Ch.4 Fear the Flash and Change

Opening: Wild Side by ALI*

Sarah POV

Festival Grounds - evening

Some people would say my handwriting is pretty, I would say that it's how I normally write. I had Haru leave earlier as everyone else was leaving so that she would be safer. I just finished writing down the specific flowers we're selling and their prices, hopefully, people are willing to buy them.

As I take a look at the finished list, a deep voice asks behind me "Are you a Cherryton student?" I turn to see the mayor of the city, a slightly imposing lion who ties back his mane into a ponytail and is wearing a suit.

I answer "Yes Mr. Mayor."

He warns "You should get back to school right away." Certain things about him make me unsettled, but I don't comment.

I reply "Yes sir, I was just finished anyway."

He states "My duty as the mayor is to build a city…where everyone feels safe. So go on now." Are some of the people in this city just plain weird, or do some people just love a good monologue? But I should head back before it's nighttime.

Everyone else must've left, and I didn't seem to notice, not a big deal for me, but the danger still stands. As I was about to grab my bag, I notice a looming shadow over me. I look up to see Legoshi…acting weird…I don't know if I should be surprised or not.

He says with this strange aura around him "Serah…hi." What is going on in that head of his? I wonder what he'll say if I comment on it?

"Hey, Legoshi. Is something wrong?" He seems to reel back his strange aura as if he remembered something and squats down so we are at eye level.

He replies "No, how are you?" I'm thinking of either a maze, library, or mall, or all three at the same time for his brain.

I reply with a small smile "I'm good, are you just about to leave too?"

He answers "Yeah…Serah, why don't we head back together?" I don't see why not, it's at least safe near him, I think at least.

I answer "Sure, as long as you're okay with it."

Legoshi replies with a slightly ominous tone "I am, after all…It's extremely dangerous out there, ya know?" Weird detector being set off in my head, check. But I don't have any other alternatives right now that are just as safe so, why not?

Subway

He seems to have calmed down but I think something is still bothering him, he sometimes refuses to look me in the eyes. Did I do something? Did I insult him or make him upset? He baffles me sometimes.

As we try to pass the gates, I was able to easily walk pass with my subway pass but Legoshi got stuck. It took a bit but he finally got past and we ended up late as the train was driving off.

Legoshi say with an apologetic tone "Sorry."

I reply as we move towards the bench to wait for the next train "It's fine, stuff like this happens." As we sat down, I said without thinking "Y'know, I sometimes have a hard time figuring out what you're thinking, especially when we first met.

He seems to be thinking about something but shakes his head and changes the subject nervously "It was a hot day today, it's supposed to go down tomorrow, so it should be nicer." Am I upsetting him, am I making him nervous or guilty? I don't wanna make him feel bad, or to loath himself.

I ask "Did I do something…to upset you?"

Legoshi seems surprised by my question and quickly answers "No, you didn't do anything like that. I'm just still processing a lot of stuff right now, I thought I could ignore it. Just please value yourself more Sarah, you don't have to let your hurt win." It's not that easy, I'm not sure if I can truly come to terms with that.

I stand up and walk towards a couple steps and reply "I'm not sure if I can, to be honest I'm scared." The train rolls up and blows my hair as I continue "I'm afraid that if I move on, I would lose someone in the process. That I would abandon them like they never mattered in the first place." I can almost see hands of shadows climb up my legs as I try to look straight, the pain in my chest becoming unbearable.

I can feel the tears well up in my eyes as I finish "If I'm bothering you, maybe I should just give you some space." I was about to move towards another entrance, but Legoshi grabbed my left arm.

Legoshi replies adamantly "You're not, please, I want to talk with you more." Then why?

"Then why are you always upset the more you spend time with me, it's like I'm making you miserable."

He replies "I'm still figuring stuff out, but you never hurt me in any way, just please don't run." He doesn't realize what's behind him.

I said "Legoshi, please let me go."

He replies ignorantly "I won't!"

I firmly demanded "Let me go!"

He replies in an almost yell "No!" Suddenly, he realized that we were making a scene in front of the other people in the station. Suddenly a police officer came from behind me and asked what Legoshi was doing. He nervously tried to defend himself.

