Preparations are almost always the most important thing, especially when you're about to something extremely, life-threateningly moronic. Stupidity and brazenness might as well be Bill's middle names at this point, either one would fit like a glove. Sticking out your neck is fine sometimes, but only if you're a giraffe, not a bengal tiger who's about to put his future on the line for a role in a play.
Felines are supposed to be the ones playing with their food, not the ones getting manipulated by some rich kid, some would argue that this entire thing was a mockery of his nature. There's various red flags he's willingly ignoring, this still could be an elaborate setup by the deer to screw him over somehow.
Others might call him an utter fool for even obliging Louis' suspiciously ostentatious request for herbivore blood. They also might tell him that it was unusual for the deer, to ask him of all animals to fulfill this fetch quest. Couldn't he have asked his criminally rich father or maybe another carnivore?
No, both options would've only thrown fuel to the fire. Others will run their mouth and his father doesn't seem like the type to approve this sorta stuff. He was starting to wonder if that role was even worth all this headache. Sure, the money was nice, but it wouldn't really cover his doctor's fees if he got skinned alive and turned into a rug out there. Not that he would make for a nice of furniture.
Every layer he tried peeling back to uncover Louis' schemes made him run into yet another one. Ever since the deer told him a little secret about the devourings, he had been mulling the implications over in his head for hours on end. It was like walking through a maze of corridors and finding a dead end at every single turn.
What he needed the blood for was totally beyond him, and he would definitely ask for further clarification when he had fulfilled his end. If anyone found out about this impromptu trip, he'll be dead meat and not metaphorically, rhetorically, poetically or theoretically; he'd be dead, straight up.
Still he wasn't able to shake the feeling that the deal they'd made was terribly one-sided. For which party, Bill couldn't discern, maybe the law of equivalent exchange applied just this once. Doubtful, but it was a better mindset than assuming the worst.
For if he flunked, a noose would wring around his neck and he'll choke to death on the societal, social and political levels all at same time. Overall the implications weren't looking very bright if he failed; he wasn't expecting Louis to act as a safety net either.
This would all have become overbearing quite easily, if he hadn't been mentally pep-talking himself for the better part of three days. His senses have been totally on edge for the duration of them, even a breeze had made him jump the other day.
Not being able to wait to get this entire thing over with already. It being a miracle he kept this under wraps for this long without bursting. It was still possible to back out, he could still act like nothing happened and move on with his life.
But, he would blame himself for the rest of his life if another herbivore died and he could've done something about it. He would never sleep properly ever again, especially after that bombshell the deer dropped on his lap.
And having those monsters on campus, walking around and pretending everything was just fine made his skin crawl. "Knowledge is power", they said, but if he could - he would've just left it to the police. However, judging by the fact that they called for Louis' help, already made him question their competence.
Despite his better judgement, he would pull through if not for selfish reasons; he could still delude himself that it was for everyone else. Still, going to the black market isn't just packing your bag and leaving on your merry way to paradise. Planning needs to be done beforehand, otherwise you might as well have a death wish going to a place like that.
Even for bigger carnivores, that place wasn't exactly safe. Most of the time, sheer mass was enough, but in the black market it might as well be hyperbolic. It wasn't like he was going into unknown territory either, he'd been to the black market before with his father as a cub.
Still, it would be unwise to go in without a clear plan or strategy. Making a beeline for the store's address would be the best option, if it weren't for the fact he'd have to cut straight through the middle of the market. Bill was a big guy and he would definitely be calling attention to himself walking through a place like that; not the good kind either.
If you weren't there to eat meat or go to the hookers it would definitely raise some eyebrows. The outskirts also didn't seem much better, having a pretty high chance of running into a meat addicted carnivore there. He's heard the horror stories of his upperclassmen regarding those psychos, ones he wouldn't really like a role in.
Bill had to pick his poison: cut straight through the market and be surface-level safe or make his way around it and run the slight risk of having to fight off a crazy. What to do, what to do... I am not in a rush. I just have to get through this ordeal at a measured pace.
Not needing any battle scars, he figured it best to simply go straight through. Plus, he could always pretend to be looking at the vendors and their products, maybe even take a nice souvenir or something that could serve as a last resort if push came to shove.
However, he had to worry about those things later. First, if he had everything he needed within his rucksack: spare change of clothes, some books to serve as a cover, the money for the goods, deodorant for scent masking and some energy bars for on the road. That should be everything, but he couldn't help but feel like he was missing something.
Even though, he had all the necessities; it was perfect as if Rex himself smiled upon it. Figuring that it was the nerves talking, he zipped up his bag and hid it in his bunk. It was way too early for him to leave now, having at least three more hours to kill until the patrols and student presence died down a bit.
If anyone even got a whiff of him leaving campus, they'd check his bag and find the oddly specific set of items and would question where he's headed on such a splendid evening. And if they caught his ass on his return he'd get cuffs slapped on wrists for his troubles.
Prison sounded very endearing, but not during this lifetime. He wasn't going to perpetuate great-great-grandpa's legacy anytime soon. Mother would never make him hear the end of it, that stubborn hag. Not to mention that Louis would make his life miserable for failing this strenuous assignment.
