Salut!

Here is chapter 5 of Broken Mirror. I took the weekend off of writing to clear my head. I've got the next two chapters finely planned out, so don't you worry. (I think writing four chapters in four days does something to you.)

Other than all that, I finally got an AO3 account. This will make posting stuff far more accessible because FF is an absolute mess! On AO3 it's called 'Beastars: Broken Mirror'.

I also have been making my first drafts for Shadows Amongst Us' rework/overhaul, which will be posted here and on AO3 in due time.

You guys will have a lot of stuff to devour in due time. (Please laugh my wife left me)

Thanks for your patience.

We're in for quite the ride, aren't we?

Au revoir!

Rehearsals have been going swimmingly, all necessary preparations have been made.

Now everyone had a solid nine days to prepare and practice.

It's been two days since the lifting of the club meeting ban, everyone seemed to have somewhat found their rhythm again.

As if the problems of the past week haven't even existed, everyone went to do their own thing.

The excitement for the play itching ever closer. It's been the only thing people really discussed. It seemed like all other topics were off-limits.

A collective effort to keep a somewhat peaceful atmosphere.

Nobody wanted to be that person to spoil the mood. Unfortunately, for all of them: Louis just had to be that guy.

The deer was worried for the future. There is no point if nobody can even let go of the past. There was no reason to lift the ban just to play pretend.

It was nice while it lasted. This just needs to happen.

Peeking through the slightly ajar door, he saw people having fun again. It filled him with a semblance of peace.

This peace was just a farce though. People were actively masquerading through their interactions.

It was kind of sad to watch.

Bill and Els chatting amongst themselves, Kibi and Tao doing their stretches and Shiira doing her choreography. All of that was just a façade.

Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Only you would be stuck in the darkness, while struggling in the light.

He opened the door and stepped through. His face laced with determination.

Louis walked towards the stage, a casual stride, his leg ached awfully: clawing at Louis' brain for him to stop. Ignoring his own discomfort, he continued onwards.

He jumped on and straightened himself. He turned around and loudly cleared his throat.

First, the carnivores only took notice, later the herbivores followed suit noticing the others were distracted.

"Everyone! I have an important announcement to make." His face let off no distinguishing emotions.

People let out soft murmurs, wondering what it could be about. Everyone looked a bit surprised and mostly curious. Some were even nervously fidgeting.

Whenever Louis hit the stage with something important to say, it would be synonymous with either good or bad news. Everyone was expecting the latter.

Bill could already tell what this was going to be about. The tiger has known the deer long enough, so he could tell when everything would go to hell.

Whatever Louis was going to say; it would leave a lasting impression.

There would've never been a good time for this anyways. Now is better than never.

Some people began bracing themselves already, expecting the worst.

"Given the recent tragedies that have befallen our school. I want to remind everyone that we as a club shall stand strong."

Louis sounded resolute and assured of success. A lot of animals nodded along, while some were far more skeptical.

"I want everyone to know about the memorial service being held in the Gardening Club later this evening in Netherland Dwarf Rabbit's Haru's honor."

It's the first time Louis even used her name in public. He just wished it wasn't under these circumstances.

The mood in the room shifted to a strangling melancholy. Louis had to rip off this bandaid quickly.

"I advise you to go pay your respects, so we can get this horrible tragedy behind us. It would give us some semblance of closure."

Louis voice strained slightly at the loaded sentence he just delivered.

Everyone looked at each other with sad expressions sown to their faces. They fumbled uncomfortably.

Especially the carnivores had guilty looks on their faces. Despite not even being responsible: they blamed themselves for not being able to protect the people they cared about.

He continued to avert people's eyes from the despicable focusing on the light.

"I want to lay the bad memories to rest, so we can focus on the play and show everyone what we're made of!", Louis declared.

The animals looked up in surprise. A glimmer of hope desperate to reach them.

Louis just had to push it into their hands.

Louis was giving it his all not to fall to the ground. His leg nearly giving out on him.

Just a little bit more, come on, guys. We need to be stronger than this.

Louis' face turned into an angry scowl. People looking at him surprised. He never really lost composure.

He continued with a righteous fervor.