No. No. No! This can't be happening, again? Why is it happening again? If I don't do something, anything, he's going to get arrested because of the recent incidents. But what should I do?

…Run!

I quickly grab Legoshi's hand and start dragging him into a run.

He asks in a panicked tone "Why are we running? They'll be even more suspicious…"

I quickly explain "Legoshi, the recent Carnivore attacks have them on high alert. If a Carnivore starts acting aggressive to an herbivore or likewise, they'll get arrested."

Legoshi says with a worried tone "Be careful, I might kick you."

"Seriously, what is going on inside your head, it's such a maze that it's almost frustrating."

Legoshi replies "Actually, I'm still trying to figure things out myself. I can feel that we are similar in many ways, that we need to talk it out more."

I couldn't take it right now so I said "Then save it for later, right now you need to run as fast as possible, I don't want another person I care about getting arrested over a mistake." I couldn't glance at a reaction, I was too focused on running, but I think I surprised him.

Legoshi POV

Another person she cares about is in jail, who, why? That doesn't matter right now, she is right, I need to start running faster. But I'll make sure we both escape. I start picking up speed and start holding Sarah's hand to make sure she doesn't get left behind.

Right now, I'm declaring myself as a wolf, in front of my very first crush. I don't know where this will lead, I don't know how it's going to look. But I can see a path opening up before me, I just have to…I just have to keep moving forward.

I look back to see Sarah with a surprised expression as we run away to find a place to hide.

Restroom

Sarah POV

We decided the restroom would be the best shot at hiding, so we quickly hid inside the last stall with me sitting on Legoshi's lap on the toilet. I can feel his hot breath on my shoulder, and can hear his loud heartbeat.

I notice his hands are on the walls of the stall, so even in a situation like this, he refuses to touch me. We heard the guard checking out the stalls until the other officers got him to leave.

We wait to hear the door close for me to safely ask "Do you wanna wait until it's safe Legoshi?"

He then asks me a strange question "Sarah, right now, do you… do you feel safe with me?" I can hear a growl coming from his throat when he talks, and yet he holds such a gentle expression. That similarity, it was why it hurt when he was almost about to get arrested.

I answer in a gentle tone "Legoshi…I do feel safe with you. I know you would never harm me or anyone else on purpose." I give him a warm smile, hopefully this can help him calm down a bit, I think he really needs the warmth of a smile.

Courtyard - Night

Legoshi POV

We decided to make our escape and we eventually made it back to school. We decided to rest before reaching the dorms, I got water and Sarah got orange juice.

Sarah comments "From the little time I see you, you don't seem to smile much, I don't think that's healthy for your mind. How about you try to find a reason to really smile, find something that makes you happy?" I'm still trapped by how we really first met.

I reply "I can try."

Maybe I should tell her about that night. It's not fair to her, she deserves to know. Maybe right now, might be the right time.

I began "Sarah, ther…"

She interrupted "I know, Legoshi. From the beginning." What…is she talking about that night or…!

She then gets up, stands in front of me, holds out her left pinky in front of me and says "Promise me, that this won't end us. I want to get to know you better, and I want you to know me better. So, please, don't let this be the end." Seeing her like this, I'm still unsure if she knows, but I can feel how earnest she is about our relationship. But can I really take her pinky, and make a promise like that?

…I don't want our connection to end…not now…so I will make this promise. While punishing myself for my mistakes. I take her pinky in mine, and we shake on it.

We then start walking back towards the dorm, walking in the street lights, like our first real conversation.

I say "Sarah…" she turns back to me with her beautiful, gentle and kind smile, and I finish "today, well…thanks for everything."

She then says "It's not a big deal, just remember to find a reason to smile…" she then walks up to me and points towards my mouth and finishes "I won't accept any fakes, I'm expecting a genuine smile from you someday." Won't accept any fakes? I didn't understand what she's talking about as I gave her a confused look. She seems to find something funny as it makes her laugh.

Just a little longer, can I walk in the sunlight together with you just a little longer?

