The day after the performance the whole school was going on about the surprising turn of events that happened. It was so popular that it made the first page of the school's newspaper. Even though I made a last-minute appearance on stage coming to Legoshi's aid I tried not to make it obvious that I was the one who was under that cloak I didn't want all that attention, especially since I had used my vectors that seemed to be the main talk of the school. Hearing different ideas that it looked like a ghost was there or special effects made by the art department of Bill floating made me cringe. Well, I guess it doesn't really matter at this point, it's not like anyone could have seen what truly happened anyways. Even though it was a clear advantage to me that no one can see my vectors, it still didn't take uneasiness away.
As I made my way out of drama club for the day, I pulled my hair out of the confides of my ponytail before taking a gulp of my water bottle. I heard the sound of a group of girls talking on the other side of the club building before they left talking all excitedly past me. But not even a moment later, I could hear the sounds of confrontation on the side of the building.
"I am completely appalled by you two!"
Oh boy, this can't be good...
I groaned internally and turned the corner to find Louis at the front steps of the auditorium with Legoshi and Bill. Oh shit, he looks infuriated. Great! He knows what happened and now the both of them are getting chewed out. This is all my fault, if I had just done something none of this would have happened.
No, I can't let them take the fall for this, as much I am a victim I am in all of this, I am also a perpetrator, I nearly killed a student in front of the whole school for Christ sake. Well, I guess I better face the music now before all hell breaks loose.
"Your free to brawl all you want here but not on stage! How do you expect to apologize for all of that?"
"Um well...I-I don't know where exactly do you think I should start?" Bill looked at the deer uncomfortably till the buck stepped forward and shoved something into his hands
From a distance I couldn't see what it was but not until I got in closer that's when I saw the small bottle filled with red liquid inside in the tiger's hand. "Honestly I couldn't care less if you swallowed someone's blood to pep yourself up! Unlike with Legoshi I never expected better from you!"
Oh my god...is that...?
The tiger and wolf looked uneasy at the deer who held a solid glare that wasn't letting up not even for a moment. Legoshi couldn't help eyeing the blood in the bottle knowing it was hers, he just wanted to snatch it out of Bill's hand and destroy it, so no other carnivore would get their hands on it to know the taste of her and be able to hunt to her down. She would be a potential target for anyone. "The problem is the two of you...a couple of monsters who lost their senses tainted the stage with blood as if you owned it! If I wasn't there to break it up would you have actually killed each other?! You are both savages as far as I am concerned! As actors' team lead, I'm suspending you both from drama club until further notice! I don't want any excuses, don't bother coming to rehearsals tomorrow!"
"Louis! They are not to blame...the fault is mine!"
Legoshi and Bill's heads turned looking shocked and confused as I quickly made my way up the stairs. "Aayame this doesn't concern you!" Louis gave me a sharp look
"Like hell it doesn't! Look I am the one who got injured and that is what caused this whole fight to happen so therefore I am responsible! If you are going to yell and blame someone you can do that to me!"
Either my confidence has gone up significantly since coming back to the club or I just made the dumbest move ever, either way I never felt braver than I did now.
I boldly stood firm as the deer and I locked eyes with each other, silence loomed in the air what seemed like forever as the wolf and tiger watched the pair with surprise. Slowly Louis's angered expression relaxed as he turned his attention to the boys. "I am lifting both of your suspensions now that Aayame is here to bail you out, if I hear so much as a snarl coming from either of you-"
"Louis! They understand!"
He lets out a frustrated sigh before turning his attention to me. "Both of you are dismissed, I wish to speak with Aayame alone"
With a smile of relief Bill shrugged everything off and walked off down the stairs, Legoshi followed behind the tiger, but he looked reluctant to leave but I gave him a reassuring nod.
Don't worry I'll be just fine...
With a hurt and apologetic expression, he slowly continues to follow behind Bill, leaving me alone with the angry deer. As soon as Louis knew we were alone, he came striding quickly up to me, causing me to flinch instinctively turning my head away, my eyes shutting tight, my arms going up in defense. Growing up, anytime I would see the sight of anyone approaching it would always end with me getting injured or violated. Just even the sound of footsteps could send my blood running cold, praying that it wouldn't be my turn. As much as I would hate for it to be someone else's turn for torture. Anything could have been done if it was your turn from a brutal beating, a whipping, used for a horrible experiment or the worse thing possible, you were forced upon. You never knew what would happen until it was too late. I gulped quietly, fearing what might happen, of course from my first encounter with Louis that ended in disaster and even though he apologized for the event, I still feared he wouldn't keep his composure after everything that's happened.
But instead of feeling an attack, I felt a hand touch my shoulder tenderly. My eyes fluttered slowly open as my arms slowly lowered to see Louis giving me a concerned look. "Are you alright?"
