I enjoyed this chapter thank you for waiting. There's a section where a song is played and the song I had in mind is the called Meteor Shower by Huang Cheng on YouTube. To immerse I recommend you listen to it or don't imma random on the internet. Please Enjoy.

-MalMetal

Chapter 44: This Is How Things Should Be?

Louis descended the stairs leading down from his single suite. The moon was already firmly in the sky waiting for the sun to take it away as it wore its rays on only a sliver of its body. The sliver of moonlight hit Louis more than the artificial lights illuminating his path. Louis wore a light brown suit set with a blue tie, white dress shirt, and similarly blue shoes. He took his phone out to make a call, scrolling past the name he meant to call he found himself on the name of Ibuki. For a moment he hesitated to call before changing his mind and calling the okapi he was supposed to. After a few rings the line picked up with a small groan answering.

"What do you want?" Cosmo answered.

"You were supposed to meet me last night."

"I got busy with being an adult."

"I told you that I could help you if you worked with me."

"You want to help? Is your father single? Set me up with him. I could use an herbivore instead of a carnivore for a change."

"I have a solution for you, I promise."

"... You're serious?"

"Of course. I'll warn you that it'll be a gamble."

"What're you going to do?"

"Right my wrongs." Louis ended the call. He slowly scrolled back to Ibuki's name in his phone, thinking about his actions with the Shishigumi. A distinct memory of herbivore children with signs he'd met being sold as livestock lit up at the sight of him. All of them had signs around their necks. They couldn't speak coherent sentences but the looks ontheir faces said a thousand words. One made eye contact with him, giving him a gaze like a lifelong dream had come true. As if a god or parent had blessed them with something irreplaceable. It was a young anteater with similar colored fur to Kibi's. She uttered one thing.

The little girl tried so hard to thank the deer. All the deer could do in response was rub her cheek with a tenderness only a parent could give before sending her on her way with the others. Yet it was a tenderness he couldn't give sincerely. Ibuki stood by his side whilst Shishigumi members took them to the butchers. Ibuki came to his side.

"You didn't need to push yourself to do that."

"I decided to take up this role so I will face and participate in everything that happens because of me. No matter how small they are. This is the strength of my resolve." Louis looked from the back alleys behind the shops where they stood. The light from the Black Market gave them a look at the inhabitants. That same light illuminated the red deer. Revealing him like every other animal, they'd all walked the path in and out of this place while acting friendly to herbivores.

"Louis, you have a force of will I can admire. To be here with the risk of death around every corner. I saved you for myself but now I can't bring myself to think of you dying." Ibuki thought to himself. This sentiment Louis may never know. The red deer knew that he would never see those herbivores' faces ever again. Bringing himself back to realityLouis smiled to himself, chuckling at his arrogance.

"Right my wrongs?" Louis exited the building, meeting a car by the sidewalk.

"Master Louis?" An older chital or spotted deer asked for the young herbivore who got into the backseat of the car. "How are you doing tonight?"

"I'm doing alright just lost in thought."

"About what if I may?"

"The banquet tonight and my father. Did he want you to tell me anything before we arrived?"

"He told me not to say anything because he wants you to hear it from his mouth, not mine."

"Of course, that's all then." Yuta nodded silently and drove on, it irked Louis a small bit.

"You've always been short in speaking to Yuta. How come?"

"You remind me of my grandchild. I lost him a long time ago because he was devoured. I didn't want to get too close to any deer children of any kind after he died." Louis felt his jaw tighten.

"Was he taken?"

"No. It was one of his teachers at school. I remember grieving and your father was there to help me through it. The same day you came home with him. One leaves another one goes, that's the way of the world for us herbivores. Though you two aren't the same because my son would've never participated in the Black Market he'd've been too scared. That place always terrified him." Yuta looked in the rearview mirror. "I hope you know what you're doing." Louis nodded in response but his mind couldn't help itself.

"Is this some kind of punishment? A deer, supposed to be eaten as livestock, survives while an innocent deer is practically smothered in his crib. Carnivores never change, do they?... How could I?"

"My father told you about my activities?"

"Only whatever you told him. He's always been secretive when it comes to your personal matters."

"Of course he has."

"I hope you know how deeply he cares for you even if you too don't speak much." Louis refused to respond, remembering when Ogma asked him to call him father over and over again. He pictured what Ogma must've seen him as in his eyes. However, the thought didn't last long as his mind was drawn to his home and the growing crowd of animals heading inside. Louis took it in, putting on his mask as the car came to a stop.

"Have a good night Master Louis. Just give me a call if you need me to take you back to school."

"I'll be sure to call." Louis turned from Yuta, moving up the stairs to his home. At the door servants of the Horns Conglomerate were tending to the guests' needs or on standby. Several animals were dressed in fancy, professional, or celebratory attire. All of them talking amongst themselves, although, few to no carnivores were in sight. Until Louis understood why.

"The mayor?!" Louis' face became panicked for a moment before straightening himself out. "No other carnivore would dare try to share the limelight with the mayor. Even so, an herbivore is perfectly capable."