Next day - festival grounds

Sarah POV

It's been cloudy since the sun set earlier, I hope it doesn't rain. It would surely ruin the hard work the art department of the drama club put into the meteor and dinosaur sculptures.

Since me and Haru set up most of our booths, I had Haru look around the fairgrounds to see what the nearby booths were doing.

The meteor sculpture looks ready for couples to do those romantic traditions. I'm more into the couple traditions from my hometown, but I guess it doesn't matter. It's more of a sign of devotion towards your partner, and how much you wish to treasure the relationship.

I wonder if I'll ever experience something like that, someone who loves me romantically, and I would love them the same way.

Suddenly, the lights turn off and everything turns black. Everyone is set off into a panic, I could hear the people around the grounds freaking out and scattering.

I need to breathe and remain calm, I just need to find a safe place to hold onto until the light comes back on.

I just need to…

Lighting flash*

Legoshi POV

The lightning flash came out of nowhere, which seems to have startled the people here. The thundering roar came, but something startled me and made me worried.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

That scream, it almost sounded like Sarah, where is she?!

I keep calling for Sarah, but she doesn't respond. She's not at the gardening club booth, so she must've tried to hide somewhere. I think the only way to find her now is to track her scent.

I was able to pick it up easily and start tracking the scent and was able to find scent tracks. It eventually leads to a small area with trees, where I can see her hiding.

This relieved me as I said while approaching her "What a relief, Sarah…huh?" She doesn't seem to be responding, she's shaking up, like she's really cold. Is something wrong?

I put my hands on her shoulders and ask "Sarah, are you okay? It's me, Legoshi." She looks like she's barely responding to anything around her, almost as if she's shut down.

Suddenly, another thunderclap came out of nowhere and in the flash, I saw her head raise up and saw her eyes. The looked shocked me as I could see unimaginable terror in which she starts to hug me while shaking in fright.

"Please don't let the monster get me…" she kept repeating that over and over again in a whisper. I need to calm her down, and help her get herself under control.

I wrap my arms around her and whisper into her ear "It's okay, I'm right here. I'm staying right here." I also start rubbing her back to see if it would also help calm her down.

It does as she starts shaking less and I push her back a bit to check for any possible injuries. I stop as I can see her trying to hold back her tears, while trying to get gasps of air.

I whisper to myself "Sarah." And then take out my handkerchief and put it on her left cheek to soak up some of the tears. The light come back on and I can see her uniform looks dirty.

I ask "Sarah, are you okay?" She takes a few shallow breaths while trying to wipe away her tears with her right hand.

She was finally able to say "I-I'm sorry you h-have to see me like this." She looks really distraught, it almost feels like a veil was pulled off of her face.

I reply gently "It's okay, but what matters is that you're okay. It seems that it's just your uniform that's dirty. Here let me help." I take her hands and help her stand up, her knees look a little weak. She's probably still scared.

She then says while still trying to wipe her tears "Thank you Legoshi, I was fine until the lightning. I'm glad it was you who found me." This makes me happy, and I'm relieved that she wasn't taken. But what concerns me was that face she made when the lightning flashed. She looked so terrified, as if a monster was about to appear, and then she hugged me. It was almost as if an instinct to survive took over, and that's what led to her hugging me. But what could've scared her so deeply that she would react like that?

But right now, I'll just take in the moment, while helping her stop her tears from falling.

The next day

Sarah POV

Haru was relieved when she found that I was okay, but because she knows of my lightning fear, she decided that I shouldn't work too hard today. I can't handle lightning, the flash just brings back my worst memory, it's still etched into my mind.

But anyways, right now I'm just watching over the booth while Haru catalogues the flowers we brought. Deciding to read more of my book, I grab my personal messenger bag and take out the book I was reading.

I heard a male voice call out "Sarah." And I raise my head to see Legoshi with a piece of rolled up tissue in his right nostril. Did he get into a fight or something?

I ask "Did you get hurt? Does it still hurt?"

He answers "No, it stopped hurting. I'm fine." That's good, wounds are supposed to heal. But I wonder how he got hurt in the first place.

