't for you. I just… geez that guy can be frustrating."

Yasui pursed his lips and gazed down the hall to where the uptight deer was walking.

"I understand. I really don't like him."

Yasui caught himself and added.

"Er, not to be mean or anything."

"Nah, I'm not going to chew you out for anything like that. He definitely could stand to be a bit more… friendly towards other animals. Especially us carnivores."

Ojiro gave Yasui a warm smile and extended his hand.

"I'm Ojiro by the way. Third year."

"Oh, uh, I'm Y-Yasui. First year."

Yasui uncomfortably took the lion's far larger hand and weakly shook it. Ojiro laughed and gently patted his shoulder.

"Relax dude. I'm chill, no need to worry about formality. So, what club are you in?"

Yasui followed along behind him as they began to head down the hallway.

"Th-the Cooking Club."

"Sweet. Who's the president? I don't think I've heard about them during meetings."

"Uh… me."

Ojiro gave him a look of surprise before laughing in a non-mocking way.

"Nice job, Yasui! Only a first year and already president. Respect."

Yasui smiled and relaxed a little bit. Despite being a third year and clearly somebody important, Ojiro had a very warm and welcoming personality. This really contrasted with what little Yasui had seen of Louis who seemed aloof towards everyone. Yasui hesitated a moment and asked,

"So… what's the deal with Louis? He seems like… well… that he doesn't like carnivores. Er… more like he hates… us."

Ojiro sighed and put his hands in his pockets.

"He's just a bit prickly is all. I think he just doesn't care about being tactful towards people he doesn't want to be polite with. Which might hurt his chances honestly."

"Chances? Of what?"

"Well, becoming the next Beastar. He hasn't exactly announced that's his goal but it's pretty obvious. But the Beastar has to be the bridge between species, and he kinda needs to work on that. In my humble opinion of course."

Yasui felt like he was about to ask something stupid, but he swallowed his pride and asked anyway.

"What's… the Beastar?"

Ojiro gave him a look of surprise.

"Wait, you don't know?"

Yasui shook his head and looked down in embarrassment. Ojiro shifted his weight and laughed.

"Crap, I must have sounded like an idiot talking about it then, huh? Do they not have a Beastar where you're from?"

"No. I'm from really far out in the country, and there aren't lots of animals that live there."

"Huh, well, the Beastar is somebody chosen to act as a mediator of sorts between the different species. Mainly carnivores and herbivores, but also with issues between the classes of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. And also sometimes with sea creatures."

"Wow, sounds like a lot of work."

Ojiro sniffed.

"Yeah, that's why I have no intention of pursuing it."

Yasui started and blurted out.

"People wanted you to be a Beastar?"

"Sheesh, don't sound too surprised."

"Sorry, that came out wrong."

Ojiro gave him a dismissive wave.

"No worries. But, yeah, some students started talking about how I should be the next Beastar and I was very quick to shut that down."

"Why?"

Ojiro sighed and crossed his arms.

"Because I honestly think it's all because of who my uncle is. Who, I wouldn't expect you to know and I don't mean to brag, is the mayor."

"Woah, for real?"

"Yeah. It kinda sucks sometimes because everyone expects me to be a leader too."

"And you don't want to be a leader?"

Ojiro shrugged.

"I don't mind being the president of the baseball club, but it's not something I seek out. I'm fine with just being a normal guy who marries a normal girl and has a boring, normal life."

As they walked to the main offices, Yasui noticed that practically everyone they passed would greet Ojiro as a friend, and he would do the same.

Wow, he sure is popular. I wish I was popular like that.

Once they reached the office, Ojiro tried the handle and found it was locked. Without a word he lifted the small sign situated on the wall hanging by the door and picked a key up from behind the frame. He looked back and said,

"One of the office ladies had me get something for her once. So they told me where the key was. Keep it secret, okay?"

Yasui nodded and watched as Ojiro opened the door and slipped inside. He returned shortly with a piece of paper and a pen.

"Here you go. Now you just fill it out like this."

With the older boy's help, Yasui was able to complete the form in a matter of minutes and Ojiro directed him to a mailbox where students could turn in various forms and applications. Ojiro nodded as Yasui shut the flap on the mailbox.

"And there you go. Later you'll have to go to city hall to finalize it, but that usually happens the week before the festival. For now you've got some time to prepare whatever you're going to do."

"Okay. Thanks, Ojiro."

"Nah, don't sweat it. If you need any more help just give me a holler. I'm at practice on the baseball field after classes most days."

Yasui nodded and Ojiro held out his fist towards the much smaller fox. Yasui looked from it to Ojiro's face before grinning and accepting the fist bump. Ojiro grinned and turned to leave.

