Ch.2 Death, Drama, Darkness

OP: Wild Side by ALI*

Cherryton Academy - After school

Legoshi POV

As I'm about to walk off after deciding to figure out a different solution to the roses display, I hear footsteps behind me and see the human girl, I remember her name to be Sarah.

She seems to be carrying three of those white flowers in her hand and seems to be heading towards a familiar location. Tem's grave.

Out of curiosity, I followed her to see her on her knees in front of the picture of Tem, surrounded by flowers. She places two of the flowers in her hands in front of the picture of Tem and she puts her hands in a praying position. A growing curiosity in me made me move next to her and sit on my knees like her.

I ask "Did you knew him before he died I mean?"

She shook her head and replied "It's just a tragedy that he had to die like this. He probably had a lot he wanted to do before he died, now his future has been taken." She's right, he wanted to confess to a girl he likes, I just hope that he has gained a little peace.

I decided to ask "If you don't mind, what kind of flowers are those, I don't think I've seen them before."

She seemed hesitant for a bit, but she finally answered "They're white lilies. They mostly grow on certain parts of the world, but mostly on the island inhabited by humans."

I ask out of curiosity "Is it hard growing them here?"

She replies while holding one flower close to her "It is, I have to keep a close eye on them as they need plenty of water to live. But it's worth it seeing their petals glow in the moonlight, they are sometimes called Lunar Tears because of that."

I comment "They do seem to have a strange glow to them." I hope she didn't find that rude, I don't know why I said that.

She replied "That's one of the reasons why there's a legend about them, about how they're wish granting flowers. I thought he deserved a last wish before he passes on." That does sound like a nice gift to give someone, sounds like something someone would give a boyfriend or a girlfriend.

She then asks almost quietly "Could you help me stand up, please." She almost sounds like she is about to cry, but I didn't want to assume anything as I stood up and take her hand. It's strange as she seemed capable of standing up on her own.

She almost quickly turned to leave which kinda startled me but I looked down to my hand as I see one of her flowers in my hand. I stared for a few seconds before I almost had a freak out at how I didn't notice it before.

I quickly said with a nervous "Uh, what about this one, what do you want to do with it?" She turned back to me with a wide eyed look that I don't understand, but it then turned to a thoughtful expression.

She then walked up in front of me which kinda freaked me out a bit, and says as she held my right hand, that was holding the flower, with her left hand "A single life only occurs once, and it can't be repeated." I didn't exactly understand what she was saying but she finishes "Please take care of it, and if you want, you can make a wish with it."

She almost seemed hesitant to let go of my hand, but eventually does and walks away from the lecture halls and most likely back to the garden club. I stand here with the flower in my hand, not sure what to do now. I don't think I know much of anything about humans, all the teachers ever talk about is their biology, how they don't have much in strengths and what they lack. But what do humans have that lets them really stand out, I need to know more about them.

Library - After School

All of these books about humans have mostly biological and basic psychology down. Most of the humans are on a semi secluded island with only limited transportation to and from. Only certain groups of humans live with herbivores and carnivores today in the larger cities. Which one is she?

The only thing I'm certain of is that these books can only get me so far, and the web searches don't have much either. Although, what I can be sure of is that Sarah is unlike anyone I know of, not only in how she acts, but has this kind of light that I don't think she notices.

"Attention all students: for those that haven't completed their biology hour yet. Please head towards the basement rooms before the day ends."

Ah, that's right, I haven't finished that yet, I better hurry.

Canine Biology Room - Sunset

This room has a lamp with a moon model to create artificial moonlight, a way to keep ourselves under control to live in harmony with other students. It's quiet which gives me a chance to think in peace.

A female wolf asks out of nowhere "So does anyone else think that rabbits live on the moon?"

A chubby canine answers "I don't think they could even breathe up there. It's just as crazy as humans having magic powers."

I look up to the moon and I can almost see Serah's face in it. She's not like everyone else, she almost looked lonely, it's almost as if she is either calling out for help, or forcing her voice down. I could relate to the latter, but a part could very much guess it to be both. Whenever she sang, I could almost hear her voice crack, as if she was starting to break down, almost tearing up.

