Ch.5 Awaken the Sleeping Strength

Wild Side by ALI

Legoshi POV

Black Market

I was able to track her scent here, and it also helped that Haru gave me Sarah's messenger bag. It was not the one she uses for school but for her personal use. I remember she had it on her when she visited her dad.

But right now I can't tell her apart from the other scents here, it's too many to differentiate. All I can do right now is follow the only clue I have: Shishi-gumi.

I tried asking some of the people here about the gang, and they start avoiding me. What do I do now?

I bump into two cats and one calls me out "Hey, what's your problem? Watch where you're going."

I quickly apologize and ask "Oh, I'm very sorry…um, do you happen to know where I can find Shishi-gumi?"

They ask for clarification and I confirm in which they kindly guide me to where it is.

They guide me to a back alley and I ask "You sure this is right?" I was surprised when they grabbed me and pushed me to a wall with a knife on my back.

The black cat explains "You want Shishi-gumi huh? Well if you're just going to throw away your life like that, let us first skin that coat of yours." I guess it was my mistake to trust strangers in a black market, I let myself get too wound up and stopped thinking.

They took my wallet, but I need information right now. I quickly explain "Listen, my friend was kidnapped by Shishi-gumi."

They retort "You got nothing for us, and if they drown you at the lake, you're worthless." Are they talking about drowning or corpse dumping?

I ask in a panic "The lake?"

They try to explain "A young wolf coat will sell-"They were interrupted by a dart that landed next to where I was on the wall. The black cat let me go and we both looked to see that panda I met before with a bamboo crossbow. Did he make that himself? Is he that obsessed with bamboo grass?

The panda says "I see that my patients troubling you." The two cats run away as they don't wanna stay in a confrontation. There goes my only lead so far.

I call out "Panda!"

He replies irritated as he shoulders his crossbow "I told you it's Gohin, not panda. And remember, even carnivores such as yourself are in real danger out here." I just saw that, those guys were crazy…couldn't they just get some fur to sell from a barber or something?

I quickly explain "Okay but, I'm looking for Shishi-gumi's hideout."

Gohin quickly shut me up "Hey, keep it down, would ya." He then explains "Listen, Shishi-gumi is an organized crime group made up of 35 lions. They're a vicious gang that specializes in devourings. Even I don't wanna be involved. One group against they're whole-" I get the gist of it already!

I interrupt "Okay, I understand." Using an abandoned car's dust I wrote down the word map and asked "At least, show me how to find the lake?" I can't waste any more time, if I don't make it, Sarah will be gone forever.

Gohin scolded me "Were you even listening dammit! Might as well dig a grave and jump in!" I understand what he's saying, I don't think I can fight 35 lions by myself. But…

I reply "Yeah, I suppose that would be a lot easier." He seems surprised by my acceptance, was he expecting me to act stupid or something? I continue "But, she was kidnapped, the human girl I was telling you about."

Gouging says with some condolences "I'm sorry to hear it, but there's no saving her. They probably devoured her by now." Even so, I…

I retort "I need to do it, whatever it takes, I don't care. I have to make up for the things I did to her…as a carnivore. The first time we met, I actually tried to devour her, and not only that, this loser of a wolf, is now madly in love with her. I wanna make it up to her." And repay all the kindness she gave tenfold.

I add "And if I'm still alive…the first thing I will do is confess my feelings for her. If I can just get the chance." It looks like it's about to rain.

Gohin retorts "Heh, ridiculous." I need to get moving.

I said "Oh don't worry, you don't have to tell me where the lake is." He seemed confused, but I need to move so I finished by saying "Thank you for your time." I then start walking down the alley, trying to find the hideout. He tried calling me, but I can't afford to talk anymore and waste more time.

Outside Shishi-gumi hideout

Night - Rain

I eventually found what seems to be their base of operations after it started raining. I can't break in from the front. What do I do?

I feel a cold piece of metal on my back and a male voice says "A lone wolf, what a rare sight." I took a few steps forward, maybe he was one of their members. He continues "Thought you guys always needed to travel in packs or something. Retaliation or solicitation, doesn't matter. Trespassing is forbidden." I need to think of something, quick!