"What?"
He eyed the stitches that were peeking out passed the collar of my shirt, making me cover them quickly with the material. "It's nothing, it wouldn't be the first time"
Louis took a step back and folded his arms. "You are to say that this was your fault?"
"Yes, I am, I didn't do anything to stop it. The aggression was starting to get out of hand, and I was worried that one would do something to the other that would be regrettable. I don't know I just, froze in the moment and before I knew it, I am getting hurt and chased through the school grounds. My injury was the whole reason why that fight took place on stage. I was the one who started it therefore I had to end it"
"Huh...showing this weapon of yours as a means to actually break up a fight, how curious, at first I figured you were a quiet tree but there is a savage in you."
"You saw that?"
"Every moment of it"
"It got out of hand Louis. It was either one was going to get seriously injured, or it was going to end in bloody murder, what was I supposed to do? Sit idly by and watch it unfold or do something about it? You know the obvious choice. I know you would have done the same thing in my predicament. Was it risky? Yes, it was. Was it stupid? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Not a bit, I would have done it again if I had to. And you can say it was foolish of me to even get involved but it wouldn't be the first time I would have my own life be put on the line. I nearly died more times than I count let alone recall for. But I am the cause for all of this, all factors point towards me, so if there is to be consequences, I should be the one suspended from the club maybe even kicked out permanently. So, whatever you decide to do, I accept it. If there is no more to discuss, excuse me"
I turned to leave but felt the grip of Louis take a hold of my forearm, making me turn back to him in surprise. "Excellent, you seem like you are going to fit right in"
"What? You mean you are not going to kick me out of the club?"
Louis chuckled. "After making the show a huge success, it would be foolish of me to kick you out, you have earned your place here in drama club by proving your value and saving the life of a fellow member, I should thank you for what you did. So thank you. I must say I am quite impressed with you, even faced with the possibility of losing your position you stood up to me and defended those who were responsible for their out of control rage in front of the whole school no less."
"Well, I wasn't going to let someone take the fall for my lack of action, I am just owning up to what I did and didn't do"
"This weapon of yours is quite unique, strong enough to take on a tiger and win"
"Well, it's not the first time you have seen me lose my temper" I eyed him as he lowered his head slightly his ears folding down in guilt.
"I still feel guilty for that day"
My hand came to rest on his shoulder, I could feel the remorse seep from the deer shoot through my arm before giving it a gentle squeeze making Louis look up towards me. "You made progress though just now, you kept your own composure, that's something to count for. I can't say that much on my end"
"There was only one difference, yours was justifiable"
I sighed softly, even though it was self-defense I still don't feel any better about it. All my vectors have done was good and never did anything that could cause harm or suffering to anyone, my intention was to never hurt anyone. But ever since my confinement I was finding it harder to not do the unthinkable. "Yeah, I guess so...I am just glad I had it when I needed it the most, but now I am worried someone is going to figure something out, especially if you know who finds out"
"There is an old saying what people can't see, can't hurt them, for someone as smug as Bill is, I don't believe he would think twice it was you. He may be strong but not clever"
I couldn't help but giggle slightly. "You hold a point, I need to be more careful though, another slip up like this and somebody probably won't be so lucky"
"Don't limit yourself. You are a mutant, take advantage of what you got, let's see this other side of you"
Oh Louis if you only knew what I was truly capable of...
"I thank you that you won't kick Legoshi and Bill out of the club. I will make sure that they both keep their distance from each other for a while until the heat dies off"
"Good, I should be heading back to the infirmary now, it's time for my bandages to be changed"
"I pray for a speedy recovery for you, you did amazing out there even with a broken leg"
Before I can make a step to leave, I felt Louis grab my forearm again and this time he brought me into a firm hug making me stutter in surprise. "I am afraid you were the hero of that story"
I slowly began to smile and hug him in return.
Legoshi was hidden away in an empty pool on the rooftop with his best friend Jack, as he ate his egg salad sandwich in silence. The students were still going on about the turn of events during the show, he didn't want all the attention being all on eyes on him. He couldn't help but cringe at the sight of his picture on the newspaper that Jack had shown him. And now Aayame was on the hook, practically saving him and Bill from being excluded from the club. He still was taken back that she stood up to Louis taking the blame, even though none of it was her fault. She was the victim in all of this. Being injured by a broken staff, running from Bill in a death-defying chase, and losing blood; she still came to his defense. How could she do that? Why was the big question that echoed in his head.
The wolf knew this performance of 'acting' wasn't going to die down soon and now he wasn't sure how things now were going to be between him and her.