When she held my hand, even when I was holding one of her flowers, she had this caring touch, almost like what she was holding was important. That was the first time someone else held me like that, like I was important. It makes me feel comfortable with myself a little more, the fact that I'm a male wolf, a mammal, a carnivore, and a canine.

I stand up and walk outside and up the stairs and find myself humming her song which is still stuck in my head as I stand in the sunset, letting the sunbeams hit me and the wind blowing.

This emotion, what is it? I feel like I can see myself in a brighter place, feeling a strength to walk forward. I feel my tail wagging and turn to see it wagging from side to side.

I think I understand now, this feeling is happiness. I can accept this, and another desire. I want to see her again.

Next day - Daytime

Sarah POV

Going to these performances is not something I'm used to, but an old friend asked me to come, so here I am. Sitting in a section that lies between the middle and front so that I can get a whole look at the stage. Most of the students are first years as this was a chance to let the multi species club to present what they represent and the results of their hard work.

While I'm not one to desire the spotlight, I want to at least appreciate the effort someone puts into a passion. As the lights dim and the stage is ready and prepped, all that is left is the opening of the curtain.

And it does, and the setting is set with Adler, the Grim Reaper, played by Louis, didn't successfully take a girl's life, and seeks to finish the task before the other reapers take her. An apparent love sprouts between the two and it ends with her life ending along with the story. But I couldn't help but notice something wrong with Louis, like his movements were trying not to falter even more than usual. When the curtain closes, I could almost catch a glimpse of his figure on his side. He probably did something dumb and now he's injured.

I can't help but want to slap him sometimes, he's just lucky he's already injured.

Infirmary - Night

Apparently Louis has let his injury get so bad that it left him unconscious all day, stubborn doesn't even help me describe someone like him. I had to hide and wait for the group of people from the drama club leave before I could get in there and chew. The. Deer. Out.

They finally left after a good while discussing something, mostly about the club as there's supposed to be another performance tomorrow. I made sure they didn't see me or smell me by hiding in the janitor's closet. It may not work but there's not a lot I could do unless I wanna either smell like disinfectant or green tea. After making sure they all left, I carefully head towards the infirmary and delicately enter past the curtain.

It's rare to see Louis in a hospital bed, he always has to try and not show weaknesses to others. But to me…

"I could never hide anything like this from you Sarah. Can I?"

"No, not since we were kids." I give him a flat look as he can tell I'm not happy about this situation at all.

"Have you picked out your understudy?"

"I have, Bill. He's the Bengal Tiger you saw on stage."

"That's going to be interesting to see…you want me to see if something's going to go wrong aren't you?" He has a major problem.

"Do I have to ask?" If you don't wanna sound like a dick.

"You were probably going to ask it anyway, because it's either that or you risk your injury more to take control of the situation." Years of experience taught me that.

"That…would most likely happen." Less than a decade, and it makes me internally groan more.

"You're lucky you have an injury or else you would get slapped."

After a small pause he comments "And you seem to have finally stopped acting like a rock." Cheeky deer.

"Do you want my help or not?"

He seemed to be hiding a fluster as he looked out to see if anyone was nearby and looked back to me and nods his head. I finally take out my medicine bag and get ready to put some herbal bandages on his foot, in which his left ankle is swollen and purple…of course.

After I bandage him up and pack all of my stuff I ask "So what do you expect me to do when things start derailing?"

Louis puts his hand to his chin and asks "Are you still apprehensive about being in the spotlight."

I put one leg over the other, cross my arms, and ask "How long have you known me?"

Louis then lays back and says "Then I guess a ghost will have to appear to correct the story." I want to hide under my covers and never leave…but its either me or his injury so I guess I should be a big girl and take it.

I then add "No singing, and no one should know it was me…or else." Louis then smiles and lifts his hands in surrender as he could tell I was not budging on that until he agreed.

I then comment "I won't be happy about it though." He then chuckles which brought an irked look on my face.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to talk about this either. No one will know that Louis asked for help." He was either serious, or was messing with me, I could never really tell nowadays.

As I stood up and headed out to prepare for tomorrow, I added at the last minute "You will owe me one." I could tell Louis was staring at me as I left, he should've known I wasn't going to do something this reckless completely willingly, I'll probably just have him buy me lunch sometime.

The next day - backstage auditorium

Finding a hiding place from the backstage crew was a nightmare, especially how some of the carnivore members almost detected me before they got back on task. It's especially difficult while wearing a costume, I'm just glad this old mask based off an old anime I watched still fits.

