So, you guys must be wondering: "What the fuck is this?" Well my dear readers, this is called an overhaul. You might've noticed Chapter 1 got a huge quality update.
This basically means you're getting a better Broken Mirror which will be on par with the 7th chapter, which was majorly outshining all the other chapters in comparison.
This will be the first and last time I do an overhaul, ever.
Adieu!
Adrenaline was coursing through Legosi's veins, his body was stiff with excitement and ecstasy. He felt as light as a feather, walking through campus in a brisk stride he hadn't thought possible.
Every moment was fleeting, colors were brighter, smells were stronger. His steps felt like he was walking on soft cushions. The licking of his lips once again reminding him of that sweet, delicious taste; that wonderful texture.
As the minutes ticked by seamlessly, before he knew it: he was already in front of the carnivore dorm. Despite the high he was riding on, his mind was as clear as the night sky.
He knew he couldn't get caught for what he just did. It's one society's biggest taboos, after all. They wouldn't hesitate for a second to slap cuffs on him and throw him in a cage for the rest of his life.
However dark of a thought that was, it wouldn't shake his positive outlook on this spectacular night. Glee pouring from his bright, toothy smile.
First things first: I need to get out of this uniform. I have a clean uniform in the dryer. Better put that one on and throw this one in the washer.
Legosi tried to quietly open the front door; having the adverse effect - creaking loudly as he opened it. He gritted his teeth in a panic, praying to all that was holy; hoping he didn't wake the dorm mother.
He quietly made his way towards the laundry room, tiptoeing past the sleeping mandril. She was snoring on her desk, her magazine lying facedown in her lap. Drool was hanging from her lip, forming a puddle on the wood.
Legosi couldn't help but snicker slightly at the sight. The normally super, stern house mother slept like a baby at night. Who would've guessed?
He turned on the lights of the room, the fluorescent lighting nearly blinding him. His still slightly bloodied claw shielding his eyes on reflex. He took his clean uniform out of the dryer, took off his clothes and rammed the old in the washer.
Such a shame. I kind of liked how that one smelled. I can't take it with me as a reminder though, canine noses will tell.
He poured excessive amounts of laundry detergent in the machine. If he wanted to mask the smell of blood and viscera: his clothes had to become a flower field instead.
Legosi hated that particular detergent with a passion, though it was the most pungent one. Others would certainly hate him for it too, which the wolf couldn't care less about.
He stole a towel from one of the other dryers, still clearly reeking of unfamiliar canines. He could almost place from whom this towel was.
Eugh, is that a fox? It's like his sweat soaked into it!
Legosi hastily made his way towards the shower room; new clothes and undergarments in tow. There weren't any spare soaps in the showering room, so he had to 'borrow' some from the laundry.
It was a cheap kind of soap that would barely mask any scents. He would be in the shower for hours if he wanted to wash it all out by hand.
He paced around the showers for a while, looking for any alternatives that could spare him a really awkward chat with anyone who owned a nose.
Something on the hooks reserved for towels caught his eye: a fur brush. Someone forgot to take it back to their dorm room.
This made Legosi giddy and extremely hopeful. Legosi didn't question it for a second and swiped it off the hook in a flash.
Oh, Rex, thank you!
He didn't really care that it was used by someone else before him. This was mostly out of necessity.
He turned on the waterworks, a feeling of satisfaction going through his body. Blood was flowing from his fur down the drain, the red covering the ground in a puddle beneath him.
The gray wolf watched it go down attentively. His teeth set on edge again, he licked his lips still tasting a residue of blood. Legosi's stomach let out a groan in gratitude.
Pity that I have to let you go so soon. I will remember you always.
He emptied the entire bottle over himself - hoping it would somewhat mask the scent and started aggressively scrubbing to get any and all blood out of his fur.
His hands in particular were painful to remove blood from, there was a lot of dried up blood under his nails. He managed to get all of it out in the span of around thirty minutes. A little bit more time than he would've preferred.
If I keep going like this my skin will get irritated. I cannot believe someone-
Legosi's ears perked up, picking up a sound. Faint footsteps were coming down the hallway, soft and thumping, only one animal would walk around at this hour: the dorm mother.
Legosi could already see what was coming to him. She was the absolute worst. In her eyes if you were one minute late for curfew: you were probably plotting a coup d'etat.
"Who's out there at this ungodly hour?! I know you're in there, delinquent! Name, year and dorm number, immediately!", the annoyed simian roared. "You're way past curfew and you know it!"