I quickly turn to face the lion and say "Uh, yes of course…could you please hear me out. I'm here for a good reason-"

I was interrupted by the lion who said "Oh no, no, no. Don't try to take this chance away from me. We felines always have a strong aversion to you canines. We're both ferocious animals but all you do is wag your tail, do stupid tricks, and socialize. It gets on our nerves. And now I'm given the chance to shoot down a grey wolf, a representative canine, talk about a reward." I stopped paying attention as I suddenly caught a familiar scent coming from him.

The scent enters my head, I let the familiarity soak in, and then it hits me. This is Sarah's scent, which means…

He. Touched. Sarah!

I ask with my anger subdued "Tell me, what did you do to her?"

He realized "Ah, you're here to save that human, now I understand. You'll find her inside up on the fifth floor. But I'm afraid you're too late. If you want to see her you'll have to ask the boss to vomit. But I imagine the boss must've had a great meal this time. Humans are so rare ya know?" I can't take it, my blood is boiling, and I feel like my rage is about to burst.

He dawdles on "I'm sure it's okay though, I doubt she's fully digested in his stomach yet." This familiar feeling creeps through my whole body, the beast inside is raging out, ready for blood.

I quickly rush in and grab both the gun in his hand and his throat. I redirected the gun and it went off, shooting off a chunk of his ear. I then wrestle him to the ground so that I can get some answers without the attitude.

I demanded "Hey old man. Tell me the truth. I don't smell any blood from you. Any of her blood that is. That means she's still alive."

He begs "No, I. Please don't." I know it. I feel the desire to hunt, to kill, to crave what is mine. I know the smell of her blood. Sarah is…is…is…huh?

A in C major*

Did I…lose control again?

I was kicked off by the lion who then started to beat me up and ranted "Damn kid. I have gone too far." He then points his gun at me, getting ready to shoot. I was reckless again, I'm so stupid.

The lion chuckles and says with arrogance "I'm gonna kill ya now." That is, until he was hit from behind, and falls forward which reveals a familiar arrow to me. I look past the body to find Gohin, crossbow ready to fire.

Gohin says "What a fine day for a cat hunt, wouldn't ya say?"

I call out "Gohin…"

He asks "Why didn't you just bite him? The biggest and only advantage you have over these highly skilled felines is your jaw. At least when it comes to fighting that is. Which means you have to bite them." I wasn't thinking really, I was just reacting in the moment.

I reply "I'm not supposed to bite…especially since…I just…well."

Gohin responds with an annoyed tone "I can't watch this dammit. This is the deadliest confession I know of. Listen, next time, aim for the neck. Bite their neck." I guess I have to, I need the advantage if I'm going to get past 5 floors of lions.

Gohin holds his hand out and says "Even if this love of yours started from hunting instincts. You're not going to give up trying to change fate." I reach out for his hand and he helps me up, I'm still not sure that he's right about my love. But right now, I need all the help I can get at this moment.

Gohin adds as I stand up "Then don't run! The right move is always gonna be the hardest. But it's worth it."

I reply "I know that. That's why I have to do this." I turn to see a couple of lions and I add "Or else I wouldn't be any different than them."

Gohin encourages me by saying "That's right. Tame the beast inside you, Legoshi. That's what it takes to be a man in this world" I will save her, I will tame the monster in me. To save her and protect her. Sarah, I'm coming for you.

We start running and fighting off some goons, I was able to get past some of them while Gohin was left behind. I run headfirst into the den, the den of beasts.

I enter to see three goons in front of me, I know I can't beat them. All I could do is give some hits and use what agility I have to maneuver around them. I fell past the third lion, but Gohin came in time and shot one of them down. This gave me an opening to run ahead.

Running up the stairs, a lion tried to hit me, but I counterattack by grabbing his arm and throwing him to the floor.

Up another flight of stairs and I find another lion at the entrance, I quickly tackle his waist and lift him over me to fall down the stairs. Another lion got in my way, but Gohin followed and intervened, another opening.

I heard a chair breaking and I turn and call out in panic "Gohin!"

