Things will finally start heating up after this chapter, I'm excited about it. There are still some things I want to finish before I conclude this season naturally, but everything is on pace for me. Please enjoy the chapter!

-MalMetal

CHAPTER 39: Five Minutes

"Coming here out of the blue? That's not like you." Gohin asked Legoshi who stood in front of him.

"Sorry, I wanted to call ahead but I needed to talk face-to-face."

"My time's valuable, you know, keeping up with all of my patients and what's happening in this place here." Gohin walked with Legoshi to the elevator. "So what is it?"

"I spoke to Louis and found out he'd been the Boss of the Shishigumi. It didn't shock me but it wasn't surprising either. I just didn't think he could do something like this."

"Well, you've seen crazier things before, experienced worse things before too. Simply put It's something you can't care too much for because getting in the middle of his problems has nothing to do with you. Nor do you care that much, do you?" Gohin stepped out of the elevator upon arriving at its destination. It was the fifth floor that they always trained on.

"I don't know. Louis done wrong but I had no urge to pursue him beyond wanting him to help Haru. However, I don't want to exclude him. He's hurting like everyone else is and if I can help it I don't want him to be hurt."

"Glad to know you still have a heart of gold even for the animals who go against what you want."

"He's not the Boss of them anymore. That's what he told me."

"Is that really what he said? I guess he left out the part where he's going to fight the other three big gangs in a death match. He's made an oath as it stands, there's no backing out or he'll be killed." Legoshi's eyes went wide. "Did he forget to tell you that? I guess he forgot to mention his stab wound too?"

"I have to go!" Gohin grabbed Legoshi by his collar, throwing him to the floor.

"Do you know why you want this equality, Legoshi? A world without fear? A world where herbivores and carnivores can truly live alongside one another?"

"Now's not the time I have to talk to Louis-"

"Answer the question!"

"Tch! After what I saw with Tem I knew that I wanted to make it true, after Haru I believed it even more!"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course-"

"Then why don't you hate Louis?" Legoshi twitched a bit. "You want equality yet you want to feel bad for an herbivore who pushes against your ideal. Don't you agree that his role is as dangerous as the carnivores who eat meat? What you used to be?"

"That isn't-"

"Quiet playing Legoshi. What you want is beautiful. The problem is that I know who and what you are already. It's the reason I never told you about Louis. Your dream is nice, it's fitting for someone strong like you but it is a matter of redemption for that transgression. After all, it's not like you've opened yourself to developing this world, right? Taking on the role of a Beastar would give you that capability. It would grant you a voice, a voice you don't have. Legoshi, you are guided by your wants. Everyone is, so playing the selfless hero is something I wanted to believe in but not one you can make come true which you yourself have admitted right?" Gohin lit a cigarette.

Legoshi stood in the face of this mountain placed in front of him, a mountain of conjecture and logic he couldn't begin to scale. However, what confused him most about all of this was why Gohin would bring this to his attention now. Why do this after he came to see him after such a long while? None of this made sense to him.

"When he came to me bleeding half to death I violated my clause of remaining impartial to gang-related patients. I knew that deer mattered to you in a way I couldn't understand and still don't since you told me how he treated you in the past. However, I think I get it. You relate to his pain, you see the pain in him, in everyone. I warned him to leave before he got himself killed and now he's putting himself in jeopardy again. This time Legoshi I'm going to teach you something I couldn't with the girl." Gohin knelt to make direct eye contact. "Some animals can't be saved. That deer is one of them. There are going to be those who'll die because of their actions and their actions alone. You were able to save Haru and Bill but Louis has dug his grave."

"Then why did you save me or Bill? Or any of your patients? Everyone dismisses them but you stand there to save them don't you?!" Legoshi got to his feet. "When no one's looking at them suffering you help them don't you? That's who you are and even if he's a problem, I want to help him like I did Bill."

Legoshi's feet were firmly planted and his eyes were resolute. Gohin looked at him over again, blowing smoke from his mouth and letting his frustration go with it. He stepped back sitting on a pile of rubble.