"Catch you later, bro!"

"Y-yeah! You too!"

As he left, Yasui could barely contain the glee he was feeling. He had totally been… cool just now. He felt so different after his experience.

Wow, Ojiro is the coolest. Louis could learn a thing or two from him. I hope I can hang out with him again.

Later that day, Jack and the other dogs of room 701 returned with a bag from the school store. Jack called out.

"Oh Legoshiiiiiii! We got your meds, you big drama queen."

Collot chuckled.

"Yeah, from the message he left you you'd have thought he was dying."

There was a grunt from Legosi's bed and he slowly pulled back the curtain.

"Hey, guys. Thanks for grabbing me some medicine."

Jack crossed his arms and huffed.

"You look fine! You aren't even coughing!"

Legosi yawned and massaged his forehead.

"Yeah. That short fox who sometimes hangs around with you stopped by and gave me some herbal medicine stuff. It actually worked surprisingly well."

Jack moved over to the side of Legosi's bed and set out his purchases within arms reach.

"That was nice of him. Although, I wonder why he was here?"

Legosi picked up the water Jack had gotten for him and took a long drink.

"He left you something on your bed I think. I dunno, I was still only barely awake when he first came in."

Jack looked up and saw the note. He read it quickly before informing everyone of its contents.

"Oh, it's his phone number!"

Jack tucked the slip of paper into his pocket and pulled Legosi's cheek, stretching his friend's face.

"I'm surprised your zombie face didn't scare him off. You always look like you're going to murder someone when you're sick."

"Yaaah, can you knock it off."

Jack snickered as Durham shook his head.

"Jack, you might want to talk to that guy. He's trying way too hard."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Jack exclaimed.

"Well… it's like when a new kid would move into your neighborhood as a child and would desperately try to fit in with everyone who had already been there. Sometimes they just try too hard and, you know, need someone to let them know they can tone it down a notch."

Jack rolled his eyes.

"Durham, that makes no sense. I'm pretty sure he was just being nice."

Voss reached over from Collot's shoulder and slapped Jack's back.

"Or maybe he's trying to poach your best friend. He might be a homewrecker."

Jack snorted with laughter.

"Yeah right! I'm pretty sure that guy's scared to death of Legosi. And besides that, do you really think Legosi would be willing to swap best friends? He practically has to be held at gunpoint to throw out old clothes and get new ones."

Legosi groaned.

"Oh come on, I'm not that bad… right?"

Jack sat down on the edge of Legosi's bed and tweaked his ear.

"Let's just say… you and change aren't exactly great friends."

Miguno elbowed Durham and mumbled.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he'd marry Jack if he was a girl so they could stay roommates forever."

"What! No way!" Durham interjected. "If Jack was a girl Legosi would be too scared to talk to him!"

Legosi huffed.

"I'm not scared of girls, I just haven't met one I've wanted to ask out is all."

Jack cleared his throat.

"Ahem, Legosi feels bad enough without us bringing up his tragic lack of a love life. We should let him get some more rest. See you later, Lego-face!"

As they walked out of the room, Legosi called out after them.

"My love life isn't tragic!"

Sunday came and went like a cousin you actually like around the holidays and Monday reared its ugly head like the annoying cousins you have nearby. Every student was having a typically hard start to the week, but Shinrai was especially down. As he sat at lunch with Don and Kashikoi, he was only half listening as Don told them a story.

"—So anyway, there I was just minding my business when this huge tiger guy bowls me over! So I get a face full of sidewalk and dirt all over my clothes and he just gives me a 'sorry, didn't see you there.' I mean, how freakin' rude! Large animals shouldn't just expect us all to drop everything and move for them!"

Kashi sighed.

"Yeah, it can be a real problem. Remember a few weeks ago when an elephant student accidentally stepped on a chipmunk? Poor guy was in the hospital for a month."

Don huffed and jabbed at his food.

"Yeah, but I swear the carnivores are the worst about it! They never bother to look where they're going!"

There was silence as Shinrai slowly moved his veggies around his tray without really eating anything. Suddenly the hand of a certain rabbit waved right under his eyes.

"Yo! Earth to Shinrai! You awake?"

"Huh?" Shinrai blearily jolted upright and looked between them both. "What? What were you ..."

Don propped his head up on his arm and gave him a condescending look.

"What's eating you? Having marital issues with that fox of yours?"

Shinrai scowled.

"Don't be a dick."

Kashikoi's expression morphed from amusement to concerne.

"Shinrai, you never use language like that. What's going on?"