"Hello mayor, I hope you're doing well."

"Louis, I thought you would be here sooner."

"I was running a bit later because of my schoolwork but I would never miss any event hosted by my father."

"And you're a wonderful son for it. It's a shame though that the Horns Conglomerate heir didn't want to be a Beastar too. That would've made quite the headline." The mayor's face didn't shift from its welcoming yet comfortable grin.

"His smaller, fangless maw really does make him easier for herbivores to look at. I can't tell if he's being backhanded or sincere." Louis relaxed his face. "Unfortunately, the legacy of my father takes precedence. After I'm sure you know about the replacement I recommended."

"The grey wolf first year. That's a bold move, especially with the rise in devourings recently. Speaking of which, today the authorities finally apprehended the suspect in the devouring two months ago. A female grey wolf was the culprit."

"I'd seen it on the news before I got here. It's simply poor timing."

"Hopefully, that doesn't waiver the school's faith in her when all of the preparations are in place for her to take her spot as the candidate." Louis' eyes narrowed.

"Preparations?"

"More like a vetting process. Making sure the candidates are up to the caliber expected." Finishing his statement one of his three bodyguards whispered in his ear. "I'll have to go now. I've said more than I should. Enjoy your time tonight." Louis watched the mayor take his leave, turning his attention to another animal who appeared beside him.

"Louis," Ogma said.

"Good evening, Father."

"You should put your schoolwork aside so you can arrive on time. For tonight I wanted you to be the first face I saw." Ogma's voice was calming as always but his voice felt a bit lighter and he looked down at him more than he normallydid. "Are you trying to wear out Azuki's patience?"

"Our relationship is strong enough that she understands. She actually finds it admirable that I work so hard."

"Alright. She's waiting for you in your room. Go see her." Louis nodded.

"He actually sounded… sad?" Thinking of his father's usual image as the type to stand tall, overbearing at times. Reaching his room he took a breath and entered, finding Azuki reading one of his books on his bed. She was dressed in a dress that showed her collarbone, shoulders, and a small amount of cleavage. The dress was pure white with a moderately dark blue with a pink orchid design at the top of the chest area. She wore similarly blue heels with a small, soft-looking strip on them. The soft lamplight did little to disturb the coloring of her attire. The moonlight seemed to be perfectly made for her. She looked at Louis, taking in his beige attire without a smile but she seemed somewhat surprised by the color. Her eyes were still indifferent but seemed to hide a small passion unknown to anyone except herself.

"Are you usually late for classes?"

"No."

"Good." Azuki closed the book. She walked over to the nightstand and placed it down next to the lamp. "I don't care for bonds but lying to my parents about our relationship may eventually turn into an issue. So we should spend more time together."

"I thought you didn't care for that."

"I care about making things work. If we have a more intimate connection then the rest of our lives will be easier."

"You have a point."

"So we agree."

"What did you have in mind? A dinner?"

"At least once or twice a month as well as a few dates to see one another's interests and tastes."

"Alright."

"I also want to set up a room for us to start learning each other's bodies."

"So you want to have sex?"

"No, I want to start slowly to see what you like and what you don't like. As your wife, that will be part of my role."

"I thought your husband was the Horns Conglomerate."

"That is what I love. I don't need to love you to be your wife."

"Then what's the point of being intimate if you won't try to fall in love?"

"Because I want to bear your child. An heir is necessary."

"This woman." "There's truth in that."

"It is the truth. Do you have anyone you love?"

"Why does that matter?"

"So I know what to expect or if there's anything, spots, or places I must consider when we go or do during having sex."

"No, I don't love anyone I love." Azuki faltered in her expression, her left ear fluttered for a second.

"You don't believe me?"

"No."

"Why not."

"Males in a place of status typically have mistresses, especially when they are arranged to marry. Love is bound to happen sooner or later."

"Sorry to disappoint you but I'm rather surface level with my encounters."

"Good." The two deer stared at one another. Louis' room had a balcony to it that invited winter's growing breath when the windowed doors were opened. Their gazes were equally cold to them as that very breath but had enough emotion to consider the stares alive and personable.

"Do you know how to play piano?" Azuki asked.

"Yes. I've played Luca's works. My father wanted me to learn it." Azuki walked closer to him.

"Show me." Louis followed her out of his room and downstairs. Everyone made way for them with happy smiles on their faces. The two didn't spare a reaction to any of this; they'd gotten used to it all. Coming to another fairly large room where many animals were observing some art on the walls of the house. In the center of the room was a grand piano. Louis stepped up to it and lifted the small wooden cover to reveal the keys. Feeling the keys he sat down and played a bouncy subdued melody on the keys. It was pleasant to the ears of adults and children alike. One that captured any challenged soul who heard it, a taste of his struggles and controlled freedom. Those were the words he'd use to describe the piece, no one could understand this piece like he did. All but one zebra, who watched on from the crowd staring at the deer who played his heart out pouring his everything into those notes. Remembering his childhood, Louis felt his father standing behind him, watching him show his ability. The sun was bright that day and the floors were clean. His fingers brought him to the song's climax so effortlessly. Upon finishing the piece, Ogma walked into his view, feeling the piano.