It was very tempting to just haul ass, do a quick back and forth between destinations and be done with it. However, Tao and Aoba would be suspicious if he left now and didn't show up until later tonight without so much as a text. The tiger never left anyone in the dark about his whereabouts, especially not his roommates.
They'd ask questions, ones Bill wasn't very inclined to answer. Not that they would believe him if he'd told them; there would be no room for suspension of disbelief. Last animals on earth he wanted to flag were his friends.
If this was what Louis had to deal with on a semi-regular basis, Bill would wonder if the deer was all there, mentally speaking. Who am I kidding? Louis doesn't worry about such things: he doesn't have any friends. With a deep sigh, he let himself fall face first on his soft mattress. The mental gymnastics already having worn him out.
"Why did I have to be such a moron and do this on a Sunday?", he lamented mumbling into his pillow; remembering he had a test due on Monday, which he hasn't studied for. Turning his frame around, the tiger let out a pent up huff of air. "I'll be so dead during history tomorrow."
Covering the entire Carni-Herbi war, it would be too late to start studying for it. Even though that damn thing only lasted for one year, it had by far the broadest amount of subject matter within the history books. It was 12:22 now and he would never have enough time to catch up, even if he pulled an all-nighter.
Not that he would be able to concentrate with so much on the line. I swear to Rex I'll invest in a scratching pole with whatever is left of that money. I am going to need that stress relief. The anticipation was totally killing him, patience never was his strong suit. Jumping into it head first would be folly, he had to temper himself.
Plus, he'd have to come up with a good excuse first for Aoba. Knowing he couldn't just say something half-baked, because it'd be facing a lie detector with the ability to burst your eardrums. He didn't know why the avian was so insistent on knowing every single facet of his personal ventures, but he wouldn't leave him alone about it if he didn't specify.
The eagle was the type to dig if he smelled something fishy. Tao would take whatever he told him at face value, but if Aoba caught wind of whatever crappy excuse Bill would conjure up: it'd be a recipe for trouble.
On cue, the bathroom door flung open, the bald eagle in the opening of the doorway; his feathers all ruffled. "Ey, Bill? Have you seen my trimmer?", Aoba asked looking around the room, until his eyes finally landed on the tiger. "I could've sworn I left it in there, but it's just gone."
Why does he always think we know where his shit is? Positioning himself slowly against his bunk wall, Bill simply shrugged giving him a look of disinterest. Letting out an exasperated snort, Aoba went over to his bunk to search. After a while turning his head back to the tiger again. "Are you sure you didn't accidentally take it?"
"Aoba", Bill grumbled gruffly, raising one of his brows. "Do I look like I have feathers to you? Maybe you dropped it somewhere in a rush." Death would befall him before he would start helping to search, he wasn't Aoba's little errand boy. The eagle didn't like his tone at all, Bill was often an unapologetic asshole but not to this extent.
Insulting the avian's tidiness spend the last of his patience with the tiger. "Come on, kitty. What's the matter with you? Did someone step on your tail today?", Aoba scoffed indignantly, using the one insult Bill loathed most. HE CALLED ME A WHAT?! I'LL THROTTLE THAT FUCKING BIRD!
Bill's reactionary scowl could melt away the poles' ice caps. "What's your deal?! Didn't know you took lessons out of Louis' playbook, you mockery of a woodpecker!" Aoba's expression immediately turning to fury, his beak clamped down on itself in hatred. A half an hour long shouting match between the two ensued.
Calling each other every derogatory term, insult and otherwise. Written and unwritten; spoken and unspoken. Also coming up with a few new ones along the way. Just when they were about to communicate more effectively with their fists, Tao entered the room in a hurry having heard the commotion from down the hall.
Running up to them letting out a primal jowl, the leopard separated the two with a powerful shove to Aoba's chest. In time too, as they were just a few centimeters shy of bashing each other's brains in. Both of them looking at the usually timid feline in awed shock. Getting off the avian with a huff and dusting himself off.
"What the hell is the matter with you guys?! Have you both lost your fucking minds?!", a furious Tao roared, giving them both a menacing glare. "If you want to fight, do it outside. Not here; not in my room." This was the first time they have ever seen him bare his teeth, let alone his claws. Taking his shorter wirier frame in consideration, he was a lot stronger than he seemed at first glance.
Always having been very protective of what's his, Tao wouldn't allow his territory to be desecrated by these two rednecks. Strength of Bill and Aoba combined be damned. "You guys are unbe-fucking-lievable! Can't even have a normal discussion without raising your rexdamned fists?! Absolutely ridiculously pathetic!"
What the hell is going on with him?! I've never seen him like this before! He saw the leopard pounce at a speed even he couldn't replicate from that distance. Crashing into the bird like a wrecking ball. Was this to do with Tao's past? Bill never asked him for specifics, so he couldn't be sure.