Shinrai sighed.

"Yeah… sorry. It's just… I haven't heard from Yasui in days. I think that he's avoiding me. Probably because of something that happened Friday night."

Don grew somber.

"Yeah, he did leave in a hurry. The last time I even sensed him near us was after climbing up that tiny cliff. What could have happened?"

Kashikoi looked from Don's face to his still bandaged hand and winced.

"I… have a suspicion."

Both Shinrai and Don gave the alpaca their full attention. He continued by gesturing to Don's hand.

"I think… it's because of that."

Don gave him a mystified look.

"Because of my hand? It's not like he did this? I might not like the guy but I'm not holding him responsible for my cut."

Kashikoi folded his hands on the table and stared intently at them.

"More like… because of the injury itself. When I was putting the bandage on I noticed it was actually bleeding a decent bit. And… I bet it… affected him."

Don grew pale and gulped.

"You mean like… in the… the predatorial way?"

Kashikoi nodded, still looking down.

"That's my bet."

Shinrai slammed his hands down, rattling the silverware.

"That's ridiculous! Yasui didn't do anything to deserve that sort of talk about him! I was alone with him for a significant portion of the night, and he never acted in any way except friendly!"

Kashikoi finally made eye contact with Shinrai and raised his hands defensively.

"Calm down. I'm just stating the most likely scenario. A carnivore's hunting instincts are triggered by the scent of blood, it's just biology. It speaks volumes about how much control he has that he ran away rather than act on those instincts."

Don looked at his hand in horror.

"Holy crap. I was almost fox chow!"

Now Kashikoi turned to Don with a withering look.

"Don't go spreading rumors like that. You'll get somebody in trouble they don't deserve. But anyway, what I'm saying is I bet he's all shaken up because of that. But even still, it's not something we can know for certain. And it's especially something we should never ever talk about."

Shinrai tilted his head.

"Huh? Why not? If he's feeling bad because of his instincts shouldn't we let him know that we're, like, supporting him?"

Kashikoi took a deep breath and looked out over the crowded cafeteria.

"Shin, this world is complex. There's a reason it's considered in bad taste to make jokes about devourings around carnivores. It makes them think you see them as nothing more than some monster who'll tear their classmates apart at the drop of a hat. So we all just pretend. We herbivores pretend we don't know about the carnivore's instincts, and the carnivores pretend that they have this dark secret we know nothing about. So just… give him some space. He might be feeling guilty about this, but it's just something you can't talk about. Understand?"

Shinrai leaned back and groaned.

"But it just doesn't make any sense! Nothing makes any sense anymore! Why is life like this! When I was a little kid I thought things would make more sense as I got older, but it just keeps making less and less sense!"

Don flicked a seed from his plate at Shinrai.

"Yeah, well, it's not going to make more sense later either. Life is messy, weird, and kinda sucks. That's the big secret honestly, life sucks then you die."

Kashikoi crossed his arms and gave Don a stern look.

"Well somebody's extra pessimistic today. Get shot down by a girl?"

Don shrugged.

"Nah, just sorta realized that I pretty much only have two more years to have fun and then it's just work until I croak. Growing up sucks."

Shinrai held his hand up to hide his mouth from Don and whispered to Kashikoi.

"I think it's because he can't play games all day anymore."

Don just slowly huffed and closed his eyes, resting his head on the table.

"Life's just so meaningless sometimes, it makes me want to sleep forever."

Kashikoi stood with a sharp "tsk" sound and picked his tray up.

"Well this got depressing fast. I'm leaving. See you after dinner."

Shinrai stood as well.

"Yeah, I've got a quiz to study for in math today. See you guys!"

Don just grunted as the other two herbivores walked their separate ways.

"Fine. I can mope in class just as easily as I can do it here."

For Yasui, nothing special happened until he had his dinner. He avoided his usual spot under the tree as a sudden rain shower gave him a wonderful excuse to eat in an empty corner of the cafeteria instead. Once finished he found a secluded spot and pulled out his phone. He began to type in his home phone number, but stopped half way through.

What's wrong with me? Why am I so… nervous about calling my family? I shouldn't be, but… I just don't want to talk to anyone right now. I don't think I can pretend like everything is okay. I thought I had gotten over those… horrible feelings from Friday, but the moment I laid eyes on one of my herbivore classmates, it all came back up.

Yasui wrapped his arms around himself and buried his head in his knees. He just wanted to forget what he'd felt, what he'd thought, that night. It was so vivid he could practically still smell everything.