"My grandfather used to play this song every day while he was building the Horns Conglomerate to its current was so proud of his work. More than any herbivore I've ever known. You play this song just like him." Louis never forgot those words or Ogma's face when he told him. He shed a singular tear with a smile that wasn't at the memory of his grandfather. Louis stopped there as a singular tear fell from his left eye. He looked around to see the tens of animals clapping for his performance. Some were moved to tears, one of them was Azuki. She shed a tear from her right eye. Despite her indifferent look, that tear spoke for her. Once the applause stopped and everyone went back to their conversations, Louis approached Azuki. She wiped his tear.

"That was perfect."

"Thank you."

"When we get married I want you to play that song. No one else."

"I'll need to be at the altar."

"We can make the appropriate arrangements."

"I can play it for you after we're married," Azuki smirks a little bit.

"I thought you'd want to be a bit of a rebel considering your childhood." Louis looked surprised for a moment but he came to his senses quickly.

"You learned from my father?"

"He trusted me with the information. It's not a dealbreaker for me. I wanted to see if you'd tell me tonight. I apologize for posturing with my cold behavior."

"Are all women except Haru this annoying?!" Cosmo and Juno came to mind, now Azuki had been added to the list. He'd expect Azuki to be more cold.

"Following the same behavior." Azuki slipped a hotel card into his blazer pocket. "Come see me at the Moonlight Meadow later tonight. I've reserved a room for us, it'll last the entire weekend. Since we're to be married in a year, I want to close the gap between us for good." Azuki took her leave.

"A fiery woman you've got there." Louis jumped a little thanks to a zebra who appeared by his side. "I didn't mean to scare you! I guess I shouldn't sneak up on an herbivore." The zebra looked meek, his shoulders leaned forward a bit. He reminded Louis of how Legoshi tried to make himself look smaller because of his larger size. His tail was hidden.

"You're another donor of my father's."

"Ten years, still going strong. He's a truly strong herbivore. A paragon I'd say."

"Even with the business falling in stock value?"

"He's hit hard times, it happens. When you take the lead you'll be able to save it. I believe in you." The zebra smiled earnestly.

"Thank you."

"I did have another question for you. A bit political if that's alright. What do you think of the increased predation cases? After the murder at your school, many carnivores have become more bold since the culprit hasn't been caught. The grey wolf after that only motivated them more."

"I think that the media is pushing more fear into herbivores than is necessary."

"Society should know what happens more than they should be ignorant."

"Then animals will be more afraid than they already are and segregation will be inevitable in several places such as schools."

"What if that's the right thing to do? That way it's less likely for another incident like that to happen again."

"That's not a guarantee at all. The more we separate the more carnivores will visit the Black Market to fill in that lesser interaction with prey. This may raise the number of predation cases more than a beast is an example of how to get away with the act." The zebra smiled widely with a strong sense of pride.

"You really are Beastar material, Louis. Herbivores and carnivores alike want separation even if they don't say it."

"It's instinct." They both said at the same time. "Exactly." The zebra followed up. Louis couldn't tell anything from the animal in front of him except what he offered in his tone of voice.

"I'm sure you've got other things to handle tonight. I'll leave you be." Louis shook the zebra's hand. He stood in the room alone, thinking about everything that happened. He sighed, looked at the hotel room key, and phoned Yuta to pick him up after his father's fundraiser speech. During it, he could tell Ogma's natural ability to move an audience remained intact. His father's eyes often drifted to him when speaking of the future of the company. The look he gave him was unwavering when he did. The deer returned a similar unflinching gaze. At the end of his speech, Ogma spared a smirk to himself.

Louis met with Yuta to drive over to the hotel, he called Azuki that he was coming over. He arrived at room number 493. It was a lavish hotel suite complete with a fireplace. He set down an extra pair of clothing on a soft bench next to the nightstand. He took a seat on the bed. It was soft and inviting.

"This is how all of this should be. I'm with my own species. I'll graduate on time and take my father's place. If this is how it should be then…" Louis could see Ibuki, Legoshi, Kyuu, San, Tem and lastly Haru. He laid back on the bed and closed his eyes. "Go Forward." Coming back to himself Louis heard the door open, welcoming a female red deer.

A zebra sat in the back of a black car. Next to him was some carrot juice he drank, savoring each sip. It made him smile. His pocket vibrated, taking it out he'd received a call from Ogma.

"Your son surprised me. His understanding of the carnivore psyche is outstanding."

"He's been impressing me since he was a child."

"I'll make a direct recommendation for him to become a Beastar. He and the grey wolf will show that carnivores and herbivores can cooperate."

"Thank you for giving him the opportunity, Mr. Yahya."

"How many times do I have to tell you that my friends call me Yaya. Also, mister is completely unnecessary. You're making me feel older than I am."

"You're fifty-one, don't act like you're thirty." Yahya laughed softly.

"We'll talk with you again soon," Yahya responded. Ogma hung up the phone and sat back at his desk chair. Looking at the waning crescent moon.