How did I get myself into this situation?

Anyways, it seems the play is starting, and things seem to be going okay, I could hear Bill nervous on stage. He seems to not have a lot of practice in being in a major role, but otherwise he seems okay. Suddenly, I could hear alarmed murmurs from where I'm hiding, so something is happening onstage.

I exit the box I was hiding in and quickly and quietly head towards the stage to find Bill and Legoshi fighting…not the acting kind. I could tell Legoshi was mad about something, and it seems he's letting his emotions get the best of him. Bill gets up and they seem to be at equal levels of strength until Bill seemingly hugs Legoshi in an embrace.

I could tell that Bill is digging his claws into Legoshi's back. I could see the drops of blood fall onto the stage. I could barely pay attention to the ad-lib as he was about to deal a heavy beat down on Legoshi as Bill put his foot on Legoshi's chest. I'm going to something stupid, and after all of this is over, I'm going to hit my head on a wall.

3rd person POV

Emotions were high that the audience couldn't understand as the only ones who do are the wolf and tiger on stage. Bill was about to deal a final blow as Legoshi lay on his back in pain and loathing. That was, until a mysterious figure clad in white, wearing a skull-like mask over her face, appears and uses the prop sword Legoshi drops to chase Bill away.

Bill was confused as the mysterious female figure wearing a white dress, with black boots, gloves, and a white veil hiding her hair said in a fake voice "Has your emotions taken hold of you, making you act out in frenzy…Adler?" She raises the sword towards him as she continues "You, who dare hurt my servant, would leave the task unfinished out of spite?" Bill was unsure of what was happening, but tries to roll with it.

Legoshi, who was confused, hears in a quiet voice "Don't get up yet, don't show them your back, Just wait until I can get you off stage." He was unsure of what to do but decided that it was best just to do what the stranger said.

Bill nervously ad-libs "I will complete my job, I must make sure that no one stands in my way." The stranger charges with speed and seems to be staging a sword battle, but Bill feels a dangerous aura from her as she clashes swords with him.

She says "You are a servant of Death, your task is more important than a grudge, tame your heart, or you will lose yourself in the sea of chaos." Internally she's repeating 'Don't look at the audience.' in her head multiple times.

Suddenly, a voice familiar to all three says "I wholeheartedly agree, my mistress, which is why I've come to finish my rightful task. Take your servant and leave the rest to me. The rightful Adler." Louis then takes the sword from her hand and raises it towards Bill, who is shocked along with everyone else.

She then steps back in front of Legoshi and holds her hand out in a protective manner while saying with a small fluster "Complete your task, but know this…" she raises her right hand and points towards Louis as she finishes "…Death will be waiting to punish you." She then Asist Legoshi in standing up without turning his back to the audience. The two then leave the stage as Bill was left there in confusion but tries to recover as the figure drops off Legoshi backstage and runs away before anyone could question her. She runs to the point where it almost seems that she becomes a blur as she heads into the dorms and locks herself in her room.

Sarah takes off the veil and mask and quickly hides the costume under her bed and changes back into her uniform. She then proceeds to go into her closet and close herself inside. Sarah proceeds to scream while muffling herself with a shirt. She stayed like that until night came and reluctantly exited her closet with messy hair and went to bed.

The next day

Despair is evident as Sarah sees the mysterious figure on the front page next to Louis, Legoshi, and Bill's picture on the school paper. Unable to believe herself, she says the first thing in her head when she was alone out loud and with anger.

"Louis!"

She then hides in the tool shed as a way to hide from her embarrassment, unable to escape from her previous actions.

Haru knocks on the front door and asks "Are you done sulking, I need to get some tools." Sarah finally caves as she slowly walks out of the shed with a comical face of despair.

Haru, having a rolled up school paper in her hand comments "It's not a bad picture, but you're not a good actress." An invisible arrow struck Sarah which causes her to fall to her knees in defeat.

Haru added with a curious expression "Although it was impressive that you have the clothing and mask to make a costume like that."

Sarah raises her head to face Haru and clarifies "It was a combination of my own personal clothes and a mask and long piece of cloth from my childhood." Haru nods and Sarah exits the garden club as she could really tell what Haru meant as she caught a glimpse of antlers in the garden club shack.