Did I have it? When I destroyed the stage? Conviction
"Legoshi, did you let the rage die down?"
"Rage?"
"Yeah of course that brawl scene wasn't an act duh!"
The wolf flinched in shock causing him to drop his egg salad sandwich on the floor of the pool. "What?! How did you?"
"Hey! Come on don't waste it. What did you think I didn't notice? Remind me again how many years we have been friends"
The labrador held up the sandwich in front of the wolf's face. "Here five second rule, you know you want it. I hope you cheer up soon, I know you tend to get easily depressed"
The wolf took a bite of the sandwich before staring down at the small butterflies that sipped water from a small puddle in the pool.
"I didn't want that to change"
"What?"
"I tried to get over the depression without anyone's help, I lived with this secret my whole life. Yesterday for the first time, I realized it wasn't enough. There was so much rage within me. I let that rage take over" Legoshi spoke to Jack "My feelings are what they are, they belong to me. I can't explain it very well"
Jack only listened with a soft smile on his face.
He's changed
"It's great to have moments like that, you don't like it Legoshi?"
"Hmmm...to be honest, I'm not so sure"
Jack started to laugh. "C'mon, don't whine about it like that. But that was great, like it or not, you're full of life right now Legoshi"
"Really?"
"You're going to be okay"
As the school bell rung, the two canines made their way out of the pool to head to their next class of the day. Getting into the building, they each slowly walk down the hallways side by side. With a soft sigh, Jack turning his head slightly to the wolf beside him.
"Yeah, I have to admit, I've been worried about you since it seems like in recent days you've been having a rough time. Any particular reason I should know about?"
"A reason huh?" The wolf states, humming in thought "Hmmm...I don't really know"
"Could it be..." A smirk comes to rest on the labrador's face "You fell in love?"
Legoshi stops dead in his tracks, his back going stiff as a stick, his eyes widen big hearing the one thing he never expected to happen to him in his life. Then Jack started to sing like the happy go lucky canine he is. "Oh my tail is swinging, maybe I'm in love! Le-Le-Legoshi! Le-Le-Le-Le-Legoshi!"
But once he turned around to see that his best friend had stopped walking and was frozen like a statue, came to the conclusion of what he guessed was right. "What?! Are you serious?!"
Legoshi quickly turned in the opposite direction to avoid the conversation as Jack closely tailed behind him. "You? Who's never had a girlfriend since the beginning of never?! Wow! You really have changed!"
"Let's hurry to class! We're gonna be late!"
"Hey, don't tell me let me guess! Okay if it's a female wolf in our class, there-" Jack spoke excitedly thinking of who the lucky girl was to catch the wolf's attention as they passed down a hallway, a few students hearing in curiously "There's four of them, which narrows things down, well unless of course I'm completely off track."
"Well that part's true"
"A-Are you saying she's not a wolf, is she even a canine?"
Legoshi sighs heavily in embarrassment.
The silence around me was comforting as I made my way on to the stage in the auditorium. You would think I would be steering clear of the place where I had just witnessed a near attempted murder, but this was a place where I knew I would have the most privacy and no prying eyes would be watching me for what I was about to do. Since discovering the music room here at school, I took whatever time I had to practice playing any instrument that I could get my hands on, to write and compose the many songs that I wanted to create.
Even though it's been a few days since the whole incident, I still can smell the irony stench of blood in the air lingering. I decided to keep a low profile and steer clear of Bill for a while, still having a worrying feeling that he would get some suspicion that I attacked him during the performance. But I tried not to worry about it too much thinking about Louis's words.
I set my satchel down by the piano and pull out a hidden cart with instruments I gathered out from behind the stage curtain. Turning on a spotlight and aiming it down over the piano below, I jumped from the rafter landing softly as two vectors caught my fall.
I pulled out my music sheets from my satchel and sat down at the piano's bench. Since coming into springtime, I enjoyed the warmer and peaceful days that returned to me. Viewing and exploring the beautiful scenery around me it provided me with some inspiration on composing new songs. Over the last few days, I had been writing notes on the sheet music and playing parts of it in my dorm room making sure it flowed perfectly and now it was ready to be played properly. There was a grand piano that had been moved on to the stage for a talent show that was happening next week and it would be much better sounding than the piano keyboard I borrowed.
I looked out to the rows of chairs to my left; to think it's always been a dream of mine to play in front of a crowd, but yet that dream would always live in my head. I still barely had the courage to talk to people without someone engaging first let alone perform in front of. Oh well I guess I can just imagine it, at least that would bring some sort of satisfaction.
As I looked at my music sheets, I began to practice the notes on the keys of the piano, pleased that it sounded better on this one than the one I borrowed. I practiced for a while playing the chorus humming along the lyrics I created to go with the tune, and I was surprisingly happy of how well it sounded, and that wasn't even with the other instruments I had planned to add to it.