He quickly relies while struggling "Legoshi, keep going to the top floor." He then got into a scuffle with the lion who hit his muzzle weak spot. I quickly got in the way of another punch. I wasn't going to let him die after this.

I got knocked back to the wall, the messenger bag hitting the wall with a soft thud. I never looked inside, but I hope nothing is ruined or broken inside.

The lion approaches me and says "You're still a kid. You with that human." He then grabs my neck and continues "Don't worry, I'll make this quick. I'll kill you with the same hands that kidnapped that human. Huh?" Yes, I can smell Sarah's scent on the lion's hands. That familiar, strange scent fills my head and gives a voice inside me strength.

It hasn't been that long yet. Sarah…Sarah…I know you're still alive. I'm almost there.

The lion comments in revulsion "Dammit, you creep." He punches me and adds "Take that." I miss you so much. The gentle touch, the kind smile, the love you have for life itself. I won't let another tragedy take away your heart.

The lion tries to ask what I'm doing, but I ignore him as I headbutt him, which makes his nose bleed. I can feel the scent in my nose stirs the muscles in my body. My body is burning up…Just from sensing you alone. A simple desire overcomes my instincts and gives me the strength to reach you. I won't let you wait any longer.

Gohin locks the lion in a headlock and says "Legoshi, leave this to me and go!"

I ask "You sure?"

He replies with confidence "I can handle these pests by myself. Make sure you don't die."

I nod and say as I walk past him "Right. You too." I then start running up another flight of stairs, the end is almost within my grasp. Survive Sarah, don't let death win.

Sarah POV

Inside her mind

Hello, my name is Sarah Seikatsu, and right now, A lion mafia boss is going to eat me. Because he believes that human meat is rare, it must be delicious. I don't know if that's true, but it's not an answer I wanna know.

I had a happy childhood, loving parents, and an older brother. But right now, I'm all alone. School life was partially a blur, only defined by the comfort of a small dwarf rabbit and a friend I have since middle school. They were always very kind when I was ready to break, or were assaulted by my fears.

My childhood friend was a red deer who wanted to change the world for the better, based on his views. He helped me before the pressures of adulthood were forced on his shoulders. He was kind in his way, but everyone else only wanted a king, not a healer.

I recently made friends with a grey wolf, who seems to have fallen in love with me. He planned on revealing his true feelings to me at the festival tomorrow. Now, that might never happen, and he will be left with regrets.

Even if I don't have a lot of friends, the many I have now, along with what remains of my family will surely mourn me. I'm sure my mom would be sad that I didn't live long enough to get married or to have a child on my own. What would she think if she saw me now?

But that doesn't matter now, I'll see her again soon.

And yet…

This voice inside me, my very soul, screams to live. To take tomorrow by my hands, and finally, stop being pushed by the waves of the ocean of life.

If I get a second chance, I'm going to write down one wish before I graduate.

I wish…to sing my favorite song in front of an audience. No matter if I get cheers or boos, I will sing my heart out. That will be the proof that I chose to begin living life to the fullest.

I want to live. I want to live. I want to live! I want to live!

I WANT TO LIVE!

Glass Shattering*

Legoshi POV

Shishi-gumi Hideout - 5th floor

I finally made it to the top floor, I can't waste another second. I enter to find…

The lion boss on the floor with a small dent on the wall, and Sarah on her feet…naked but unharmed. I walk up close and she turns her head I see past her blue hair, that her eyes are a strange golden color for some reason.

I get closer and ask "Sarah, are you unharmed? Sarah? Why won't you respond?" She looks quiet, her strange eyes boring holes into me as I get worried.

She suddenly takes my hands and says "Use these, they could help you in the long run." I don't get what she's talking about, but something strange happens. Strange gauntlets appear over my hands and forearms, black color with orange accents and green jewels where the back of the hands are.

Where did these come from, I don't know. But right now, Sarah passed out in my arms and I'm keeping her from falling back as the lights shatter and glass starts falling to the ground around us.

She quickly wakes up, her eyes back to a beautiful emerald green, and asks incredulously and in a whisper "Legoshi? Are you really here?"

I reply with a relieved tone "Yes Serah, I'm right here. I've come to save you." I quickly put the messenger bag down and take off my uniform shirt. She seems to notice something behind me and I quickly toss my shirt to her.