Without many hobbies to go for, and she doesn't want to practice singing in public, she decides the only thing she can do is read in her room. As she reads from the books on her shelf, she remembers the fight between Legoshi and Bill, and various questions start to surface from the back of her mind.

'Am I real?' In a place where carnivores and herbivores are plenty, I'm the only human here. Is there a point to my existence? Will anyone miss me if I were to disappear forever? Can my voice matter in a world that can be easily determined by strength? Do I have any strength at all?'

All these thoughts circle her head as she feels trapped in a spiral, until a large book fell to the floor from the shelf on the wall. The book bears old leather and the pages look aged and slightly worn, almost like an ancient tome.

She takes the book and reads it on her bed, looking at some parts of what appears to be a fairytale. Taking out her phone, she puts on Bluetooth headphones and starts playing a melody that she enjoys.

Insert: Dearly Beloved (358 days/2 version)

The story grabs her attention about three children who live on an island which holds a tree with star-shaped fruit. The three go on many adventures that almost tore them apart, but after overcoming adversity and creatures of darkness, they eventually find each other again. They return to their island to rest, knowing that the next adventure is waiting on the horizon.

As she finishes the story she finds an envelope taped to the inside of the back cover. She turned the envelope around after untapping it to see a name that shook her to her core. She put the envelope back and closed the book which made a loud smacking sound.

The fear on her face was evident as her breathing started to get heavier and her heartbeat started clouding her hearing. The heavy heartbeat in her ears almost took over her senses as she dropped the book on the floor. She could barely tell how she got to her bed and fell asleep, but the dream she had felt so vivid to her.

A storm of the sea, a realm of constant chaos that can swallow and consume, twist and tear. The thunder and rain obscure the distance, making it impossible where you came from or where you are going. A lone person on a raft tries to hold on, almost getting thrown off by the wild and violent waves.

Their grip loosens as their stamina starts to fade and they fall off the raft as the figure, revealed as Sarah starts drowning in the near abyss of the ocean, being swallowed by the darkness until she couldn't tell up from down and all senses become distorted.

She worried that she would be trapped here forever, lost and alone, eventually fading away into the cold. Suddenly, a large hand, obscured by light, reaches towards her and takes her hand into theirs. The hand starts pulling her towards a direction of pure light, almost blinding her as she approaches the surface.

She finds herself on the surface of flat water we're the blue and cloudy sky is mirrored by the water's surface, still and steady. Amazed by the view, she lets the image sear into her mind until she notices something in the corner of her eye.

She finds an individual obscured by light, almost like a shadow, their hand reaching out for her. She almost automatically responds in kind, tears falling down her face, the reason obscured to herself. Their hands almost touch by the middle finger…

A month later

The metaphorical waves of the Adler play eventually settled and the next event took over the conscious thoughts of the students, the summer festival. Sarah meanwhile is still bothered by her inner thoughts, internal turmoil that she tries not to show.

Finally not having to wear those bandages anymore, only light scarring is left that will eventually fade away. While she's not excited by the festival, she still wants to do her part in the garden club stand.

As the sunset brings the orange sky, Sarah starts wandering the halls until she finds a vase with nearly wilted flowers of bright colors.

Sarah POV

Haru's not going to like this, they look ready to die any day now. Maybe if I can give them to her, she could figure out how to give them a little more time in the sun…

Maybe I could finally keep something alive just this once. I pick up the vase and start heading towards the gardening club area. Maybe all these flowers need is some fertilizer, sun, and water.

As I got a good look at the flowers in the vase, I didn't notice a broomstick elevated to my ankles. It causes me to trip and drop the vase, I think I also squashed the flowers.

I could hear that harlequin rabbit and her lackeys mock me and make insults. I should've paid attention to what was in front of me. Now the flowers might be dead. I almost subconsciously tuned out their annoying comments, basically saying that this will continue until either Haru pays or I stop being her friend. I don't have that many lifelines left.

The harlequin rabbit then gets in front of me, lifts my head by my hair, and starts asking me questions about Haru and her boyfriend.

I whisper to myself "So annoying."

She lets go of my head and asks in an angry tone "What did you say, freak?"