Swearing and shouting weren't the leopard's forte nor his hobby, barely ever raising his voice above speaking level. It being extremely hard for him to even maintain his composure, mainly due to rarely having exerted such force onto others before; his legs straining at the pressure he had put behind them.
"Ugh!", he growled, his scowl deepening in frustration. Bill and Aoba gulping at the odd and yet slightly terrifying sight. That's... disturbing. He looks feral. Pointing at the exit, Tao raised his voice once again, "Look at what you've made me do! Aoba get off the floor! Both of you out! NOW!"
Without even thinking about it, silently they complied with his demands. Bill narrowly managed to grab his bag from out of his bunk, before not so gently being pushed out of the room, the door being slammed shut so hard Bill swore it should've flown off its hinges. Tao's voice resounding finally with parting resentment, "And don't come back until you've got your shit together!"
Still hearing stuff clattering and the leopard's angry fists banging against the walls from behind the door. "Motherfuckers!" The other carnivores in the hallway giving the pair some questioning looks. Aoba not being able to help but to chuckle despite himself.
"Ehm, I think he threw over your note basket on the desk", Bill muttered coarsely, still surprised from their roommate's outburst. It took a while for the bald eagle to process that, giving the tiger an apologetic glance, quickly diverting it down the hall again, "Yeah... I'll clean that up later."
They might've unintentionally crossed a line with Tao of all animals, leaving them pondering with a heavy feeling of guilt towards their lack of respect for their shared living space. It wouldn't be the first time their communication left something to be desired within their room. This must've been the leopard's final straw.
With a heavy sigh Bill began walking off, Aoba who only noticed a few seconds later began calling out to him, "Eh, Hey! Where are you going?" The tiger's grip on his backpack slumped, turning his head with a frown he opened his mouth about to say something crass about his mother before closing it again.
This would be a better time than any to come up with his excuse. "I... uh... am going to study for the history test tomorrow, because... I forgot about it. In the library. Alone." His face betrayed a hint of regret and shame, in this case being to his advantage rather than a detriment.
"Oh", the eagle replied solemnly, sharing the tiger's expression. Normally he would offer to help, but not now. The tension between them was already too awkward. "Alright. I'll... see you later. I guess." Making his way to the stairwell, Bill almost wanted to run, not feeling the need to extent this conversation any longer than it had to.
It went without saying that he was going to be gone for a while, even Aoba had to have gathered that much. How could we be so stupid?! This wasn't how I wanted it to go at all... Dearly Bill hoped that they hadn't ruined Tao's perception of them forever with their ignorance. Maybe they all just needed to blow off some steam.
Miguno loves music, more-so than is usual for any other animal his age. Most would be busy playing songs they've heard other bands play, never trying to make it their own. Music is flexible and for him, it has always been the best escape from reality.
It would just be him and his guitars; creating his own cacophony of sounds and melodies. Songs didn't judge, songs didn't stare, songs didn't insult him. What he needed was to be alone, and this place offered him exactly that. He had the entire music room to himself, mostly because no animals ever bothered showing up here on a Sunday. Let alone at three seventeen in the afternoon.
His cozy sanctuary, his place of healing and his home of loneliness. More often than not, he came here to cry or to vent to nobody in particular. Those shallow motivational posters plastering the walls didn't help anyone. Most people saw music as a joy in life, Miguno saw it as a way of emotional expression and escapism.
A way in which he could pour his heart out fully, without any restrictions or restraint. Rock or death metal was the way he preferred throwing those feelings out with the rest of it; loud and clear with anger and resentment. Yelling into the void, for it didn't scream back.
It wasn't a big room, it's smaller so the sound doesn't reverberate too much off of the walls. Not that the soundproofed space would even allow for that. Standard issue instruments for casual players scattered throughout the classroom, school owned, naturally. A piano, acoustic guitars, a single electric one, flutes. Basically everything you need and more.
All of which Miguno wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. You don't know whose hands have touched those in the past, and where those hands have been. Opening his case to get out his instrument, he felt a weight being lifted from his shoulders as the guitar graced his eyes. It's still as beautiful as when he got it for his ninth birthday.
Now it was time to get started. "Idle claws are the devil's workshop", his mother always said. Sitting down on the single chair on stage, he made sure his instrument was comfortably positioned on his lap. He's been practicing a solo rendition of Sham by Stereohead on his acoustic guitar, wanting to set a calmer mood first before switching to his electric one and letting everything out with some Let the Chaos Reign by Pop Amiable.
It was a shame he was no longer allowed to connect to the sound system without supervision, as someone else had the bright idea to break it at the end of last semester with their volume. Granted that thing was at its life's end, so they actually did them a favor. Classes in which they were allowed to use them were much more pleasing to the ears.
But, first things first, tuning his guitar. His electric guitar tuned itself automatically, however he didn't have that privilege with his acoustic guitar. Oftentimes, he tuned it by sound, mainly because his hearing in that regard was superb and if that didn't work he could always use the piano. Not that he ever needed the damn thing, but it was just an assurance policy more than anything.