I reply "I'm glad." I put the bookmark on the page I was on and ask "Is there something you wanna talk about?" He looks like he really wants to say something.

He hesitates for a few seconds until he says "Actually Serah, I…" wait, why does he seem flustered…is he? He finishes "I think I'm in lo-""Not here!" Ah, why did I say that out of nowhere, I just needed him to stop. I quickly put my book on the table and drag him to a secluded place behind the booths.

I quickly berated "I can't believe you try to do that out of nowhere. It doesn't even help that you have a tissue up your nose. And I'm not sure I would be able to handle it without looking like a complete fool. Sometimes, I really hate having social anxiety." Wait, am I berating him or me?

Legoshi takes my right hand in his left hand and says "Sarah…I don't want my feelings for you to hurt you in any way. I cherish you and I respect Louis." Wait, what does Louis…does he think? What?! He continues "I meant you no harm, especially in this day and age." I wanna hit him for the Louis assumption, but I think it's better if I just explain before he does something stupid with that assumption.

He continue "And uh…I have something to say. Could you please hear me out?" He let's go of my hand and I wait to hear what he wants. He says "so since the festival…is tomorrow. Let's meet at sunset. I wanna tell you exactly how I feel. I get that this is sudden, but do you think that you can be ready for us to talk about it?" I think I can do that.

I hesitantly answer "S-sure."

He then says "Then…see you tomorrow." I have to clear this up quickly, before anything happens.

"And just so you know, Legoshi, I don't have a boyfriend. Louis and I are strictly friends, nothing more." I don't want him to assume that I have any romantic feelings for that annoying deer. I care about Louis, but I don't see us together without me hitting him at least once a day.

He looks back at me with a slightly shocked expression and asks "Really?"

I nod and say as I start walking past him "I'll see you tomorrow…in the blue yukata you said I would look good in." I need a place to think, this is all so sudden and I need a quiet place right now.

I find a place with a group of trees and use one as support. This is a big first for me, but is this right? What does he like about me? Does he like my appearance? Is there something that he particularly likes? Does he have anything in common with me? But most importantly…

Do I share any feelings with him, that I would be a person worthy of his affection, and be able to reciprocate with his feelings in kind.

I just don't know.

Suddenly, a cloth covers my mouth and nostrils, and I try to fight off the person trying to attack me. I find myself slowly losing consciousness fast, and my struggling starts to weaken. I'm scared…am I going to die now…of all the times?

Le..go..shi…

Legoshi POV

I wander around the fairgrounds as I try to figure out the best place to tell Sarah my feelings. She doesn't seem like the type to handle crowded places, maybe a secluded place that's still nearby would do.

I continue to wander until I hear a familiar voice call out to me "Legoshi!" I turn to see the dwarf rabbit Haru approach me, she seems alarmed.

I crouch down to eye level and asks "Haru, what's wrong? Did something happen?" She then shows me a shoe that looks big in her hands. Wait, isn't that the shoes female students wear…wait, that scent! Oh no…please don't tell me.

Sarah POV

Shishi-gumi hideout

I can't believe this is happening, right after what Legoshi wanted to do. Now I'm here, getting ready for my death. They're probably reporting my sudden disappearance, but I know there's not much we can do. Adult hands are always tied when it matters.

Sometimes I just want them to just take the consequences like a real adult and just make a choice. But if that was the case, I wouldn't be here.

The goons try to be rough on me, until their boss came in and asked with an annoyed tone "What are you all doing? Does it really take three lions to handle one human?" He has them move away from me, holds his hand out and says "Are you afraid, or have you chosen the path of least resistance? I'm sorry if my boys treated you poorly. Are you injured at all?" It's best not to upset him, if I resist, it will be tougher on all of us. I shake my head, as they probably don't want to damage the meat.

He has his subordinates leave and says as he sits on his sofa "Now then, we're finally alone. Don't worry, I'm not violent. You look incredibly young, how old are you?" He probably doesn't want to be rude to his special dinner, and wants to get a grasp on who he's consuming before he does a special ritual or something.