I sigh and was about to reach for the flowers when the rabbit steps on them angrily and complains but I stopped listening. The flowers are now dead.

The flowers are dead…because of me…because I try to do something…because I exist.

I whisper angrily "Get off of them."

The three ask in confusion "Huh?"

I couldn't take it anymore…it hurts so much I feel like I'm about to explode, so I did.

"Get off of the them you stupid bitch!" They back away in surprise

"Are you that self absorbed that you think that you're the only one suffering in the world? Well, here is a real world lesson. Everyone suffers, about as much as you, maybe even more, the world doesn't revolve around you! Don't you have anything else in your life besides that pitiful excuse of a boyfriend?!" They seem to be backing away in fear but once the dam breaks, the flood doesn't stop until it's empty. When did I stand up?

"Why don't you try and bother someone else, there are hundreds of students in this school besides me and Haru. Maybe you should go away! I've had it with high and mighty elitis brats, who are so high on their own egos, that they don't see the destruction they cause! I don't matter much, so why don't you just ignore me like everyone else!!!" I feel light headed as the three started running away in terror, but I could care as a headache started to form.

"Who cares, go ahead and eat her!" I'm not sure who of the three screamed that, but it didn't make sense to me right now. I get on my knees so I won't fall down and pick up the dead flowers.

"Are you uh…okay?" I look behind me to see the wolf, Legoshi, behind me.

Legoshi POV

Oh man, I really should be talking more, but I was only able ask that without sounding stupid. But I feel like I should say more, she looks like she's about to cry. Is something wrong? Did something happen to you?

I couldn't stop thinking about you all month, you seemed a little lonely.

She looks frail, why does it feel like I can see her bones a little more than last time? I need to do something, right now. Some voice inside is telling me to do something, now!

I pick up a flower and ask "Can I help?"

She seems to be thinking about the question, I can't tell, but eventually asks "How can you help?"

I need to think of an answer, what would she need, what would she want, think. I don't know if I can do much, maybe I should just go back to the basics. What is the structure of a relationship?

"We could talk. I could listen." Even if I don't truly understand my own feelings yet, she seems like she could use a friend right now.

She seems to be thinking about my answer until she finally replies "If you don't think I'm being selfish, maybe we can go get dinner at the cafeteria?"

Cafeteria - night

We both got a carnivore dinner, her being an herbivore allows flexibility, and we sat at a table near a tree as some carnivore made comments. I'm so guilty and nervous as she takes small bites from her food, she looks tired.

She says with an apologetic look "Sorry for dragging you into my problems, I must be very pathetic right now." I have to say something quick, I don't want her to feel bad just for dinner.

"It's no problem, really." Why does it feel like nothing has changed with me? I feel so panicked. Why do I suddenly feel the need to scream in terror, wouldn't that look weird? Why does my mind have an image of a treadmill right now? But most importantly…

Why can't I have a conversation with her right now?!

Should I ask what's bothering her? Wouldn't that be too presumptuous to do that? Aren't we basically strangers at this point? Then what should I ask for God's sake?

"Umm…" Huh, is she about to ask me a question, did I insult her somehow?

Sarah seems to be thinking as she takes another small bite and then says "I'm sorry for not talking much, I guess I'm still stuck in one of my moods. But I'm grateful that you asked if I was okay."

I reply a little nervously "I'm just glad that you're okay. You looked like…you were about to break down crying."

Sarah nods and states "A little, I've just been thinking about the past and stuff, and it got me a little depressed." I'm not sure if it's a little, but I don't wanna press further. She then adds "I guess I just get so wrapped up in my own thoughts that it just drags me down like chains, ya know?" I kinda do, though that just means I don't know how to help.

I ask "Why don't you just…release the chains…if they're causing you problems?" In a way, I might as well be searching for an answer.

She looks to the side, almost hiding her eyes with her hair as she says quietly "I'm afraid…that someone would disappear if I do." Huh? Who would disappear, is it someone from her past?

Are we alike?

She then comments to change the subject "It would be bad to waste your food, and you said you haven't eaten yet. So please eat, you don't wanna starve." Oh, right, dinner.

"Oh, I forgot, my bad." I then find my fork and start eating. We seem to be in a comfortable silence, but I still feel this weird distance between us. Her voice sounded really lonely, like a child who was left alone on the playground for too long. Maybe I should ask about her rabbit friend, I think her name was Haru.