Legosi whined, really not wanting her to see him. The wolf knew he wouldn't get chewed out for his midnight snack, but she would do anything within her power to make it seem even worse than that.
"Uh, L-Legosi, s-second y-year, Room 7-701! S-Sorry for waking you!", he yelled apologetically. "Drama c-club was r-running late and... I d-d-didn't have a chance to shower!"
The footfalls edged closer, yet she didn't come into the room. She at least had the tact to not enter. The pool of blood was still not entirely down the drain, causing Legosi to panic slightly.
He held in his breath, praying for her to not smell anything. If she smelled anything nefarious: he was dead meat.
While waiting around the corner she let out a sigh. However discontent she may be - she could be reasonably as well.
"You know, that's no excuse for missing curfew! However, I am willing to give you a pass this time. Your name has never been run past my desk before, so I'll spare you the punishment", she dictated mercifully.
Legosi let out his breath in relief, thanking every star in the sky.
He anxiously looked down, and saw a piece of loose meat stuck in the drain. Legosi's eyes went wide, his hand shooting towards the ground picking up the meat and shoving it in his maw.
The wet meat was scrunching in his mouth, though watery it was still very juicy. He chewed as quickly as possible - not being able to revel in the taste as long as he liked.
He gulped down the chunk, barely having enough time to chew - it was thick in his throat, slowly going down his esophagus.
Legosi's face turned red from bliss. He quickly composed himself, he'd kept the house mother waiting. He didn't want her to get antsy.
"C-Certainly not, m-ma'am! Clubs are n-no excuse. This w-won't happen again, I promise!"
The dorm mother let out a loud unconvinced huff. She was thoroughly spend and wanted to go back to sleep. The mandrill decided to let him off the hook just this once.
"I hope you're not going to perpetuate this behavior, this is a one time thing, young man! I hope you're not planning on making this a habit", she finished - walking off before Legosi could give her an answer.
The wolf watched the last blood go through the drain. He was now officially clean, as clean as you can get after the rollercoaster that was this night.
He let out a deep sigh. Relief washing over him, realizing he had almost been caught red handed.
Rex, that was a close call! I have to be more careful, not that the situation allowed it - but still.
The wolf promptly started drying himself off, none of the scent lingering on him anymore. The brush he had was a liability. He knew he was better off disposing of it.
Legosi quickly changed into his uniform, almost falling over in haste. He wasn't going to bother with putting on shoes. He strode through the hallways with a slight jog, not making too much sound as he headed for the stairwell.
Back exit in sight he opened the door and put his shoes against it to prevent it from closing. The outside breeze making him shiver slightly. He lifted up the lit of the garbage container, stuffing the brush deep inside.
Can't have anyone find it nor see it. That brush has traces of bloody fur on it. Better safe than sorry.
He closed the lit with a final thump, walking back towards the stairwell. He picked up his shoes and Legosi quietly made his way up, every step causing a loud noise reverberating upwards.
He made his way up in record time, skipping a few steps with every footfall. He felt like he was floating; his body being almost weightless.
When he made it to his floor, he carefully snuck through the hall. Every floorboard creaked under his weight, adding to his already heavy nervousness. He had no idea why he was so tense, the dorm mother already gave him an earful.
For some reason he really didn't like the idea of running into anyone, especially another student. Everyone was probably already asleep, but the possibility still clung to the back of his mind.
When he made it to his room - he could hear soft murmurs coming from the other side. A faint light came from under the door. Room 701 was still awake, probably waiting for him to get back. He put his key in the door; the lock clicking loudly.
Everyone in the room fell silent. Legosi was already anticipating whatever questions his roommates may have. He hoped they wouldn't make his life too difficult for being late.
Legosi opened the door. It swung open fully, Legosi's eyes widened: every single one of his roommates were standing there with their arms crossed like worried parents.
Voss who stood up straight on Collot's shoulder spoke up first, "Well, well, well. Where have you been, mister? We were worried about you."
"Yeah, Legosi. Is there a secret girlfriend we don't know about?", Durham prodded smiling, earning him a slap at the back of his head from Miguno. "HEY!"
Legosi was awestruck, a bead of sweat was forming on his forehead. "W-Well I-"
Jack let out a sigh, rolling his eyes. "Guys! Stop interrogating him. There's probably a perfectly reasonable explanation for why he's late."