After finishing the chorus, I decided it was time to add the next parts. I eyed the cart behind me and four vectors emerge behind me and grab a hold of two violins. The best thing about my vectors was they were able to do multiple things while my own hands were free so I can focus mainly on the piano while my vectors played the violins. Turning the pegs, I brushed the bows against the strings, till I smiled with a nod when I got the right tone and then I turned my attention back to the piano as my fingers began to play again.
As the gentle harmony was played, the violins began to play in the background, and I found myself becoming lost in the blissful, gentle sounding music. After everything that's happened, this was just what I needed to recover. Playing further I let my eyes fluttered close, becoming lost in my own world, everything around me disappeared and I just let the music take me away from reality. I felt like nothing could ruin this moment.
"A-Aayame?"
I snapped out of my serene mindset and gasped finding Legoshi standing before me, his eyes were wide with shock, his mouth agape. The poor wolf looked like he had just seen a ghost. The music abruptly stopped playing as my vectors retracted immediately dropping the violins on to the floor. "Legoshi?! Oh my god!"
I tried to stand up but got up too quickly and fell backwards over the bench landing on my back with a thud, my music sheets flying up into the air before landing in different spots around me. Legoshi came quickly around the piano making me back up instinctively. It wasn't the fear of the wolf that made me scared, but the fear of his reaction now that my secret has been exposed. How it looked similar to the monsters's reactions who had found me when I was floating in the air playing with my friend. The unproven truth that I was always told, that horned headed freaks like me were not welcomed anywhere due to our freakish appearances and that our vectors were the reason for our monstrous status in the world. That our only use and desire was to kill, but I didn't want to believe that. I was never like that up until then...
The wolf still in shock from what he had just seen tried to make sense of what just happened but upon seeing the girl's frightened state made him forget about his initial reaction. "M-Mei what was that? W-Were t-those a-arms?"
Oh no! Wait he said arms? Wait he can see them?! What?! How was that possible?! No that's impossible! No one is able to see vectors! This can't be! My one secret is exposed! Oh god what is going to happen now?!
"I-I'm sorry, I can't!"
I scurried up to my feet and run towards the curtain throwing the heavy material behind me, hiding in the darkness that was provided. Trying to make myself as small as I could, I just wanted to disappear altogether. I could feel the inside of my stomach twist painfully; my heart began to pound so hard that I could hear the faint sound of it in my ears. I probably just scarred my crush forever and now he will understand why everyone was calling me a freak. "Legoshi I-I'm so sorry! Please don't be afraid of me!"
Those words caught him off guard. She was scared he would be afraid of her? He wasn't so sure how to act in this situation, his mind couldn't comprehend the words that spilled from her mouth. Him being afraid of her? How could such a mighty brawling wolf be afraid of a small, gentle, kind-hearted innocent mutant like her?
Why-why would you be telling me to be afraid of you? After everything you had saw I should be the one saying those words. You should be terrified of me! How can those words ever escape from you?
The wolf then can hear the sound of her muffled crying from behind the curtain.
Oh no she is crying!
The wolf knelt down to where he could see the outline of the huddled position of her back behind the curtain. "Please don't be scared! I-I thought I was alone...I-I didn't know anyone was here! I just got so lost so in the music and I-" Tears began to stream down the girl's face hiding it her arms as her body began to tremble.
"Mei...Mei I am not so sure what I had just saw, but...but that doesn't matter right now, I'm just worried about you. There is no need to be afraid, you don't need to hide from me, please come out"
His deep voice. It sounded so reassuring, understanding. My head slowly lifted up sniffling, warm tears stained my cheeks looking behind my shoulder to see his giant shadow knelt down on the other side. This reminded me of the one other person who always had accepted me, my mother. I could vaguely remember when I was sad or afraid, she always spoke so gentle to me like how he was doing. She made me feel I was no different from anyone else, she was so important to me. She told me my vectors were a special gift and that with gifts comes with great strength that can change the world. Even though she couldn't see them, she could see what I could do and even with that she didn't love me any less for having something different than her. With Legoshi, it's like he knew exactly how I was feeling. He didn't want me to feel afraid, he wanted to help me. Did this mean? Did this mean he might just accept them?
I wiped away at my burning wet eyes, turning my body towards him, my hand slowly reached out to grab the edge of the curtain. "L-Legoshi?"