"We're not going to let those killers get the better of us! We're stronger than that! Let's showcase our resolve in the upcoming play and the many to follow!"

Louis' voice rang through the room powerfully. People staring at him enamored.

"Yeah! I agree! We shouldn't take this lying down! That would be a disservice to the school! People are counting on us!", Bill roared excitedly.

A lot of the herbivores nodded along. Even they were tired of all the posturing they have been doing among their peers.

Els spoke up too. "If we don't do it now, we'll only have regrets! Let's use this opportunity, it's now or never!"

Everyone cheered for Louis. The risky play had paid off.

The tone of the room switched to a hopeful mood, excitement was an understatement. Louis had returned hope and prosperity to the club.

That could've gone awry in multiple ways. Thank you, guys.

The deer gave the tiger a resolute nod. Bill took notice and returned one in kind, smiling.

Els gave Louis a knowing look. Her face was a mix of melancholy and elation.

The deer decided to give her some peace. She clearly took it way harder than she showed.

The club needed to have hope if the school were to ever recover from all this. Even though this was a small victory, they were far from done.

"I want everyone on their A-Game for tonight! Spread the word the best you can!"

Everyone let out a cheer in affirmation. The room settling down only after a few minutes.

A lot of them finally looked content. It wasn't one big façade anymore.

Louis smiled solemnly, he's lucky nobody noticed his expression in their own excitement.

His facial muscles were slowly giving away under the strain.

The deer jumped off the stage, immediately going to his office. As soon as he closed the door, he fell down on the floor gasping for air.

By Rex, that was taxing. If it weren't for them I would've made things much worse.

He felt his leg hurting due to that little stunt. It wasn't wise to leap off the stage. He's making things worse for himself.

That damn leg will be the death of me. I'll have to ask the nurse for stronger painkillers.

Louis doesn't know how long his body can keep up with his mind. He sat down on his chair, their leg screaming at them; making him lightheaded.

Standing on it for extended periods of time was becoming more taxing. The deer let out a determined huff.

He wouldn't give up now. It was barely the time to stand down. He needed to keep his head up high if he were to reach his goals.

He let out all his pend up feelings in one deep sigh.

Haru, I'll give you a fond farewell. I promised you, remember?

Attending a memorial service for someone you didn't even know until now was kind of strange. Even if you did it out of respect; you cannot help but feel out of place.

This was especially true for Jack. Legosi told him and the rest of Room 701 about the memorial. Miguno and Durham didn't want to go, because of how afraid they were to give people the wrong idea.

The rest of them wanted to find some semblance of closure for what has happened the past few days.

Jack also really didn't want to go, but he couldn't just leave his best friend alone.

The stairways were eerily quiet. Not because there was nobody on them; quite the opposite they were stacked with students.

A lot were going up and few went down. Many students have come to pay their respects.

The moonlight shimmered through the windows, slightly illuminating the staircase.

Jack saw Legosi look at the moon longingly. It made him content to see Legosi in his element.

Even though this evening is kind of depressing, it's nice to see him in such a new light.

Jack looked at Legosi attentively. The wolf stood up straight and had that same far off expression he always wears.

"Hey, Legosi? Are you alright?", The labrador whispered.

The wolf looked down at his friend. His face rock solid. He wasn't really happy, unsurprisingly.

"Oh, yeah. I think I am fine", Legosi hushed. "It's just tonight... You know?"

His voice was gruff and if you listened carefully: you could hear the low growl when he whispered.

Jack could feel that his friend wasn't doing all that well.

It's always like he's deep in thought about something.

He always bottles things up, I wish he would just tell me what's wrong sometimes.

He looked at Legosi sympathetically. Wishing he were to open up to him.

Jack always opened up to him, so why couldn't he tell him what was on his mind?

Jack looked over at Collot and Voss. They also didn't seem to have much mind for conversation.

Voss would usually be the one to jumpstart a discussion, but even he could ascertain that wouldn't really be appropriate.

Jack noticed the animals in front of him moving forwards. The stairs clearing up enough for them to finally make their way up to the garden.

It was beautifully decorated with all kinds of flowers. The smell was serene and overwhelming.