Starting with Lower-E making his way towards the Higher-E string gradually, eventually landing on the second to last string: the B string. He didn't know what was up with it. Yet, every single time he tuned it to perfection, the second time he pulled the string it sounded off somehow. The tinkering never ended.
Repeating this process probably over twenty times, he almost wanted to smash the base of his instrument into the ground. Refraining just shy from shy from the floor and sitting back down with a huff. And this was one of his favorite songs too. Was this Rex' way of telling him to grow a spine and get out with it for real?
Tell the animal he's entranced with his actual feelings? No, I am not ready to do that yet. Not by a long shot. His heart fluttering a little, the sheer idea giving him goosebumps. Most importantly of all: he was scared of being rejected. Although, every time he thought about a reality in which everything went according to plan, he could feel a comforting warmth rising up his chest. Knowing it was a wish-fulfilling fantasy. But, a hyena is allowed to dream, right?
Figuring he was making issues out of peanuts, he tuned the final Higher-E string and let out a sigh. Allowing his facial muscles to relax, he let his walls crumble down; his usual cheerier expression replaced with a more melancholy one. Taking in a huge gulp of air, it felt like he was finally allowed to breathe after days of asphyxiation and being held at gunpoint by their circumstances. This week was by far the most miserable school experience he's ever had and it was by a landslide. Preschoolers are mean, but high schoolers were an entirely different beast.
The speciesism has never been this bad in years. Hyena's aren't very popular animals by any stretch of the imagination, reason being that others find their eyes to be creepy. He couldn't pretend anymore, that the remarks he got when he passed by groups of other animals, didn't hurt.
It's like getting punched in the stomach repeatedly, and it never stopped. Maliciously, they would continue just to find a scapegoat. The horrible things they had said almost made him break down crying last Friday. Shaking off those thoughts, closing his eyes, he started playing the soft and gentle opening chords,
"When you were here before,
Couldn't look you in the eyes,
You're just a simple carnivore,
Your soft fur makes me cry,
Your prowling movement's majestic,
Oh, In a beautiful world!
I wish I was stronger,
You're so much fuckin' stronger..."
Close your eyes, steady your breathing. This is your world.
"But I am a sham!
Yeah, I'm a weakling...
What the hell am I doin' here?
Oh, I don't belong here...
I don't care if it hurts,
I wanna have some more control,
I wanna beautiful body,
I wanna infallible soul...!
I want you to hold me,
When I'm not feeling well..."
A heavy sigh escaped his lips. Keep going. Just relax... They're not here anymore to judge you, just keep smiling.
"So much fuckin' stronger...
I wish I was stronger!
But I am a sham!
Yeah, I'm a weakling...
What the hell am I doin' here?
Oh, I don't belong here...
He's running in the field (run),
He's flyin' out of doorway,
He run, run, run, run,
Run,
Whatever makes you happy...
Whatever you want...!
You're so much fuckin' stronger!
I wish I was stronger...
But I am a sham!
Yeah, I'm a weakling...
What the hell am I doin' here?
Oh, I don't belong here,
Oh, I don't belong here...!"
Finally finishing the job, he had to choke back a sob almost having broken down midway through. It felt so good to let loose, that song always made him tear up. "I would clap, little brother. But, I don't think that's appropriate right now", an annoyingly familiar voice boomed, almost falling out of his chair in surprise, Miguno opened his eyes.
He had been so swallowed up in his emotions, that he hadn't even heard nor smelled someone entering. Oh, for fuck sakes. A very proud mongoose standing beneath the stage, spectating appraisingly. "I don't think that's exactly how that song goes, Miggs. Have you taken a few liberties with the lyrics?" A teasing smile forming on his brother's lips. It made Miguno want to growl.
"That's none of your business, Kai", the hyena told flatly, standing up and putting away his guitar; already not feeling like playing anymore. He never expected anyone to enter, thinking this room was soundproof enough for nobody to hear his voice. Normally, he didn't mind gawkers, but not during moments this vulnerable. Especially not his brother, whom would butt in without the hyena's consent.
Seems like the school's cutting corners on their budgets again. Holding his arms up defensively, Kai let out a little chuckle. "No need to get so apprehensive! Don't let me stop you from playing, it was beautiful and heartfelt!" From what Miguno could infer the mongoose was being genuine, usually when he was around others he wouldn't compliment someone like that.
Giving a shy appreciative blush, Miguno scratched one of his ears awkwardly. "Thanks, bro. I've been practicing it for a while." Never would he tell him for whom, Kai would annoy him about it until the end of his days. Usually, he doesn't have any trouble playing for an audience, but that is not why he's here.
Crouching down to put his guitar in his case, he turned his head towards his brother again. "How'd you even find me here? Don't you have a drama president to punch for the day? Y'know, fill your quota?", Miguno rhetorically asked in a hearty voice, already seeing the mongoose's trademark frown appear again. Legosi had told 701 about that little vignette, and seeing the surprise on Kai's face was definitely worth it.
"Fuck you too", the mongoose replied. "Ran into your roommate. I think his name's Durham? Told me you were hiding out here." He never stated explicitly to 701 that he went over here to practice. Only the coyote knew he went here on Sundays during the afternoon, so Kai had a lucky streak running into him. I never explicitly stated he couldn't tell anyone, so it's not on him that Kai's too nosy for his own good.