I smelled and tasted that blood…. And I wanted more. The taste was indescribable. Rich and thick, and it coated my tongue so pleasantly. And the smell… and that craving. I knew, well, I know that if I give in and sink my fangs into flesh, it'll be the most satisfying meal I'll ever have. I've been hungry without realizing it. Gaaah! These instincts suck!

Yasui winced as a droplet of saliva hit his pants. He felt so embarrassed and ashamed that something so small had reduced him to this. A monster drooling over the exposed necks and arms of his peers.

The only thing that stopped me from giving in was what Shinrai had said to me, about him thinking of me as a sort of brother. I felt so guilty from remembering that that I was just barely able to regain control of myself.

Yasui looked out a nearby window at the setting sun. The way it was playing off the clouds and water was breathtaking, but the knot in Yasui's stomach wouldn't let him enjoy it fully.

I don't know if I can ever face him. Just looking at a herbivore fills me with so much guilt! I can't take it! I just want to stay far away from everything and everyone! Uuuugh, and now I'm being all dramatic again!

Yasui looked down at his phone, to the half typed number of his family.

"I wish I was with you guys right now. You always know how to make me feel better."

He thought about that for a moment before wincing.

"Well… most of the time anyway."

He finished dialing the number and held the phone to his ear. He knew that this was probably going to be awkward. His family tended to be exactly like he still was to an extent, technologically illiterate. They pretty much only used the phone to call other families in the village if the weather was bad or if they needed to call the school for some reason. Long conversations would happen face to face. There was a click and his father asked,

"Yasui?"

"Yeah, it's me."

"Hold on. Let's see… I think…."

There was a beeping sound as his father accidentally hung up. Yasui waited a bit before calling again. This time it was his sister Kime.

"Sorry, I'll take care of this from now on. Okay, I'm putting you on speaker."

Yasui gulped and tried to sound cheerful.

"Hello? Can you all hear me?"

There was a loud babble of voices as everyone spoke at one. The only distinct voice that came through was his youngest sister Lily begging.

"Yayi! Please come home! Yone sucks at taking care of us when Mom and Dad go to market! You did so much better!"

Yone growled.

"Quit your whining! Just because I didn't let you dress me up doesn't make me a bad caretaker!"

This continued until his mother called for silence. Eventually everyone stopped talking and she sighed.

"Sorry about that. Are you still there?"

"…Yeah."

"Okay. So, how's school going? Making good grades?"

Yasui slouched against the wall and slid to sit on the floor.

"Yeah, my grades are fine. How're things there?"

Yone scoffed.

"Dude, it's still the same boring village as always. You're so lucky to be in the city!"

Yasui tried not to let his disappointment tinge his voice.

"Yeah, I sure am."

What followed was a stream of questions about if he was making friends, was he eating enough, had he gone anywhere fun, how lucky he was, and how much they expected of him. He could feel the pressure building up even more. His feelings of guilt, his anxiety about all the unknowns suddenly filling his life, the pressure to not disappoint his family. He could feel himself getting a bit choked up. Finally he spoke up.

"Hey, uh, Mom? Can… Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm? Sure, ask away."

Yasui took a breath.

"Well… just you."

There were murmurs of confusion and disappointment before his mother obliged. Once it was back off of speaker mode she told him.

"Okay, it's just me."

"Yeah… uh…."

What should I say? I feel lost? I'm lonely and scared? I want to eat my classmates and that makes me hate myself?

"Yasui? Are you still there?"

No… she wouldn't understand. She'd just think I was being a crybaby and trying to wimp out and quit.

"Actually… nevermind. It's not important."

"Are you sure?"

Yasui wiped his eyes. Something was making them a little bit blurry. Probably just some gunk from… something.

"Yeah. I'm sure."

"…Okay. Well, uh, anything you want to talk to all of us about?"

"Not really. I haven't really done anything but school stuff."

"Okay, sweetie. Just take care of yourself. Promise?"

"Yeah, I will."

"Okay, say bye to everyone!"

Yasui forced a happy tone and called out,

"Bye guys! I miss you!"

They all responded with various takes on bye or see you soon, and then the call was over. Yasui leaned his head back against the wall.

"That did not make me feel better."

(The same day, the Mayor's office.)

The mayor, a respectable looking lion with his mane drawn back in a ponytail, was standing behind his desk looking out over the city when his intercom came to life with a beep. His secretary spoke.

"Mister Mayor, the chief of police is here."

He pressed a button and replied.

"Excellent, send him in."

There was a brief delay before the doors swung open and a middle aged bloodhound entered. He stood at attention with his hat under his arm as the mayor turned to face him.

"Ah, Chief Rikimaru. I've been waiting. Please, take a seat."