The melancholy atmosphere carried with it a certain calm. Emotions were flowing through the air.

Everyone had this kind of silent respectfulness about them.

People were standing around the memorial near the archway. It was littered with candles and flowers.

People put letters and prayers around the one picture of the dearly departed.

A white rabbit with black beady eyes was staring back at everyone with a smile, forever frozen in time.

Hushed murmurs could be heard all over the garden. Everyone was trying to find an open spot to stand at.

Jack looked around the garden and couldn't help but be impressed. Someone tended to it all by themselves.

It's such a beautiful place. It's a shame that nobody will be here to take care of it anymore.

Legosi began walking off on his own. Jack wanted to follow him, but decided to give his friend some space.

Collot and Voss also disappeared off to somewhere, he couldn't really make out where they went.

They're probably at the arch. I think I will take a look around and pay my respects when it's less crowded.

Jack looked for familiar faces, but those were few and far between.

He strode deeper into the garden, until he finally saw someone familiar standing at the balcony.

Shiira was by herself just taking in the sights. She was leaning against the railing. Paying the people around her no mind.

The cheetah was looking over at the city; appreciating how alive it felt and admiring those faintly flickering lights.

Oh, it's Shiira! I haven't seen her in a while.

Jack was happy to see her. His tail wagging excitedly.

Stupid tail! What are you doing? You barely know her!

He slowly made his way over to her and leaned over the railing too.

He mirrored her gaze towards the city lights, that painted the night sky.

"It's beautiful, huh?", Jack sighed softly. A faint smile gracing his features, he looked over at the city tentatively.

The cheetah looked over at him surprised. She hadn't expected him to be here.

"Oh, hey! Jack, right?"

The Labrador looked over at her. Taking in her features. She seemed a little down in the dumps.

"Yeah, it's Jack", he chuckled. "It's been a while, huh? It's... nice to see you here."

Shiira's expression softened a little.

"Yeah, it's nice to see you too", She nodded sighing. "Sorry for being so rude to you last time."

"No worries. That day was chaotic for everyone", Jack reassured her. "You're probably really nice."

The cheetah smile brightened and she let out a quiet laugh.

"You're so sweet. Thank you."

It went silent for a little while. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, rather it brung a sense of peace.

"I am pretty bad at all this emotional stuff. I can never really give stuff like this a place", Shiira confessed, breaking the silence.

Jack itched a bit closer to her, now that she was more comfortable around him.

"Yeah, it has been difficult for me too. Dogs are always supposed to be happy, you know?", Jack paused. "Yet, looking over at those lights. Those countless stories they tell, it makes me feel at ease and-"

"Like everything will be alright", Shiira finished his thought.

She totally understood what he was getting at. The cheetah appreciated the fact that there was someone who felt the same way.

"Yeah, something like that.", Jack confirmed.

Despite everything: he felt really happy.

Was it because it was nice to talk with someone about this?

His tail was wagging uncontrollably. It was giving his good mood away so well even Shiira took notice.

Jack immediately blushed. Embarrassment rose up his chest.

He quickly grabbed his tail, goading it to stop.

Shiira let out a soft, amused laugh. Her chuckles changing the mood into a very lighthearted one.

The cheetah started coughing trying to suppress her amusement. She had to give it her all not to explode into laughter.

She started looking away from him.

Jack looked at her surprised.

Did I do something wrong? Way to ruin the mood, Jack.

After that thought, he realized why she wasn't looking at him. Jack heard her snickering.

Oh, Rex, you cannot be serious.

"Wait, are you making fun of me? Stop laughing! That isn't funny!", Jack whined silently. He held his head in embarrassment.

Shiira waved him off wheezing. "Fine, fine! I'll stop! Rex, that's hilarious!"

Jack blushed, his cheeks lit up like a Rexmas tree.

"S-Sorry! It has a mind of its own!", he justified. "It always does this at the worst possible times."

"Don't worry about it. It's very endearing.", she admitted chuckling. "You know how to lighten the mood, don't you?"

Shiira gave Jack a sincere smile.

Surprised, Jack stammered a little. He was getting flustered. "That w-was so improper of me. I-I cannot even put it into words."