"It's okay Aayame, come out"
Slowly ever so slowly, I began to pull the curtain back revealing my heightened state. His gaze was concerned but still had a gentleness. His arm extends out offering me his hand. "It's okay", he whispered softly
Legoshi...even with what you had just seen. You still find that same acceptance you shown me since the day we met
My hand carefully settled in his as his fingers encase around it, pulling me free from my dark and isolating place I was just in moments ago. It's like a beacon of light had lit up and his gentle hand was ordering me to be strong, to finally face this fear I have been hiding for so long.
"Y-You saw them?"
"Y-Yeah I heard someone playing music and I followed it wanting to find out who was doing it, and that's when I saw you...and...and Mei what were those arms floating in the air? W-Was that a ghost?"
I sighed softly. I always had a dreadful feeling that this day would come, I tried so hard to forget about it every day, but that now it is here there was no getting out of it, the truth was about to come out. "No, it's no ghost, I liked to think that it is, but it's not, it's a part of me. My vectors are a part of me"
I let one vector emerge from my back and float up in the air before it slithered down right in between Legoshi and I.
"Y-Your v-vectors?" He quietly spoke, eyes slightly wide as he pointed to it
"Uh-huh" I nod my head and Legoshi turned his attention to the floating appendage. His hand slowly reaching out to touch it but quickly pulled it back hesitantly before it could make contact.
Like a child, looking nervous of the new and never before seen object in front of him he wasn't so sure on what to do, was it safe? Was it dangerous? I didn't blame for how Legoshi was behaving, no one in the world has ever seen vectors before, let alone they don't know what they were capable of doing. Back in my world, vectors were considered to be the most dangerous weapon that only of my species could possess.
"It's okay, they won't hurt you, I can control on what they do"
"W-Wait they? Y-You mean you have more of those?"
I slowly raise my hands up and out in the air, as more vectors began to disperse floating mindlessly all around me and Legoshi.
As one floated closer towards him, Legoshi found the courage to lift his hand and touch the floating appendage as the vector gently stroke along his hand, as their fingers intertwined. This wasn't all that bad. The wolf's expression was slowly starting to change from fear to relaxed, feeling the ghost like feeling of the vector brush over the back of his fur. It felt so strange, it was firm, but it was still gentle to the touch. It was like a real hand but different. Realizing that these vectors weren't dangerous at all, the wolf was starting to feel guilt for reacting the way that he did.
"I have twenty vectors; all can each go a distance to what my mind allows...it's limitless"
"W-What do they do?"
"I'll show you" I move my hand forward and four vectors picked up the violins that were on the floor and they began to play as they floated in the air, more began to go in different directions turning on more spotlights, pulling the curtains up and even moving the props for our next play in the positions for the first scene.
Legoshi watched in amazement seeing all that unfolded around him, how was this possible? This was unreal, it was like a real life supernatural movie just occurred right in front of him. The wolf watched as the vectors began to retract back and disappear behind the young girl's back. "A-Aayame...how...how is this possible? How do you have these?"
"I-I know, I know it's very strange"
"Well, I mean y-yeah, uh what I mean is...it's d-different I-I have never seen anything like it"
"No, you don't understand, it's been...it's been this way for as long as I can remember"
"What do you mean? I have never seen you show these before"
"That's because no one is able to see them. Only you can, for some unknown reason"
I got up to my feet and sat down on the edge of the stage, letting my legs dangle off. Legoshi joins me by sitting a couple of inches away on my right side. "Some days it's really hard to keep them held in and it's already hard enough being my species alone. You already know you are so different in the world around you, and you have something inside that wants to be released, but yet you can't, fearing what others would think or do when they see something like this. When it comes to my species and my vectors, I am just as answerless as the next person. But I know my vectors can do so many good things, but what's the point of having something that people are just going to be afraid of?"
I sighed softly looking down at my folded hands in my lap. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Legoshi scooting closer to my side. "I am not afraid of them"
My head slowly looked up to him, tears bubbled in my eyes. "You're not?"
"It's just-"
"A lot to handle?"
"A little bit" He smiles "It's hard for my head to wrap around what I had just seen, but that doesn't mean I don't want to try to understand it. Maybe...maybe that's why your species is so unique. I think these vectors of yours were a gift given to you, to do good like you said. Maybe it's just who you are meant to be."
"You could be right, but I don't know. I have so many unanswered questions of who I am and who I am meant to be"
"I know, I know it's hard being different. I mean everyone pretty much thinks I am a weirdo"
"Me too" I nod with empathy, looking up to him with understanding "People have said I am very odd girl, but I am not sure they mean that as a compliment"
"I'm sorry"
"Don't be. It's been that way for a very long time I am used to it, but I appreciate the thought very much. You know this school sounds worse than what I was told of"
He chuckled softly. "Not as lonely as the outside world"
A frown came to my lips as I turned on my side facing him "Hey Legoshi...what happened on stage? You know I..I thought you were going to die out there. I just...I just want to know, why?"