Miguno hummed, "Mhm, and if you're here to comfort me, you are about... a week late. Tough luck, bro." Shutting his guitar case, he stood up and went for his electric guitar; intending to do the same to it. Letting out a groan, the mongoose clambered on the stage trying to get the hyena's attention. "C-Come on, Miggs! I was busy this week! Homework, drama club and tests: everything was a drag. If I had the time I would've been there!"
Thoroughly unconvinced, Miguno ignored him getting his other instrument in its case. Slinging both of them over his back, noticing that the weight was almost too heavy for him. I'm getting out of shape. I'll have to do my morning runs again, maybe some pushups too. Out of general pity of Kai's apologetic expression, he addressed him again, "Listen, Kai, you could've at least sent a text or maybe have called."
His tone cold to the touch, facial expression not mirroring it. "Out of everyone, I thought you, at least, cared a little bit about me. Guess I was wrong." Just being angry, he knew that he was being unreasonable and that he was simply taking it out on Kai. Luckily, the mongoose knew him too well to take it to heart.
"H-Hey, that's not fair! For your information, I came searching for you because I was worried!", the mongoose insisted with a tinge of sadness ensnaring his tone. Before the hyena could ask why, Kai continued with a worried expression, "After what happened, those rumors regarding hyenas have been doing the rounds all over school. And, I was afraid that... you were getting bullied again."
Being quite familiar with how quickly such slander could spread, he couldn't let Miguno face them alone, especially not after such a grueling week. Hyenas pretty much always got the short end of the stick when a devouring occurred, it was nothing new to him and neither was the bullying.
"Kai...", Miguno sighed, walking to the edge of the stage and sitting down. The mongoose seated himself next to him, listening intently. "I am used to stuff like this. Yes, they've taken a turn for the worst, but I can handle myself just fine." Kai's face turned to anger, kicking the stage with the back of his heel, hard. You could hear the fragile plank snap under the pressure.
There he goes breaking stuff again. We've had this conversation so many times already. He's gotta learn when to quit and just let it be. "YOU SHOULDN'T! THEY HAVE NO RIGHT TO DO THAT! THEY'RE TREATING YOU LIKE SHIT!", his brother yelled furiously, putrid hatred etched in on his facial muscles. "STAND UP FOR YOURSELF! WHY DO YOU INSIST ON MAKING YOURSELF SUFFER?!"
"I KNOW, KAI! IT'S BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE KINDERGARTEN!", yelled the hyena, a growl at the back of his throat. His voice immediately lowered, barely above a whisper, close to breaking up. "And it isn't changing anytime soon. You think I haven't tried retaliating? It only makes things worse." The last time I did that, I only confirmed their stupid preconceptions.
On the verge of crying, Miguno lowered his head into his arms. Kai gently patted him on the back, encouraging him to let it out. "It's alright, Miguno", he whispered empathetically. Kai only used his full name during important moments; this was one of them. "You can always count on me. You know that right?"
"If anyone ever messes with you I'll kick their ass!", Kai promised, dramatically flexing his biceps. His fur moist with tears, the hyena sniffled at the sight. Wiping some of them away with his claws. "Sure, you will. You're punt-sized, Kai." Gasping in mock-offense, Kai gave a soft punch to his shoulder.
"Asshole, I might not be very big, but I got a mean right hook. Remember primary school, fourth grade? I socked that panther after he called you creepy!" Fist flying through the air with a wry grin, patting the hyena on the back supportively again. Taking out a convenient handkerchief he always carried, and offering it to his disgruntled little brother.
Grateful, he took it without hesitation, stroking the wet patches of fur under his eyes. Miguno responded in a soft manner, pulling him into a tight hug, "I know. Thank you for that." His brother didn't have any issues reciprocating his affection, smiling all the while. There's nothing more important than family, once everything's gone it's the only thing left.
Chuckling, Kai pulled away from the hug, "Come on! Wipe those tears away already. Where's the ever-smiling hyena I know?" Replacing his gloomier look with a bright grin, Kai's face lit up too; pulling Miguno off the stage with him. "There he is! Man, I am starved after that! How about I treat you to some five star vending machine junk? My treat!"
"Sounds... good. Count me in!", chortled the hyena, slinging his arm over his brother's shoulder. "While you're at it with your nice guy schtick, carry one my guitars for me too." Kai rolled his eyes, reluctantly obliging his request; knowing he wasn't in a position to decline.
"You know my charity only extends to a certain point. I expect a return on my investment", he joked, as they walked towards the exit. Tapping his chin pensively with a hum, Miguno snapped his fingers having come up with an idea. "It's my turn to pick next family dinner, you're in luck. I'll ask mom to make your favorite, that tomato curry you won't shut up about."
The mongoose almost jumped for joy. "Grandma's curry recipe is the best! Already can't wait to get out of this place next week." While Kai was in a far-off land imagining the prospects of food, Miguno's thoughts drifted off to elsewhere as they walked the halls. He's always been so easygoing. Wish I could be the same, that I could be as confident as he is. I wish I wasn't such a coward.