"How is your friend, uh, Haru?"

She finishes taking a bite and replies after a few seconds "Haru seems to be doing better after your little incident with her." She remembers that, oh man, I hope she doesn't get the wrong impression.

"I'm not sure how to explain it, but I think when you left after covering her with that blanket. It sorta saved her, sorry if that doesn't make sense." It doesn't, but she seems glad that she's doing better, from what I don't know. I don't know if it's me or her, but why is there a gap between us?

Sarah's POV

I take a sip of my drink as I try to think of something to talk about. Why can't I seem to talk to him? He seems like a really nice guy, but I feel like I'm trying to build a wall between me and everyone. I'm so pathetic.

I need to stop being idle, I might be in turmoil, but I wanna be friends with him.

C'mon brain, think of something. And stop making me want to cry all the time. Wait, did I even ask for his name yet?

"Umm wha…what's your name, if you don't mind me asking?" He seems to be flustered as I asked almost out of nowhere.

He seems to immediately recover and answers "uh…uhh, I'm Legoshi." Maybe I should start there, from the beginning.

I raise my hand towards him as a gesture to shake it and introduce "I'm Sarah, I enjoy listening to music and the sound of rain." Why did that sound wrong to me, am I a cliche? I'm so dumb, but I don't wanna make it even more awkward.

He looks surprised as my hand reaches out to hopefully shake his. And he eventually reaches for my hand and shakes back.

He replies "Uh, I…like insects, I have a pet rhino beetle." A Kabutomushi, huh.

"It seems fitting, you're not like everyone else." He appears to be confused and nervous at my statement, maybe I should've been clearer.

"Is uhh…is that a good thing?" He asks with a nervous curiosity.

Legoshi POV

She answers nearly immediately "Yes, it's actually nice to meet a carnivore who doesn't start a conversation with "do you wanna go out?"" Huh, she was asked out by other carnivores before, why?

She leans back after finishing her dinner and adds "They probably only find me interesting because they rarely see a human. So it's just another reason I ignore them." Sounds almost hollow, there are more qualities to her than her species, she's also really…

"I also can't handle crowds often, I don't like being the center of attention." Ah, so that's why I don't usually see her with other students often. Especially at breakfast and lunch, but it feels wrong, she doesn't deserve loneliness.

She then stands up, picks up her tray and asks "Are you returning to the dorms too?" She's probably tired, I think it's been a long day too.

"Yeah, same here."

Night - Courtyard

The night envelops us with the only light being the street lamps to guide us back in a trail to the dormitories. We walk in what seems to be comfortable silence, she seems a little better as her shoulder seems relaxed and she is looking straight ahead of her and not down.

I try not to focus too much on her as I don't want to trip on my own two feet. But I could help but notice…

"Hey, your left shoe is unbuckled." We stopped and she noticed and squats down to try and fix it. She seems to be having a little trouble so I should…

"Here, let me help." I squatted down and was able to fix it quickly, and I raised my head to meet her eyes. We seemed to be lost in each other's eyes as I couldn't help but get lost in her green eyes.

"Your eyes are like bright grass, like with the morning dew." She seems to have blushed when I said that out loud, does that mean I made her flustered or embarrassed?

"You're the third person who complimented my eyes."

"Who were the first two?"

She shows a melancholy face as she answers "My mom and dad." Maybe I should change the subject a bit.

"I like it when your eyes shine, the light in your eyes almost look like stars. They're pretty." I hope that wasn't too forward, it doesn't seem to be as she starts smiling. It's not a big smile, but it's enough, I like it. I wanna see her smile more.

I wanna talk with you more, understand you more. Even if it gets my tail dirty.

As we walk down the street, enjoying the warm night breeze, Sarah asks me "Hey, Legoshi?"

I reply mindlessly as I enjoy the sound of her voice "Yeah."

She asks me with a curious tone and a gentle smile "Can we talk again sometime, please?"

Looking at her direction, taking in the softness of her features and the warm glow from the street lamp, I reply with silent resolve "...Anytime you want."

ED: Beauty of Destiny by Lotus Juice*

Author notes: A lot of this story is being transferred from Wattpad which is to explain some of the writing quirks. I'll try to fix it to not seem like it has a bunch of holes.