Guilt began to pit in his stomach. The last thing he ever wanted was her to be afraid of him. If he could change anything he would not want to see her beautiful, scared face filled with tears and fear as he let himself become out of control. It's like he became a whole different person that was not him. He had let rage fill his mind and nearly beat a student to death right in front of the whole school and her. His mind couldn't even begin to wrap around on how much fear she must have experienced watching that bloody scene unfolded. "I thought it was just a freak accident before that chase begun, but when I smelt Bill...I sensed his intentions; he had gotten a hold of your blood and used it to his advantage...I was just so angry for knowing what he had done and what for...I didn't-"
My hand slowly reached out and rested on top of his, my thumb gently stroking the fur back and forth in a comforting way. "Don't worry, the only thing that matters is that no one was killed. Even though I was frightened, at the same time, it makes me appreciate knowing that you did that for me, I didn't expect you to."
The wolf turned to me looking ashamed. His eyes reflecting his guilt off of my own. "I'm really sorry Aayame I don't want you to be afraid of me...I just hope this doesn't change anything y-you know between us..."
I smile softly shaking my head. "Of course not...after all, my life wouldn't be anywhere near as great without you in it, in fact I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you, you saved me on more than one occasion"
His brows furrowed slightly as his ears dropped a little. "You...you forgave me so quickly, w-why?"
I bit my lower lip before my eyes shift back to him. "Because, because I know you are being genuine when you talk to me, and I know now forgiveness is a powerful thing Legoshi, not only to make the other person feel good, but to heal yourself"
I learned that lesson too late in life. Had I known that before, as least I wouldn't have the word killer labeled across my forehead
"But it's never too late to make changes when you still have time, and I don't want to be angry at the only person who has made feel welcomed and cared about since I got here"
The wolf's tail slowly wagged behind him, flustered at her words. "It's all water under the bridge now, we can move on"
He gave her a coy smile as she felt her hand squeeze his, sending a pleasant shiver to run up his spine. Trying to change the subject on a lighter note, Legoshi eyed the piano that was behind them. "So uhm, you play?"
"Oh y-yes, I just started recently playing, I was in the middle of composing my new song before you showed up" I roll up to my knees before getting to my feet walking over to the pick up the scattered music sheets with the wolf following close behind to help pick up the rest.
"What's it called?"
"I call it Tale of Moon, it's sort of a love song" I sit down on the bench as he handed me the rest of my sheets before carefully straightening them out before resting them on the piano "Music, music has been my way of escape from reality when I need to, and I can just create anything. The mind really has no limits on what you are able to do, create or make what happen."
As my fingers began to play the notes, four vectors emerge from my back and take a hold of the violins again as they joined in the melody. I did feel a little nervous of having Legoshi watching me play and felt a little unsure if I should continue, but as I looked up to face him, Legoshi was staring right at me, his full attention was on me. His eyes filled with curiosity resting his forearms on the piano. I can see a little twinkle glittering in his grey orbs. Oh my god how could I stop now when he gives me that cute face? And that is what gave me the confidence to continue.
I'll tell you a story
Floating on the moon in the night
The wolf's eyes slightly widen hearing her voice, it sounded so angelic, so meaningful. He never heard a voice just like it. It was the most beautiful singing voice he had ever heard.
It is tenderly sweet
But it is a little bitter and slightly sad
When I hear the clock is ticking, tocking
Counting the lovingness and words affection
Beautifully soft, curtain of darkness
My fingers held down on the keys as I finished the chorus, the notes echoing throughout the auditorium. "It's not finished yet; it's just the first part of the chorus..."
I take a hold of the music sheets and stack them together before slipping it into my satchel. "Mei, that was beautiful..."
Huh? My eyes looked to him a bit stunned. Did I just hear him right? This was my first time singing something in front of someone else and to say I was nervous was a true understatement. I don't know why I was so afraid of performing in front of others, maybe it was due to being afraid of being judged for my ability. Like the many other things I am judged for, I guess I just didn't want to add another thing to my list of faults.
"R-Really? You think so?"
"Y-Yeah Mei, c-can you play something else?"
"W-Well I did finish composing one song earlier, I guess I can play it"
I pulled out another music sheet from my satchel and place it on the piano, before scooting myself closer on the bench. "What is this one called?"
"This is one I call, Many Stories, it's more of a reflection of who we are in this world"
As the girl let's her fingers play the gentle tune, the wolf leaned his head further into his forearms becoming entranced by her every move. The music seemed to have a calming effect on him, it could have lulled him to sleep. His whole body began to relax, his tail lazily swaying slowly side to side mindlessly. The song, it sounded sad, but yet it sounded beautiful too. Violins began to be played in the air by her vectors as her eyes fluttered closed as the chorus played on.