Jack held his hands together calmly. A short silence followed. Legosi raised his brows, immediately after, everyone lost their composure. The canines began sniffing loudly, clueing Legosi into their conspiracy hour they had while he was gone.
Legosi almost wanted to groan. Who did they think he was? He's never been in love with anyone before. Why would that suddenly change now?
The wolf looked on helplessly. This was either the moment he'd get caught or that he'll get away with it. Everyone eyed the wolf curiously.
"L-Legosi", Collot began. The wolf couldn't make out any expression, because of the bangs covering his eyes. He wanted to sentence the dog to hell for always being so unreadable.
Oh, here we go.
"W-Why do you smell so strongly..."
Everyone was giving him confused looks. Legosi's instinct was to get out of there immediately. Despite is own internal objections - he knew he had to sit this one through.
This is where I die. Just slap the cuffs on me already.
"...of flowers? Were you rolling in the grass or something?", Jack concluded with a smirk.
The wolf almost wanted to drop dead on the floor. All the added tension leaving his body.
That situation was so stressful for absolutely no reason.
"N-No, I-I took a shower...", he answered nervously. There was a slight pause, everyone exchanged looks. Was he acting suspiciously? What were they thinking?
The room burst out laughing much to the wolf's confusion, his mouth slightly agape.
What is so funny? Why does everyone almost make a fuss whenever I do something different?
"O-Oh! You should've seen your face, you big dummy! You were so nervous!", Durham squealed. "You are so easy to goad!"
"Y-Yeah! Those eyes of yours-", Miguno laughed hysterically, not being able to finish his thought. His laugh slowly contorting into that weird sound he sometimes makes.
Jack clapped his hands, calling everyone's attention. He stifled his laughter. "Everyone just calm down. Let the wolf explain himself before jumping to conclusions."
The laughter quieted down. The group silently agreed. They looked at him expectantly, giving him time to gather his thoughts.
"U-Uh, p-preparations for Adler were running a bit late. I-I had to t-take care of some errands for the club. That's a-all really."
"You mean the same play that they do every single year?", Voss replied. "Why'd you have to spend so much time on that?"
The wolf stammered a little. "W-Well, we have to get the costumes fitted and make them from scratch, create new props, add a few lines here and there..."
"So, what you're basically saying is you did nothing exciting?", Collot settled, his face turning to slight disappointment.
If only they knew what he did tonight. They wouldn't even know what 'excitement' meant. Legosi fumbled uncomfortably.
"Y-Yeah, that's basically the g-gist of it", the wolf smiled awkwardly.
"When is this going to end? ", the wolf lamented. He felt like he would pass out any minute from all the psychological strain he was put under. All by his roommates, no less!
Legosi was entirely unamused and just about done with their antics. Jack only giggled at his expense.
Collot, Voss and Durham exchanged looks and took in a deep breath, "Boring!"
"Why is it that whenever you do something out of line: it's the most mundane shit ever?", Durham grunted. "I don't even know why we're getting our hopes up at this point."
Legosi sighed tiredly. "Guys, I really don't mind having this conversation now. However, c-can we please do this tomorrow? I am exhausted."
That couldn't be further from the truth. Legosi could almost explode with the amount of pent up energy he had. He just wanted this entire debacle over with.
"Yeah, alright, it's pretty late and we have to get up early tomorrow. I don't want to hear any complaints about being tired tomorrow morning", Jack commanded.
Jack was basically the mother hen of 701. He was mostly the group's mediator, but he sometimes also functioned as the group's general leader sometimes.
Voss pouted. "Fine! As punishment you'll be my ride for the coming week, Legosi."
Why is everyone ganging up on me? Is the full moon night actually the night of pestering Legosi?
The wolf looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Who decided that? Better yet, since when do we dole out punishments? Durham has had streaks of being late and he's never received any retribution."
The coyote gave Legosi a scowl. "Hey, don't you throw flack towards me! I couldn't help that the train was behind schedule", the coyote argued. "I was visiting my family. Since when was the last time you went off school grounds?"
Legosi didn't want to answer that question. It was too private and personal to simply divulge. Durham clearly struck a nerve, Jack immediately noticed wanting to jump in immediately.
Collot was quicker, also trying to ease the growing tension. The sheepdog snickered. "You made us worry, you gray idiot. You could've just sent us a text."
"I d-didn't expect it to last that long. You c-cannot b-blame for something like that." The gray wolf sniffed justly. He wasn't going to have this conversation now, already being tired of all the nonsense.