As I wrestle with the lion boss, I quickly say "Sorry if it smells, but put my uniform on." I then quickly kick the lion back and get ready to attack.

She asks with concern "Why are you here Legoshi?" I couldn't think of one answer right now.

Right now I say "Many reasons, but I'll tell you them later. Promise." She seems to relax a little as I subconsciously ready the gauntlets that I received.

*Legoshi has now equipped "Iron Gauntlets"*

It was a lot easier to beat up the lion boss with the gauntlets and was even able to brace some hits. Still somehow hurts when landing on a sofa though.

I dodged a tackle coming from the boss and went in for the attack with a right punch. He was able to bite down on it despite the gauntlet blocking the top half of my arm. I can feel his teeth digging into the bottom of my forearm. We then start to wrestle again, as I try to gain an advantage somehow over this vicious lion.

Do humans worry about their imminent death, or are they like carnivores and are not scared when in a fight?

Sarah calls out while wearing my uniform shirt "Legoshi!"

I reply while trying not to let the lion gain the advantage "Sarah! Hurry and run away! Go now!"

She replies stubbornly "I won't do that."

Why am I a carnivore while she is a human? Will we ever truly understand one another? Can I find a purpose for the species I was born as?

I kick the lion's jaw so he would let go and I jump back to get some distance and catch my breath.

The lion says "Well this isn't going anywhere. How about we end this battle, kid, right now." I guess I have no choice right now, I need to go wild. I just hope I can control myself before I do something reckless.

I reply "Yeah, let's end it." I lick some of the blood from my wound and get ready in a fighting stance.

I think I'm starting to get an idea…about why I was born a wolf.

I turn to Sarah and warn her by saying "This could be something that you may not wanna watch. I'm sorry, Sarah." She looked confused, but I know she'll understand when it happens.

There is nothing to be afraid of.

I unleash my wild self and start attacking non any way I can, acting like the wolf I am.

These fangs are for you.

These claws are for you.

I'll be your beast. Your guardian beast.

I was able to get a bite in on the lion's shoulder, and I start digging in. I can hear his screams as I dig into his bloody shoulder. I was able to finally rip a piece of his shoulder out with my teeth. I can feel the blood in my mouth as I feel myself about to lose control.

Do I look like the devil to you? Am I the monster you're afraid of?

I tell Sarah while trying to control myself "Don't worry Sarah. It's all right now." You're free to choose where you wish to go now.

I stand up, hold out my bloody hand, and ask "Will you come away with me?" She continues to stare at me with those wide, beautiful eyes. I wonder what she's thinking about.

You'll be the one…to tame this grey wolf.

She takes my hand steadily and says "How can I not worry…when you're hurt?" I then pull her into a hug and can feel her warmth in my arms. I notice the gauntlets are gone from my arms, I wonder where they went.

I state gently "I'm glad. I'm very glad." I'm so tired right now…I'm out of strength.

I was about to fall forward, but Sarah was able to keep herself up with me in her arms.

I did all of this to ask for your forgiveness. For being born the species I am. And for falling in love with you.

Sarah POV

He looks bloody and bruised, all to save me from being devoured. He can be so stupid, but I guess stupid people can be the bravest and heartfelt people there.

He seemed almost unconscious, I hope his wounds aren't that bad. I guess I have no choice if I want to be sure of his survival.

I hold my right hand over his left eye and a familiar energy flows through my hand to my fingertips. A green aura glows over his black eye and I can feel my stamina slowly drain.

After a few seconds, I stop using my power and see that his eye has healed.

I guess we should leave while we're not in danger right now. I was able to get Legoshi off of me and found my messenger bag on the floor near the entrance of the room. Glad he brought it, I need some clothes that cover more than what his uniform can.

I quickly take out a blue T-shirt and a pair of track shorts and put them on. Putting Legoshi's uniform shirt over me, I put the bag over my shoulder and head back to Legoshi.

I help him up and have him lean on me as I put his right arm over my shoulders. We surprisingly make our way out of the building with no resistance whatsoever. It's almost as if everyone ran for their lives once Legoshi reached their boss's room.