Like the clouds never stay
Moving away
The sunlight coming into
That's the way it goes
The wolf's eyes soften watching the young girl become lost in her own world. He envied her for that, how she can just shut the world out like that and be happy doing the one thing that she loves and was really talented in. If only he had as half as much skills she possessed.
No one else could be you
We're different
That is why we're beautiful
One world, many stories
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Oh-ooh-ooh-ooh
"Aayame that was amazing, you...you really have a great talent for music"
My cheeks became tickled pink as I giggled coyly. "Oh, I don't know about that one. Music it's a dream of mine yes, it plays a big part in my life mainly due to childhood, and I don't know why but when I play, I just feel so alive. Like I can break out of my shell and show my true colors. But I just don't feel like I could perform in front of others"
"How come?"
I chuckled with a sad smile. "W-Well I'm still finding my place here; I mean granted the others in the club are accepting me, but it's only just a small step"
"It's further than you were before"
I couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, I guess you are right"
A shy smile came to his lips chuckling slightly bashfully. I could feel a warm wrap encase around my heart. The fear, the pain and judgement was nonexistent and the atmosphere was filled with acceptance. This wolf was starting to fill the cracks of my broken heart and spirit with his kindness and understanding. It just made my love for him grow even stronger than before. If he could accept my species and now even my vectors, I knew I had found someone special. A person I would always be grateful for and cherish forever.
"I-I can play more music if you want me to, I don't have lyrics for the songs yet, but I wouldn't mind a little audience to listen in"
"Y-Yeah, yeah I would like that"
Over the coming hours, the wolf listened intently to the sounds of her playing music, the world itself began to fade away all around him as his eyes focused solely on her, taking in every detail of her. His calm and relaxed stance leaning over the piano, resting his head on his arms like a pillow. It's like she was playing him his own lullaby, it tamed him that much.
This peace, this euphoria...I don't want to lose it. What are you doing to me Aayame? Why do I feel like this around you? The more I see you, the more I want to stay by you. Ever since that kiss, something else has changed in me and this feeling...this feeling is growing strong. I don't know how to describe it, but the one thing I do know is I don't want to you go. If I wasn't so content on your beautiful music, I would just like to taste your lips once more, that look so plush and sweet
As midafternoon approached, the girl and wolf had finished lunch at the cafeteria and were on one of the school trails passing by other students on their walk. As they carried on their conversation, an idea came to the wolf's head that could just maybe widen the net of trust and acceptance for her. He would introduce her to his roommate friends. "You sure that would be a good idea Legoshi?"
"I think you would like meeting them and I think they would be just as accepting of your vectors as I am"
"Are you sure they wouldn't be afraid of me? I mean I don't want to make a bad impression on them, I mean I am still...still a bit awkward when it comes to conversation"
"You don't need to worry that much, it's not like dealing with the guys at drama club, these guys...these guys are more, laidback so to speak"
"Well...well if you say so, I guess it wouldn't hurt to meet them. Maybe they just might like me"
"Great! Come on, we will sneak in around back don't want to get caught by the dorm mother"
I giggled. "I think that would be the worst case scenario"
After sneaking past the dorm mother in the hallway, Legoshi lead me down the hall till we reached his dorm room 701. "I think they might be in, I can hear noise"
As the wolf opened the door, he stepped inside as I could hear the sounds of laser beams coming from the small tv in the room, the sound of crunching chips and laughter with me following close behind him.
"Here we are, hey guys"
I could see five male canines in the room, two were sitting in front of the TV playing a video game. "Hey Legoshi!"
"Hey Mr. Scary Face!"
"H-Hey, I brought someone here for you all to meet"
"Not now Legoshi, I almost got past level 10!" A coyote piped looking over his shoulder quickly before putting his focus back on the game
"Guys this is important" Legoshi stepped aside as he allowed me to step forward
"Hey! We are bus-" But as the coyote spoke again, he paused in words viewing the young girl that stood before the wolf, making the hyena sitting next to him look behind him, both of them in awe as they stared at her. With this, this caught the attention of the others making them beam in surprise as questions started to explode from the curious boys. "H-Hi there" I shyly wave
"Woah who is she?!"
"Legoshi you got a girl?!"
"Dang she is cute!"
"Never thought I see in a million years Legoshi bring a girl back to our room"
"Oh...should we leave?"
"Oh no, it's okay I have been in here before"
With that being said, the boys began to whistle at the couple making Legoshi groan in embarrassment. "Legoshi you sly dog!", Collot says, giving him a punch to the shoulder, making the wolf shove it away
"That's not what she means!"