He just wanted some time with his own mind. Legosi wanted to think everything over, planning in advance was a priority he couldn't neglect.
Jack jumped in, "Let's stop this pointless discussion here. We're going to bed, now. We all clearly need it."
701 nodded in agreement. Miguno let out a yawn causing a chain reaction in the rest of the canine pack. The group dispersed getting ready for bed.
Legosi put on his sleepwear: a regular white shirt and some sweatpants. He knew for sure he wasn't going to get any sleep.
The wolf slid into his bunk; his body relaxing at the touch of the soft mattress. The feathers cracking under his weight.
"I am going to sleep. Sleep tight", he said wishing everyone pleasant dreams.
"Good night!", everyone chimed cheerfully.
He closed his privacy curtain. He was lying down and looking up at the ceiling - Legosi's body being stiff with unused energy. The wolf could only think and wonder.
His tail was thumping against the mattress, contentment etched across his every fiber.
I am happy. What will tomorrow bring me?
Pain, ever lasting pain. Every step was like a thousand tiny knives playing on Louis' skin. He wasn't even leaning on it, yet every footstep reminded him of his own decision.
He entered the herbivore dorm: the dorm mother looking up from her desk, eyebrows raised. Seeing it was him, she didn't even look worried and continued tapping away at her keyboard. All the while Louis, through all his strain, tried to keep composure.
His brain was constantly reminding, screaming at him to somehow address it. He should've gone to the infirmary, but he would never hear the end of it. Louis couldn't allow anyone to know he was temporarily indisposed, his pride and reputation would not be able to take that blow.
He made his way to the stairwell and painfully began climbing it, his breathing becoming heavier under the strain. Louis cannot afford to give up now. There has been too much preparation for it all to slip, he had something to prove after all.
He was a beacon for coexistence and prosperity. Louis needed to show that strength every single day or risk losing everything he's worked for. One mistake could make all his efforts completely null in the end.
If only I had paid more attention to Zoe, that clumsy goat!This could've all been prevented! I have nobody to blame but myself. All because I was too stubborn to turn on some lights!
Time seemed to infinitely drag to pester him specifically. His surroundings seemed to play in slow motion, the adrenaline adding nothing to the equation. Under all the pressure he hadn't even noticed he almost made it to his floor.
Louis' mind was completely blank with pain, sweat glistening from every part on his body. His limbs felt heavy, their heart rate was through the roof.
The deer has always lamented his own weakness. How powerless he felt after just one measly fall - angered him to no end. Louis had conditioned his body to be stronger than average, yet he was still left to his own devices if said body broke a limb or sprained something.
This damn body! Why do I have to be so helpless?!
He knew what his limitations were. He knew that he's totally at the mercy of single carnivore in this school. Even the timid, underclassman gray wolf had him totally beat. They were all just, so strong, while he was so fragile.
All it took was just a few more steps. In his haste and desperation, Louis accidentally missteps. "AH, FFFFFFUCK! FUUUUUCK THAT HURTS!", he wanted to yell but he bit his tongue. Tears were streaming down his strained face from the physical whiplash he just received.
He started to curse himself under his breath, slowly but steadily moving his way upwards. Eventually reaching the door to his floor.
He limped through the empty hallways, desperate to reach his room and crash down on his bed. The deer knew he couldn't leave it at that, it would be wishful thinking.
Just a little bit further! Come on, Louis! Push!
The door was almost within reach, taunting him. He made it to the door, his anxiety lowering a significant amount. The door opened with a slight creak, like every other dorm room on campus.
He threw his phone towards the bed, not really caring how it would land. The deer didn't want to have any more obstructions and things distracting him from the goal at hand.
He almost wanted to drop on the floor in sheer relief. Alas, he couldn't leave his leg unattended. He sauntered over towards the bathroom.
Louis figured himself lucky for having a room to call his own instead of sharing it. He couldn't allow anyone to see him in such a state. He wouldn't have such a privilege if he had roommates.
The deer leaned on the sink, taking as much pressure off his legs as possible. He steadied himself with his right hand and opened the medicine cabinet behind the mirror. He lunched for the painkillers, awkwardly trying to open the lid.
If only I had some heavy anesthesia. Even though having that in my system wouldn't be the best choice.
Louis turned the faucet, cold water dripping down. The deer grabbed the glass beside the sink. He filled it with water, threw the pills in his mouth and took a gratuitous gulp.