Shiira tilted her head sideways.

"No, I think you're fine. It's not something you can help."

She leaned over the railing again. Finally having caught her breath. She let out a sigh, looking up at the stars.

"You have no idea how much I needed that."

Jack let out a sigh in relief. He could see why she found it funny.

I almost thought I gave her the wrong idea.

"You're welcome." That was all he could muster up.

He waited for a little while; joining Shiira in her stargazing. He spoke up after a few minutes.

"Would you like to pay your respects at the archway with me?"

It was an innocent question.

Shiira eyed the labrador curiously. She hadn't expected such an offer.

Decisively, she held out her hand to him. He looked at it with glee.

"Sure. Let's go", Shiira nodded smiling.

He took it without a second thought.

Legosi looked at the small shrine from a distance. The incense of the flowers and candles overwhelming his senses.

A lot of animals were mourning the rabbit's death. From the rumors he'd heard: she didn't have a lot of friends. Apparently she was sleeping around.

Legosi couldn't care less about with whom she slept with. It all never really mattered in the end.

In a way, Legosi was the final person she really, actually talked to. It was a relationship without lies, one in which it was very clear what was supposed to happen.

Legosi sniffed the air, inhaling all the scents: the flowers, the burning candles and all the animals that were muddying his senses.

Even with everyone here; her scent is still the most overpowering one.

All the wolf could really do is think about her.

How she tasted in his mouth, how soft her fur was and what futile attempts she made to escape.

It set Legosi's teeth on edge and his hands began tingling.

It had brung the monster close to salivating. He immediately stopped himself.

Legosi felt lighter, just like on that evening. When he moved: his limbs felt weightless like every burden had been stripped from him.

What is this feeling? I don't think I can even feel my arms. My legs too. I feel on top of the world.

This feeling of ecstasy was, however, short lived.

It came over him like a wave. A spike of regret and sadness came down all at once.

The wolf began to hunch over: a pain in his stomach gripping him.

Legosi began to feel a sudden tightness in his chest. Breathing became laborious, his sight was fuzzy.

What is this pressure on my lungs? This rumbling in my stomach? I can barely see a few feet in front of me!

He tried to take a few steps forward, which resulted in him almost tumbling to the ground.

I need to get out of here!

Voss took notice and tapped Collot on his arm. He pointed towards Legosi.

Collot turned around and his face contorted into worry.

"Hey, Legosi? Are you alright?", Collot asked worriedly. "You don't look so good."

The Gray Wolf gave the sheepdog a pleading glance.

"No, m-my stomach is not agreeing with something I ate", Legosi explained. "Could y-you help me out here?"

Legosi's voice sounded strained and meeker than usual. Collot immediately took the hint. Quickly catching him.

He gave Legosi a shoulder to lean on.

"Voss, could you go tell Jack that Legosi's isn't feeling well? I am bringing him to the restroom."

Voss, still on Collot's left shoulder, nodded in response. "Sure, I will. Just make sure he gets there in one piece, alright?"

The Fennec looked over at Legosi who seemed totally out of it. Collot put his thumbs up in agreement.

"S-Sorry about t-this, guys", the wolf apologized.

"Don't even mention it. This is not your fault", Voss scoffed. "Now get going."

The Fennec jumped off the Sheepdog's shoulder with a grunt when he hit the floor. He immediately went to find Jack.

Collot and Legosi strutted towards the exit. The wolf getting more fatigued by each step they took.

They eventually reached the stairwell and proceeded downwards. The couple got a few odd stares from the animals making their way up, but those were promptly ignored.

"Man, Legosi, you're getting heavy.", Collot complained airily. "Just a little further, we're almost there."

The wolf gave little affirmation, only answering in grunts. When they made it down, they only had a little way to go until they reached the restrooms.

Almost at the end of the hallway Legosi let go of the sheepdog's shoulder. Collot gave him a surprised look.

"I'll b-be fine from h-here, j-just w-w-wait outside.", the wolf said facing away. "I'll be a-alright."

Drool was dripping from his maw on his shirt. He didn't want Collot to see. His hand already reaching for the door.

"Are you sure? You don't look alright.", Collot frowned.