"I can tell you're serious so I won't argue anymore. On a lighter note, how has everything been?"

"Fine. I've been focusing on my grades and they've been really good. Jack's grades are still the best in the room because it's… well, him. The school's looking to bring them into the special classes during his third year. I'm proud of him." Legoshi sat down beside his mentor, lightly brushing his fingers through his fur.

"What about the wolf girl? Your first date go well?"

"Yeah it was fun, we've had our moments here and there. I told her how I met you and how I ate meat. She bit me too. My grandpa's advice helped me understand my relationship with her better. We went out for dinner earlier this month, it was good to see him. I missed him more than I thought." Legoshi chuckled as he finished explaining himself. The sun was beginning to hide behind the old buildings of the Black Market. Gohin blew out another puff of smoke except this one was made up of regret.

"Sorry about ripping into you today. It's been pretty stressful for me and these cigarettes aren't doing it for me like they should."

"You're not gonna pick up drugs are you? There's been a popular one in the news recently, something about soda bottles being filled with it I think." Legoshi placed his paw over his muzzle as he tried to recall the drug's name.

"Are you an idiot?! Why would I ever do that?!"

"Isn't that what adults do from time to time?"

"You think I'd do that?" Legoshi gives Gohin an innocent but concerned look, the doctor's face twisted slightly. He turned his agitated gaze out to the setting sun. "Don't you have to go and look for that deer?"

"When's he got to fight the gangs?"

"December 3rd."

"I've got time then. Tonight I have to meet a friend for dinner." Legoshi stood up dusting off the back of his pants. "I wanted to clear my mind before I met him, so I could enjoy our time together. Thank you, Gohin. I'll be back tomorrow so I can start up my training again."

"Aren't you getting closer to your exams?"

"Yeah… and the rehearsals for the next showing of The Adler are supposed to start soon too." Legoshi placed a hand on his hip and a hand on his mouth thinking. Gohin sat wondering how this wolf got so far in this life without much forward thought.

"I told you to prioritize school after last month, so why change up now?" Legoshi's ears and tail perked up.

"Oh, in case I have to fight off the other gang members to save Louis."

"Why do you have to play the savior? Mind your own business like all of the other kids every once in a while!"

"Did you forget everything we talked about?"

"I could ask the same of you!" Gohin retorted with a small voice crack that made Legoshi's left ear flap in response. "We never speak of this again."

"If you stopped smoking your throat wouldn't be so dry."

"Shut up, get to your dinner." Gohin took another puff.

"Wait there was something else I wanted to ask… uh, right! Who's Kyuu and San?"

"Of course he told you, she's a student of mine. She doesn't want to meet you yet."

"How come?"

"She doesn't like you yet."

"Why didn't you tell me about her before?"

"Because she didn't want you to know about her! Stop askin' questions!" Gohin tapped his watch so Legoshi could see the time. The wolf wished him a goodnight before leaving, and Gohin made sure he exited the building safely as he always did. He smoked a bit longer, finally feeling the ease that came with the cigarette. The elevator opened after ten minutes with Kyuu inside, she sat next to the panda.

"What kind of path do you think he'll end up following?" Kyuu asked.

"One that doesn't get him killed but that's nearly impossible for that kid. I guess that's my fault though, I amped him up."

"Are you afraid of history repeating itself?" Kyuu's eyes link to Gohin's eyes.

"I pray. I pray he doesn't."

On the train back to the schoolgrounds Legoshi felt the weight of Gohin's words. His memories faded back into the second summer semester during its beginning. He remembered his fur, his eyes, and his smile. Legoshi imagined his friend next to him.

"I couldn't bring myself to belittle Louis because of what he meant to you too. I'm sorry that I wasn't capable of being honest, I hope when we see each other again you can forgive me." With those words Legoshi dove into a memory of him and Tem.

The wolf sat alone trying to eat his food, it was completely tasteless. His hands trembled as the food's blandness met his tastebuds after trying another bite. The food hall was completely empty except for him with the last tray and animal for the night. His body would be frail to any interaction it seems from the outside. He couldn't tell his roommates of his sin just yet. The stress cut his nerves and the thoughts of his mother and grandfather's judgment made him fall even further into his emotions.