"Oi, Miggs!", Kai called out, waving his hand in front of the hyena's face. Snapping out of his daze, Miguno saw they were already outside at the vending machine. "We're here. You seemed to be lost in thought. Something on your mind?"
He contemplated telling him the truth, before giving him his best smile, choosing selflessly not to sully the mood. "Nope! Nothing important, test stuff." Dropping the subject, they both began eating their snacks in silence, Miguno having a cherry-diary bar and Kai having an apple-cinnamon cookie. Neither of them were too noteworthy in taste, but it filled their stomachs.
A ping resounding from Kai's phone, lackadaisically getting it out of his pocket reading the message. "Fuck. Sorry, Miggs. Have to bounce", Kai apologized getting up from the bench they were seated at. "One of my roommates managed to destroy the other's laptop, and they're almost ready to tear out one another's throats."
The explanation seemed kind out there. But, Kai had never lied to him before, so he promptly assumed it was true. "Ehm, a-alright. Just... text me sometime, please?", appealed the hyena with a pleading glance. In a bit of a rush, the mongoose was already was bound for the corner yelling something back, "Don't worry! I'll message you when my schedule clears up so we can hang out! Love ya, little bro!"
And... he's off. I'm all alone... better just head back to my room and tuck in early. Think I have lost my appetite. No dinner tonight. Slinging both of his heavy guitar cases over his shoulder, he made his way back to the carnivore dorm, hoping that tomorrow wouldn't be as painful as this week has been.
Every animal Durham passed on his way towards the lower fence, he swore knew what he was up to. Like all of the sudden they would point and run, snitching to the nearest groundskeeper that he was about to break the rules. Wacky nonsense, he knew, but the fear never waned. Was he really going to go through with this? Durham's never so clearly violated school rules before.
Sure, he's done it before, but it was tame stuff like sneaking out of his dorm at night with Miguno to go stargazing or skipping class. Not violating curfew during lockdown to see their convict cousin. A bit of a step up on his shenanigans, making him feel a little bit like a delinquent for doing so.
Though he wasn't breaking the rules for selfish reasons; quite the contrary he was doing this for everyone around him. Even when looking for advice from your family member behind bars might seem like a stretch to most, to Durham it was the only thing that made sense.
He couldn't just barge into the counselor's office and exclaim his thirst for the flesh of his peers, that'd get him locked up in a psychiatric facility before the word help would even leave his mouth. The timing was also just perfect, and the killings didn't put a hamper on things at all. When all else fails, you have to search for unconventional solutions, such will probably make everything worse; but who's to say? Maybe Haiiro will be useful?
Running through his plan once more in his head, he checked his watch for the time: 15:20. He better get ahead while he still could. Nearing closer to his destination, the amount of students thinned out by a landslide; only the groundskeepers would sometimes patrol around the area here, so he had to make this quick.
Just behind a few trees and a storage unit was a fence that was low enough to be climbed over, making it ridiculously easy to reach the other side. Getting out wasn't a problem; getting back in was the crux. After he gets back, he has to slip by at least a dozen more guards, some also part of the police department. If he were to be caught he'd get permanently suspended from school and possibly be suspected for less than savory activities.
He had made a route for himself that incurred the least amount of risk. Unfortunately, it wasn't the quickest way back to the dormitory. Going back in a straight line would mean he had no cover at all, and when you were dealing with animals possessing night vision and trained noses that was basically a death sentence.
Hiding behind the underbrush took significantly more time, yet it was the safest option. Simply having to wait for the guard's shift to change, and then he could make a relatively safe beeline for the dorm. All easier said than done, plus he had absolutely no contingencies if shit hit the van. What was he gonna do? Knock them out? No, that would only cause another uproar.
Seeing his escape from this academic institution, which may as well be a prison, he felt himself relax a little. This was only the easy part. Things would get significantly more complicated if he pushed through with this. With a sigh, he neared closer and threw his bag over, landing on the other side with a thud.
Cautiously, he looked around the area if anyone saw, not a soul being around he interlaced his claws with the iron mesh. Thank fuck, nobody's here. A jangle of the fence nearly gave him a heart attack, panic immediately burning him to his very core. Cold sweat running down his cheeks. Gaze flitting to the left he saw a giant ass tiger scaling it, their eyes locking with one another as both of them were frozen in place. Decisively letting go, the tiger jumped down, slowly strutting towards the coyote; a menacing aura permeating around him.
His entire demeanor screamed 'Get the Fuck out!', yet Durham stood still not budging an inch. Yes, the tiger was much bigger than him and he wouldn't stand a change in hell, but he wasn't going to run tail. He had put in too much effort for it to be in vain now, speaking up with a condescending attitude, "For your information, Tony, I am not running. Seems like you had the same idea as me, pal."