At least we won't be bothered as we exit the hideout, I guess he did it…I think. Legoshi regained consciousness halfway down the building and tried to keep himself up on his own feet with only minimal success.

I ask as we exit the building "Did you do this all on your own?"

He replies matter of factly "Of course not. I had a little help…from an old panda guy I met." I think I know who he's talking about, I guess I better thank him when we meet again.

I can feel the lion boss aim something at us as we made it halfway past the sand garden. I guess some people are stubborn when beaten.

I quickly take a small throwing knife out of my bag's side pocket and quickly throw the knife towards the boss. I don't care if it hits or not, I just want him to take the hint already.

Legoshi asks "What was that?" It's not that important right now, we were almost outside anyway.

I answer "Nothing important right now. Let's leave already. I'd rather be anywhere but here."

Park - night

We eventually made it to a safe park and I laid Legoshi on one of the benches to see his full injuries. So far it's just scratches and bite marks that have slightly healed already. Some healing energy will help heal the wounds, but he needs rest to restore his stamina.

I sit on the beach next to him to wait for him to wake up. He risked his life for me, he almost died to lions to save me from being eaten.

He woke up with a small start and I ask "How are you feeling? Does anything still hurt?"

He replies "I'm alive, but really tired." He starts trying to sit up, with only minor difficulty because of exhaustion.

I then say "I should apologize, you almost died because of me. I didn't want you to risk your life. But that doesn't mean I'm ungrateful."

He quickly replies "Sarah, it's okay."

I interject "Even still, you-"

He interrupts as his stomach growls "I really…I really need something to eat." This guy…can be ridiculous and adorable at the same time. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I could tell he was slightly annoyed, but it just felt so good to have a nice laugh after all this time.

We were able to find a late-night back alley restaurant that sells good food. We both got yakisoba with a sunny-side-up egg. We each paid for our meals since I had my wallet in my bag and Legoshi had emergency money in his shoe. That's a really good idea, I wonder who taught him that?

Legoshi says to the waiter "Thanks." Then he told me "Sarah, dig in."

The pelican waiter replies "You're looking in pretty bad shape there, you're the one who should dig in."

I comment "It's impressive that you're prepared like that. You don't see a lot of teenagers hide money in their shoes."

He explains "Yeah, when I was little, my grandpa taught me to do that." Huh, so his grandfather probably raised him.

I reply "I guess we have that in common too. My grandfather taught me stuff for the future."

Legoshi replies "Well…for me it was just another memory…from when I was a kid." I'm glad we can still talk like this, slowly getting a better understanding of each other. I start eating after him, with the person who risked his future to save me. A memory like this, strange as it could be to some, will be etched into my mind for as long as I live.

I ask Legoshi after I take a bite of yakisoba "Do you think that the trains are running right now?"

Legoshi replies with a thinking face "I'm not sure, I don't know what time it is."

The pelican waiter answers for us "The train? The last train has already left." I guess that was the case.

I comment "I was sure that's the case, it seemed really late now." I took another bite and ask "How much money do you have now? I don't think I have enough for a decent hotel for one night. I got about 3000 yen."

Legoshi replies "About 4,500 yen." I guess there's only one solution right now.

I state "I guess we need to find a cheap place to sleep for the night."

Later

I guess we were left with little option right now. A lack of money and we need enough for tickets tomorrow.

Legoshi asks hesitantly "Umm, are you sure about…this?" I understand why he's acting like this, not much we can do right now.

I reply "Not really, but we don't have many options with the money we have together."

Legoshi asks "Isn't this a…"

I reply before he could finish "Yep, it is. But it's also cheap. We need enough money for the train tomorrow. This place also won't ask for ID because of our age."

He then leans towards me and whispers "Hey…I think I'd rather sleep outside. Are you sure you wanna stay here?" He seems uncomfortable right now, I'm almost ready to drag him. I don't wanna stand here any more than necessary.

I reply "I don't wanna, but we have no other choice right now. Why do you wanna sleep outside?"

Legoshi replies "Well, you've been captured by carnivores. So wouldn't it…be hard to sleep next to a carnivore?" I should really explain some things to him once we get inside.