The sheepdog was worried about his friend. He was very inclined to just call the nurse.

Legosi didn't want anyone to know about this, especially not the nurse.

"I'll b-be out in a-a minute."

With that he went inside and left Collot outside waiting for him.

Legosi immediately ran to the toilet to lurch out everything's he's been holding in, which wasn't a lot.

Nothing came out, the feeling wouldn't go away. Despite feeling like puking: he wasn't able to. It was almost like his esophagus was knitted shut.

He sat on his knees, his body sweating and jaw drooling uncontrollably. Every breath he took became more straining than the last.

Legosi almost felt like he would pass out. He got up slowly and made his way over to the sink.

I have to stay awake! I-I need water!

He turned on the faucet and water began pouring in the small sink. He took a handful and splashed some on his face.

He looked in the mirror seeing nothing more than a shadow of who he was.

"How far you've fallen."

Legosi looked up seeing a shadow talking to him. It looked like he was stuck behind the mirror.

Huh?! What do you want now?

"Look at yourself. What do you see?"

The wolf had no idea what it was talking about. He wiped the drool off his face, only for it to return moments later.

"I think the answer is very clear."

What are you getting at?

It was silent for a little while. Legosi began splashing more water on himself. He even began taking greedy gulps.

"You've been lying to everybody."

"Because I have no choice!"

The voice let out a loud laugh making the wolf's fur stand up straight.

"You do have a choice. You are just too big of a coward to go through with it."

Legosi snarled angrily. Looking at the shadow in the mirror with contempt.

"You're telling me to turn myself in?"

"Oh, please. We both know you would never do that."

There was a slight pause. It took a while before it began anew again.

"The looks on everyone's faces. What would your caring grandpa think?"

"Don't you dare talk about him! You don't have the right!"

The wolf wheezed in pain, huffing in exhaustion. He had to hold the sink to keep himself from falling down.

"They would all be disgusted with you. Nobody would ever look at you the same way."

"Stop it! Go away!"

Legosi began to let out tears. He looked at himself in horror. His only coherent thoughts being disgust.

"He would hate you!"

The wolf tried pulling away. Tears streaming down his face. His body feeling like it would consume itself.

"THEY WOULD ALL HATE YOU!"

"Shut up! Be silent!", Legosi begged.

He leaned on the sink so heavily that the pressure of his weight nearly caused it to break.

His body was painfully quivering. Legosi was barely able to see.

"You are a monster."

Legosi couldn't take it no more. He pulled back his fist and smashed the mirror into pieces.

The sound of breaking glass ringing through the room. In the shards he could still see himself in the shattered reflection.

He began feeling better. The heavy feeling slowly dissipating over time.

He took in deep breaths, his lungs finally opening up.

He wiped the drool and tears from his face. The lingering sweat still on his forehead.

Legosi began slowly strutting towards the door. His legs still feeling heavy under his body.

He opened the door and checked the hallway.

Collot is gone? Where'd he go?

His question was soon answered. He saw Jack, Collot and Voss running at him from the back of the hallway.

"Legosi!", Jack yelled.

They had run to him in record speed.

"Are you alright? Voss told me you weren't feeling well and I was worried."

The wolf contemplated on how he should answer.

Jack, Voss and Collot looked at him worriedly. He let out a deep groan.

"I-I think I just threw out m-my breakfast, lunch and dinner." His sickly appearance corroborating the explanation.

Jack walked beside him and emphatically patted him on the back. Legosi being slightly uncomfortable with the gesture.

"Legosi, you look horrible. Let's go back to the dorm." That wasn't a suggestion, but an order. When it came to stuff like this, Jack was absolutely steadfast.

The sheepdog offered Legosi his shoulder. The wolf held up his hand.

"No, I can walk by myself", Legosi huffed. "Let's just go."

Everyone could see he was exhausted.

"Okay, let's go back." Jack gave a small smile. "Voss, text Miguno and Durham that we're coming back."

The fennec gave a quick nod. He quickly tapped away at his phone.

"Done."

Jack smiled. "Good."

With that everyone slowly made their way towards the dormitory, all trying to match Legosi's pace.