Motioning his hand towards his backpack on the other side, the stranger's head turned as he took it all in, processing what was happening. "I am not telling anyone if you won't. With a bag like that, it looks like you've got yourself quite the party up ahead", Durham chuckled sarcastically, diverting attention towards the literal survival kit slumped over the other animal's shoulder.
What was with that outfit? It seemed like he was trying too hard to look normal and not to stand out, having the inverse effect. Red hoodie and black sweatpants with a backpack filled too much to not be obvious. Is he trying to get caught or what? Is this his idea of lowkey? And what's with those tacky orange shoes?! He looks like a fucking hoodlum! Also, did the guy forget that they were both carnivore students here? There's a code of honor involving situations like this, breaking the code meant that you'd be beating your social life to death. No honest carnivore would trust you ever again.
With an eyebrow raised, a smirk began forming on the tiger's face. "My name ain't Tony. That's offensive", he made known with a gruff voice. Durham shrugged with an unapologetic smirk, getting closer to him, clearly unafraid. In his many years on this wretched planet, the coyote knew that trouble began where humor failed.
The feline didn't seem like the murderer-psycho type if he could still smile a little in a situation like this. Now in front of the tiger, he outstretched his hand; urging the other party to shake it. The guy looking at the coyote in general confusion. "Come on, didn't your mother teach you manners? We both want over that dang thing, might as well get acquainted so we won't screw each other over later. Y'know just as a precaution?", Durham reasoned justly.
This can go two ways. One: we become bestest of friends and frolic in a field of a thousand sunflowers. Two: I'll find myself on the front page of the daily newspaper, though not in the way I want. Going over his options, he eyed the coyote with suspicion. After a very tense pause, he slowly extended his paw and shook the outstretched hand with an equally strong grip.
"Fair is fair", the tiger responded with levity, his voice deep but not menacing. The coyote letting out a sigh in relief. That could've gotten ugly. "Name's Bill. What's yours?" When the words left their lips, Durham's brows quirked in recognition. Wasn't that someone from Legosi's club? What was he doing trying to jump the fence? Swiftly figuring it was best not to ask, the lesser he knew the better.
"Nice to meet'cha, Bill. I am Durham. Legosi's roommate", he laughed introducing himself. "I knew I had seen you somewhere before. Only fair I give you a little bit more information about myself." Both parties need equal amounts of leverage against each other for there to be trust. I've given him more than enough. Bill's expression softened at the mention of Legosi; this entire situation not as bad as it initially appeared.
Instantly feeling a bit sorry for behaving like a deranged lunatic by trying to scare the poor guy off. "Wow, Legosi's roommate? Fuck. Small world, huh?", Bill chuckled, releasing his grip from the handshake. "Don't worry, I am not gonna ask what you're up to. As long as you do the same, of course." This understanding may as well be done in blood, that's how likeminded they were.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you", Durham admitted, sounding quite sure of himself. "My reasoning is gonna sound pretty insane. Like asylum level insanity." Being extremely curious now, Bill really wanted to ask. Yet, he had to honor his end of the agreement. "Same thing here. If I told you what I was up to, you would probably think I was lying", the tiger responded, his voice cracking slightly. Guess we both have our reasons for wanting to violate school rules.
"Mhm, we should probably leave it at that. I am running behind on my schedule", the coyote informed, tapping his watch. "Mind helping me over this wall of doom? I'll return the favor." With a hum the tiger offered him a boost, Durham taking it, managing to clasp his claws around the upper part of it. Climbing upwards, he sat himself in a position where he could catch the feline's bag.
"Ready?", Bill asked holding his backpack as if he were to throw a basketball. Durham wordlessly nodded, with a bit of power the tiger threw it at him. Narrowly being able to catch it; almost falling off due to underestimating the weight. Strain evident on his features as he tried his hardest not to drop it. What'd he put in here?! Bricks?! Whatever was in it couldn't be thrown over the fence like Durham did.
Climbing down carefully, it was quite strenuous as the bag weighed him down to the point, if it went on any longer he would've fallen. When his feet touched the sweet ground again, he saw the tiger hoist himself over the fence with grace he wished he could replicate. Bill effortlessly landing on his two feet, Durham resisted the urge to clap; offering him the straps of his load-out instead.
Taking the backpack from the coyote, he strapped it around his back tightly as to make sure it didn't fall off. He never would've guessed he'd be breaking school rules with a canine of all species. "Well, thanks for the help. Maybe we'll run into each other sometime soon", Bill said heading the other way, turning his head back to the coyote. "You seem like a standup guy. Stay out of trouble, alright?"
Durham almost wanted to snort at the irony, getting his bag off the ground. Opening it to see if his food and drinks were all still intact, luckily they all were. "Be safe out there, Bill. Y'know that the black market is this way, right?", Durham informed, giving the tiger a very amused look. Freezing in place, Bill turned around with a guilty look, feeling the immediate need to explain himself.
"If you go that way you'd pass the main entrance, walk straight by a guard station. It'd be pretty unfortunate if you get caught that way", the coyote continued with a know-it-all grin, urging with his hand that he should follow him. The tiger wanted to say something, anything, but it wouldn't come out.