I answer "I'm…17, I would turn 18 a month after graduating."

Their boss replies "So you're in high school, is that fun?" I'm not sure how to answer that, there are good days and bad days, but I'm not sure if it's all fun.

I answer "I think it would have to depend."

He replies "Depends? That's fine, don't worry about it. And don't worry, you have my full respect, I promise." I understand, after all, I'm going to satisfy him, I guess he respects whoever can satisfy his pallet.

He then demands calmly "Now, take off your clothes." Here it comes, I should just hold myself in for now.

He adds "Take them off of your own volition, and prove that you can be an exceptional meal." He wants to set his mood, but a voice tells me to resist. I will, but only at the right moment.

I stand up from the chair I was sitting on, and I take off my clothes one piece at a time. Starting from the bottom, removing the one shoe, then my socks. I then start undressing myself from my uniform, leaving me in my underwear. I wasn't really much for fancy bras and stuff, so I wore just a basic one that's comfortable, but fitting.

The Shishi-gumi boss adds "Take it all off, don't stop the energy." He wants the atmosphere to last, so I reluctantly unstrap my bra and take off my panties, finally ending with the removal of my…mother's favorite ribbon.

He adds "I want you to know. I won't do anything to disgrace you." He probably means as a way to comfort me, probably wants to enjoy a pure morsel. He then takes out a remote and presses a button, which reveals a secret part of the room. It reveals a bathtub, probably wants a clean piece of meat, without any unnecessary impurities.

He explains "This is a necessary process, in order to prepare you…as the best meat." I'm scared, I want to fight, but a part of me sees it as pointless. The only other option is to be saved.

But who cares enough to save me?

…please help me momma.

Legoshi POV

Festival grounds

I have to find Louis, he could be able to help find her, maybe even save her. I was able to find him exiting a tent near the performance stage. He seems frustrated for some reason.

I grab his arm and say "Louis! Sarah's been kidnapped…by a gang called uh…Sh-Shishi-gumi. We need to go save her!" He jerks his arm from my hand, I don't understand why.

Louis then says, almost reluctantly and forcefully, "It…happens all the time. There's…no saving her." What is he saying, doesn't he want to save his friend. Didn't she say that they're friends?

I ask confused "What? Are you serious? Louis, we have to go get her back-"

"Then do it." He said suddenly. Why is he not willing to help, was he lying about their friendship? Was she just being used by him?!

I ask, my anger slowly rising "Aren't you two friends? That's what she said. Does that mean noth-" he hits me before I could finish. What is the matter with him?!

He replies angrily "Don't act like you know me! You're just a cowardly wolf, pretending to be weak. You don't understand!" He takes a breath before continuing "There's nothing we can do. We can't just let the city be in chaos to save one person." He sounds like he's trying to convince himself, but I still don't believe it. He finishes "Lies and deception are necessary for peace. You should know, to blend in with society, you had to lie and pretend to be weak."

I can't take it anymore, his words sound meaningless to me, it just sounds weak coming from him.

I say as my fur stands up "I understand." I then grab Louis' shoulders and say "In that case, I'll just show you the danger…that Sarah is experiencing right now." I reel my fist back as I say "And my anger to you!" I then punch him hard, I couldn't take it any longer.

Sarah's in danger, and right now, we're fighting each other. He refuses to help her, that's a betrayal of her friendship. Does he really think little of her life? He then skids on the floor, I guess I acted recklessly again, he could be hurt.

I run towards him and say with concern "Louis." He then kicks me as I get close and then we start punching each other. Why is he acting like this? You already have everything. Why are you venting your frustration on me? If this is the only path then…I can't depend on you.

I warn "If that's your way of reaching to top, then that's your choice. But know this…I will save Serah, no matter what! While you have failed her!" This seemed to have shocked Louis, good. This will be the consequence of abandoning her, when he's supposed to fight the hardest.

I will save you Sarah, I swear it!

Ending: Beauty of Destiny by Lotus Juice

Author note: feel free to comment, I want to know if I'm doing good so far or not. Any help is welcome.

(3/19/24) updated events in first chapter and here to fit with future story.