They both sat and the canine spoke.

"To be frank, I am wondering why you called me down here. Is there a problem?"

The mayor took a moment to situate himself before steepling his fingers and meeting the chief's gaze.

"To put it simply, yes. There is a slight problem I need you to take care of."

"Well, what is this problem. It must be sensitive information if you couldn't just tell me about it over the phone."

The mayor leaned forward and grew somber.

"It's about your statement at the press conference Saturday morning."

"What about it? Did I leave anything out?"

"It's more about what you didn't leave out. We've already done our part to clean up the mess, now we just need you to do yours."

The chief of police furrowed his brows and gripped his hat a bit more tightly.

"I'm afraid I don't follow."

"You said that you suspected 'this was the work of a gang with ties to the back alley market.' But, you will have to recant that and clarify that this rumor of there being a herbivore serial killer on the loose targeting carnivores is an urban legend… just like the back alley market. Simply the idle fantasy of teenagers on the internet."

The bloodhound scowled.

"Pardon my lack of decorum, sir, but you and I both know that the back alley market is no urban legend."

"But the general population can't know about it, especially not the herbivores. If the existence of such a place were to be confirmed on a wide scale like that there would be chaos."

"But the people must know. As it grows and more and more carnivores seek it out, they might have to supplement their wares with meat taken from even more immoral sources. Herbivores need to be careful."

The mayor stood and turned his back on the chief.

"I see your point, but the black market is unfortunately a necessity for this city to survive peacefully."

"A what!?" The hound growled. "The black market is a cancer that destroys the lives of everyone who enters. The only beasts who are helped by it are the criminal scum who profit off of the suffering of others."

The mayor crossed his arms behind his back and shook his head.

"I should have known you wouldn't be willing to compromise. So long as carnivores and herbivores wish to live together, there must be some way for those who can't live without indulging their instincts to eat without guilt or harming anyone."

With a look of abject fury on his face, Rikimaru loosened his shirt and exposed his right shoulder. Emblazoned across his fur from shoulder blade to elbow was a network of tribal tattoos of various sinister looking symbols.

"You haven't seen what I've seen! The depravity and evil of the back alley market knows no limit! Three years! That's how long I was undercover in the Bloody Butchers! I saw and did things that have permanently blackened my soul, all in the name of justice. All to bring down the largest ring of live bait smugglers in the city."

"And the city thanks you for your service. However it still stands that—"

The mayor was interrupted when the chief stood, his chair clattering backwards across the floor. His fangs were bared as he clutched his tattooed arm like a festering wound.

"Have you ever seen what those bait pens were? Did you have to experience that hell on earth? See those cages filled with children! CHILDREN! Children who were sold by parents to settle debts. Locked in cages from birth, unable to speak, unable to read, fearing that they were the next to be slaughtered for a 'guiltless' option for some carnivore who wants a meal. Or how about the initiation ritual for my admittance? Did you get briefed on that? How I had to find some herbivores who had defaulted on a loan to one of the various loan sharks that worked for the Butchers, bring them to the base, and then eat whoever it was who took out the loan in front of his family."

The chief seemed almost crazed by this point, his own claws digging into his arm. He swallowed back some unseen bile and spat,

"I know that I've damned myself. I have to live with the guilt of it every day. But never, ever try to tell me that the back alley market is helpful to this city."

The mayor looked at the police chief with pity in his eyes. For his part, the chief seemed to regain his composure and relaxed his posture a bit.

"Sorry, I… this is a sore subject for me."

"I understand, and you should really go back to therapy. You might have gotten a clean bill of health when you were extracted, but clearly you need help."

"No, some wounds never heal."

The mayor sighed and took his seat once again. Rikimaru stayed standing.

"I take it you won't do as I've requested?" The mayor asked.

"My answer is no."

"Well then, you've left me no choice. I must ask for your resignation. We'll see to it that you keep your pension and benefits."

Rikimaru put his shirt back on and donned his cap once more.

"With all due respect sir, blow it out your ass. I quit."

He tore off his badge and slammed it onto the desk before storming off. The mayor sighed wearily.

"Well, that went better than I expected. He didn't even throw his chair out the window!"

Author's note:

Hello! It is me! I just wanted to make a quick note to you fine folk reading this story. First, if you've gotten this far, thank you for reading! I appreciate you very much. Also, I just wanted to apologize for my painfully slow writing pace. I hope to speed things up a bit moving forward, but I can't make any promises. Also, I have no intention of leaving this story unfinished. If I do, it means I literally died. Feel free to send me any messages you want! I get lonely. Bye now!