"Ya coming? We're going the same way for now, might as well keep me company." Starting to walk, Durham inserted one of his earbuds and tapped play on one of the playlists Collot recommended him. Anything to make sure he didn't stand out too much looking skittish.
Catching up to the coyote and strolling on in silence, Bill awkwardly tried to make conversation, "So, uh, how did you know? Headed... the same way?" As though he was seeking validation, the tiger's voice sounded kind of hopeful, a little desperate to know that he wasn't in this alone. Respectfully, Durham didn't laugh in his face, finding the thought funny.
How easily that would solve all my problems. After what he almost did to that donkey, he probably wouldn't even be able to stomach coming near such a place like that. Plus, it would go against every single principle he held dear. He wouldn't judge anyone for wanting to go to the back-alley market, but he'd rather keep his relationships and morals intact.
Durham shook his head, opening one of the bars he got out from his bag, taking a bite. "To answer your first question, I didn't know. Just an educated guess. And, I'm not headed the same way. I have some... other business to attend to." There wasn't a hint of judcgmentality or prejudice in his tone, it wasn't his place to judge after what he almost did.
Swallowing down his bite he continued, "I assume this is your first time sneaking out? Well, you're in luck, it's mine too." His pearly whites stained with protein bar, he gave the tiger a toothy smile. There being a long pause, Bill unsure on what to say, before Durham started speaking again to break the silence, "Dude, I don't judge, honestly. We all have different views and needs. Just... gotta do what you hafta to survive, right? Even when it involves eating mea-"
"That's not why I am fucking headed there", Bill interrupted coming to a halt, looking mildly offended. "Do you have any idea how bad that would look if others were to find out?" Now the coyote felt bad for assuming the literal worst, even now such topics were still taboo and a touchy subject for most carnivores. Look at what you did, moron! That's what you get for running your mouth!
"Oh", Durham let out dejectedly. "I... I am so sorry. I spoke before thinking, and by then those words already left my fat maw. I... apologize." It was an apology in earnest, not a halfhearted one he'd give to a teacher but an actual genuine one. The coyote hated apologizing to others even when he was clearly in the wrong. However, he was aware that he screwed up, and sometimes the best thing you could do was at the very least say sorry.
"Nah, it's fine", Bill settled, as he continued to move forward. "It wasn't like it was wrong of you to think like that. I never clarified what I was going to do there anyway." Following along, the coyote gave him a curt nod, grateful for Bill's understanding. Durham let out a huff of air in sheer relief. Feeling the need to add something, "Still, I shouldn't have jumped the gun. It wasn't fair of me to reach a verdict without knowing everything."
Chuckling, Bill ran his hand through his striped head fur as they walked on, nearly reaching the crossroads where their paths would diverge. We're almost there... It doesn't seem like we'll have enough time to talk this through. "Durham, my man, you shouldn't worry so much. You know what? Next time we see each other, let's sit down and tell each other what we were really doing."
Almost instantly, the coyote's expression lit up like a Rexmas ornament, his tail already wagging excitedly. "That sounds great! You have yourself a deal!" The two continuing their conversation about more casual topics until they inevitably had to part ways. Durham pointing towards the left gathering Bill's attention. "Those taxis over there are carnivore owned, they can bring you towards the back-alley market from what I've gathered from the seniors."
Murmuring an appreciative 'thank you', the tiger quickly made his way over to the cars, giving the coyote a final wave in goodbye. "Hey!", Durham yelled remembering something important, Bill turning his head towards him again. "Tell the driver you wanna head to 'Paradise'!" He gave him a thumbs up as he entered the vehicle, leaving Durham to wander a little bit further.
Taxi drivers here didn't drive towards the penitentiary as it was too far out and uphill to be profitable, so he had to make it to the next block for the driver to even consider bringing him there. After around twenty minutes later, he made it to the next busy street by cutting through some alleyways. It was 16:13 meaning he would make it in the nick of time if he got into a cab, like right fucking now. Hailing a taxi, he got in.
Seeing the driver was a Tibetan fox, praising his lucky stars it was a carnivore. "Where to?", the driver asked. Durham tried responding as casually as possible, "Eagle's Peak Correctional Facility, please." The fox would raise an eyebrow if he could, finding the request odd for someone so young. Looking back in the rearview mirror, he met the young coyote's gaze. "Eagle's Peak? That's a bit of a drive. You have enough for the fare?" Durham nodded, hiding the urgency in his voice as best he could.
"Of course. Though could we get going? I am in a bit of a time crunch." Giving an affirmative grunt, the driver focused his eyes on the road again, merging into the busy traffic. He's got this request from animals before, but usually those who were adults or adults accompanying teenagers. Never has he driven someone so young, all by his lonesome, to a place like that.
It wasn't his business to pry into the coyote's personal ventures; he was a taxi driver not a youth counselor. "Alright, kiddo. Your fare, your destination." Accelerating past a few vehicles holding up the rest of the cars. Durham relaxed on the backseat, imagining the scenarios in which it all could possibly go in his head. Hoping to all that was holy that Rex would give him strength.