The cold liquid satisfying his dry throat, a small comfort though for someone in serious pain. He figured it would get better, it was less painful than thirty minutes ago, however that could be the drugs taking their effect.
The deer slinked down on the floor. Pain almost making him numb, breathing becoming much easier. Louis needed a shower, but given his current state a bath had to suffice. He hoped it would somewhat help his muscles relax, his body needed a break.
He reluctantly stood up on his better leg and limped towards the bath, steadying himself by holding the cabin. Turning on the faucet, he slowly tried to rid himself of his clothes getting his pants out of the way first.
It's better to just get that hassle over with. Just a little bit more! I am almost out of the woods.
He turned on the shower head to cold water, so he wouldn't boil alive, ironically sounding far more appealing than dealing with his leg. He slid himself into the lukewarm embrace of the water, his body relaxing at the sensation.
With their body now being at ease, his leg almost didn't seem that bad. He almost allowed himself to fall asleep and to deal with his issues tomorrow - a pipe dream only for the most delusional.
Cold water was streaming down on his head finally allowing him to think straight. His body was so hot it surprised the deer that he didn't suffer from a heatstroke.
After his bath and thorough cleaning of his body: he slowly made his way towards the comfortable bed. Now that his leg felt better, he didn't want to put too much strain on it. His hard work would go down the gutter if he over exerted himself.
Louis scampered to his closet getting out his nightwear and some underwear. He sat down on the bed and tried to put on his pants, but found the action to be too risky for now.
Damn it all! I am not even able to clothe myself, how pathetic!I'll have to make do, I simply cannot afford to be stubborn right now.
He decidedly lay down on his back. His neck resting on the soft pillow, allowing him to breathe. Despite being so exhausted his mind didn't allow him to get any rest. Louis had to plan around so much more stuff, coming up with contingencies for contingencies.
He knew he was allowed to use the school elevator. A privilege he earned rather than claimed. As the Beastars candidate he was allowed a lot of luxury, though he didn't flaunt it openly. The last thing he wanted is for people to think he was privileged and taking full advantage.
He wanted his image to be untainted and his position to be equal as possible. For all intents and purposes, that was a charade he held up. Animals are never meant to be born equal. There are winners and losers. It cannot get any more simple.
Louis had a giant target on his back. If people found out he had an injury someone was bound to take advantage of that. He couldn't be infallible if he was hurt: his life and his position would be at stake.
That means I just have to make sure nobody ever finds out. Easier said than done in a school filled with animals with strong noses. If one even gets a whiff of what's up - it's all overfor me.
In times of need, especially after the devouring that took place, Louis needed to be Cherryton's beacon of hope. There couldn't be any doubt. Doubt turn to fear and fear turns to chaos.
Louis didn't thrive on chaos he thrived on order. If the school fell into disarray: the killer would win. Everyone would be so busy with trying to safe their own skin that nobody would pay any mind to the monster in their midst.
Louis couldn't allow that to happen, that would be a violation for everything he stood for. If he didn't owe all of his effort to himself - he owed it to every single person in this school.
Tem, I am so sorry. You were always so kind to everyone and look where that got you. You never deserved any of this. You never would've wanted this to happen.
Louis stared at the ceiling. His determination he had was already dwindling, slowly being replaced by sorrow. He constantly had to beat himself over the head that he couldn't just give up.
Despite all his altruistic aspirations he couldn't help but feel empty. Was he truly doing this for everyone else? Wasn't the only person benefiting from this himself and the future of the Horns Conglomerate?
Oguma had told him once: "Those that aspire to soar high towards the peak of prosperity will inevitably find a way. I must warn you. The higher you go, the harder you may fall. Remember this lesson, Louis."
It was Oguma's roundabout way of saying: don't bite off more than you can chew. The deer was already eating chunks the size of bricks. What would an extra half even do?
Louis was mulling over the implications, his brain running in circles of futility. His exhaustion overtook him. The deer couldn't even think straight anymore. He laid his head back on his cushion; his body and limbs relaxing.
Yes, sleep is what I need. I'll just wake up early tomorrow and continue scheming from there.
Louis grabbed his phone setting an alarm for early next morning. He put it on the charger by his bedside, it giving him a confirming ring indicating it was charging. Louis closed his eyes, letting out a deep relief-bound sigh. Finally he could allow the darkness to swallow him whole, finding reprieve in the thing he feared most