I explain "No, because I would be sleeping next to the person who saved me. Can you just tell me what's wrong, please?" I just need him to explain, I'm sure we can talk it out.

He then explains "I'm scared because…" he pauses, either to try and find the right word or out of embarrassment. But he continues "This is gonna sound strange, but I'm…in a…let's say "male mood". If we were to sleep together, I mean in the same bed, and if something happens…" I guess he's worried about sexual tension…after the wild night we had. But I'm not worried.

I explain "It's okay, I'm sure nothing bad will happen. I think you're still experiencing adrenaline right now. But I'm sure once we relax in the room, the exhaustion will kick in." Legoshi's expression has a mixture of nervousness and confusion.

I guess I'm the one taking the lead on this for now. I got us a room together for the night, with some money for the train. Dragging Legoshi while he's in a trance, I lead him by the hand into the room and leave him in front of the door.

I see they keep the AC next to the bed, I already know what temperature to put it on. I'm not much for the cold, but I want Legoshi to be comfortable for the night.

I sit on the bed and Legoshi asks "Have you stayed in a hotel like this before?" Since we're in private, I guess it's a good time to talk about my backstory.

I reply "Nope, never been in one like this before. I stayed with my grandparents before going to Cherryton." I then softly pat the spot next to me and ask "Do you wanna know more?" He reluctantly moves to the spot I gestured for him to sit down on. He sits down with his hand together and because of his large size and weight, the bed shifts which pushes me closer to him.

I apologize by saying "Sorry, the bed is bouncier than I expected." I could hear his heart beating faster, he shifted his position to face me.

What is he doing, is he still on…oh.

He nervously swallows and leans in with his eyes closed ready to kiss me. Maybe I should've told him to take a deep breath before sitting down.

I put a hand over his snout, which surprises him, and I say "I think it's supposed to be the rescued rewarding the rescuer."

I then changed the subject "By the way, your clothes need to be washed, they're bloody and messy." He shouldn't go back to school in a messy uniform.

I then stand up and move in front of him and say "Now, take it off."

He then reacts nervously "Huh?"

I explain "You can't ride the train with bloody and messy clothes. Take off your shirt so I can wash them." I help him take it off and add "You don't have to be nervous, I've seen a wolf without a shirt before." This seems to both surprise and confuse him, I need to explain my childhood, quickly.

Before I could say or do anything else, Legoshi wraps me in his arms and pulls me close to the bed.

Legoshi then says "This is like the first night we met. There's been something I've hidden from you. The first time I met you…wasn't at the garden. I was the one..who injured you behind the lecture hall the night before. I was about to devour you, I just…" he really wanted to confess this part of him that was causing him pain. His regret and remorse…he wanted to bare it, and I guess he desires forgiveness.

I wrap my arms over Legoshi's back and I say "It's okay Legoshi. I knew all along. And I'm…right here. I'm not leaving."

Legoshi asks "Why are you so nice to me?"

I easily reply "Because spending time with you is fun. Because you are so kind. Because I don't see the point in holding a senseless grudge over an accident." I rub his back and I can feel the scars that line it. I push myself off of Legoshi and say "Let's get our clothes washed. Then I'll finally have a chance to truly talk to you." I do just that, putting his uniform shirt and undershirt in the washer.

I had Legoshi take his shoes off and we lay on the bed together. I then lay on the bed next to him, and then proceed to get into a hug with him.

Legoshi asks surprised "Wh-what are you…"

I quickly answer "This is more of a me thing than a human thing. I believe that it's only in an embrace, where there are no walls between us, is a time that we can talk about ourselves without worry or judgment. Can you do that for me, if it's not too much to ask?"

He seemed hesitant at first, but he eventually relent and puts his arms around me. He still seems nervous, but once I start my confession, I think his mind will focus on that.

It's hard to let it all out, I'm terrified, but I need to tell someone. He is one of the few people I can trust with my regret. And my curse…

…The curse of death that has taken my past and has haunted me every day since.

Ending: Beauty of Destiny by Lotus Juice

Author note: don't forget to comment, any advice on writing and character can help.