"Louis said you'd be here!" Tem shouted, he drew closer to Legoshi who moved back, getting to his feet.

"It's not good for you to be close to me, Tem."

"I've noticed that too. You've avoided all of the herbivores in hallways and me too. What's going on?"

"I'm not well right now. I don't want any of the herbivores getting sick too so I stay away that's all."

"You never look me in the eyes whenever you're lying." Tem stared right at Legoshi who leaned back further. The gray eyes of the alpaca couldn't seem to grab hold of the black dots that called themselves Legoshi's pupils. "Well, I can tell that you're lying but about what I have no idea. However, I can tell you're different!"

"Huh? What're you talking about?"

"Your tail's posture." Tem pointed behind his friend. "It's pointing up slightly but dropping halfway. You typically have it hanging in between your legs and your ears too their more alert! I guess you're finally seeing how strong you are, huh?" Tem's smile made the carnivore's tail wag. They both observed the phenomenon with one laughing and the other feeling slightly embarrassed.

"You know, you remind me a lot of Riz."

"Lots of people in the club said that this year. All of them were herbivores too." Legoshi restrained his tail.

"Not because you two are large and quiet carnivores but you're mannerisms. Riz is always so… normal. He was pretty meek like you too but he grew to open up to me and you are too. He really makes me believe in this crazy world where herbivores fear carnivores and carnivores eat herbivores a peace can be found between us!" Tem covered his mouth. "Sorry I do that on impulse sometimes, talking through stuff helps me sometimes."

The alpaca felt the back of his head, nervously laughing. Legoshi couldn't help but observe his friend like time had stopped for a few seconds so he could do so.

"His wool looks like clouds. His cylinder-shaped neck and head are soft angles perfect for pacifying anyone he talks to. Riz has a soft face too but it's countered by his bigger build. Louis has soft angles on his face too but the slenderness of it makes him an intimidating animal to look out for. His antlers are beautiful too. The sharp angles of my face, large muscles, and long limbs make it hard for smaller herbivores to be around me yet Tem acts normal. Herbivores are amazing animals but… I think carnivores are too, right?"

"Hey! You're spacing out again!" Tem's voice snapped Legoshi out of his trance. "Don't do that. It makes me kinda nervous."

"Sorry."

"It's alright-"

"You two hurry up! I'm closing the building up!" A white cat custodian shouted at the two.

"Welp looks like it's time to go. Wanna come back to my dorm and play cards or something? I don't have any gaming systems just yet."

"I still have homework to finish plus it's after 8 pm, carnivores and herbivores aren't allowed in the others' dorm buildings." Legoshi shot down Tem's idea.

"Huh? When did that become a rule?"

"It's always been a rule." Tem seemed even more baffled by that. The wolf sighed as he placed his dishes in the cleaning area and left with his friend. Outside the stars were beautiful and clear to see alongside a full moon. Tem marveled at the far celestial bodies while Legoshi closed his eyes to bask in their faraway glow. His fur floated on the late summer breeze so effortlessly.

"Legoshi, a shooting star, look! Make a wish!" Tem and Legoshi quickly placed their hands together, making a silent wish. "What're you wishing for?"

"If I tell you it won't come true."

"That's just a superstition. I'll tell you mine!" Legoshi opened his eyes to look at Tem who was grinning. Riz was totally right, he was so akin to an energetic younger sibling. "I want to see a world where we don't have to fear each other as much as we do today. I'm not dumb enough to say something impossible like get rid of all this world's problems but I want more herbivores to see how cool carnivores can be as friends!"

With those words Legoshi's memory of his late friend ended, leaving him alone in front of Riz's dorm room. He wiped a tear from his eyes, those days were gone and so too was his friend. There would be no use in crying about his passing or memories, so he knocked on the door in front of him without another thought. Riz answered after a few seconds, letting his friend in with a happy smile. The time was 7:35 pm. The wolf showed up five minutes late.