"It's nothing like that, Legoshi was helping me out when I needed it the most."
The sheepdog wrapped his arm around my smaller frame giving a friendly squeeze "So you are that new species that we have been hearing about?"
"Y-Yeah something like that"
"Curious to ask, what exactly are you?" A labrador approached with his head titling to the side looking at me curiously
I giggle softly and shrug. "I am afraid I am just as lost in answers as anyone else would be"
"No worries! Any friend of Legoshi's is a friend of ours! I'm Jack!"
"Nice to meet you Jack, I am Aayame"
"Oh, and this is Miguno, Collot is the one hugging you, Voss and Durham!" As he points to each one as each one either gave me a smile and wave or a nod of the head
"It's very nice to meet you all, Legoshi has told me all about you"
"Oh sorry about the mess, canines can be a bit untidy" Jack chuckled with a grin
Stepping in further, for being in the dorm room a second time, I got a better view of the layout. It was six bunk beds, two big wall closets and a bathroom off on the side. I could see why Jack was apologizing the room did look a little bit strewn than the last time I was here, but I felt like that could be easily fixed, but I wanted to wait for the right moment. "You guys" Legoshi spoke sounding a bit annoyed
"Jeez sorry man didn't know we weren't expecting company" Durham chuckled
"Well I feel like I might have a solution, if I can show it that is"
"Wait I am lost...what do you mean?" Jack asked, sounding a little confused
Legoshi stepped up right beside me. "Look the reason I brought Aayame here is because I thought you guys could be trusted with something. Aayame has a really unique gift, but she only felt comfortable doing it with people that I know that would not say anything"
"Say anything? Say anything about what?" Miguno puts down his gaming controlling along with Durham
"It's hard to explain in words, I can show you, but you have to promise me that you won't say anything to anyone"
"We promise!" The boys say in unison
I looked up to Legoshi for reassurance and he gave me an encouraging nod. "Well...okay"
I took a step forward and with a raise of my hand a few vectors began to emerge floating through the air and to my relief the boys didn't look like they could see them. And with a snap of my fingers, my vectors went to work cleaning up the room picking up clothes and shoes. As the items began to float in the air making the others gasp in surprise as they flew past, being placed in their rightful place in the closet or placed in the hamper. A vector picked up a duster and began to dust the shelves as another used a rag began to polish the window. Two others picked up empty soda cans and chip bags and tossed them in the trash can by the bathroom. "Woah what the?!"
"What is happening?!"
"Is this real?!"
"Is there a ghost in the room?!"
More vectors emerged it made each of the boys' beds neatly smoothing out the comforters as my vectors began to retract back, the boys turned slowly towards the both of us, eyes wide and mouths dropped low. "There, all clean" I blush bashfully with my hands going behind my back
"Wait...did you?" Voss barely speaks
"It's her special gift, it's something you can't see, but it's there" Legoshi spoke
"What you?" Collot asked, pointing towards me
"I-I suppose so"
"Dude! You got like telepathic powers! So jealous! How do you have that?!"
"Your guess is as good as mine" I shrug with a giggle
"That was incredible!" Jack exclaimed
The others chimed in expressing their amazement and I could feel my stomach erupt with butterflies, feeling my cheeks becoming warm with coyness. I never had this many people say good things about vectors let alone accept them ever. It brought such a relief knowing that my secret being exposed in front of others had brought such a good reaction. Maybe Legoshi was right, maybe my vectors really were a gift. And maybe there really are more species that would accept my ability like he had done, and it won't be an issue of me keeping my vectors hidden. "It's just a little bit of levitation"
"Just a little bit of levitation? That fact that you did all of that just by lifting your hand, oh no you have to do something with that talent!" Jack smiles towards me
"See? I told you that they were a gift" Legoshi spoke as he looked down at me
I could feel my cheeks growing warm as I smiled up to him coyly. He then led me to his bed as I brushed the skirt of my uniform before sitting down as he sat down beside me. "So, you really don't know what species you are?" Voss said
The boys left their original spots to join gathering around me and the wolf. "No, I wish I did though, I'm hoping one day I might just have the answer I am looking for to share with others"
"So, with this gift of yours?" Collot spoke up
"It's called vectors"
"Vectors?" He cocked his head to the side with a confused look
"It's just what they are called"
"So can you do anything with these...vectors?"
"Just about everything, like cleaning up the room for example, but I can also do this as well"
A few vectors emerge from my back and float above our heads before they reached for beanbags resting the corner of the room picking them up and some reached for gaming controllers resting on the floor as they began to spin above our heads freely. "It's like you're a magician!"
"Yeah, just like a magician!"
"I-I guess I just never thought of it that way before, I guess it is like magic"
I snapped my fingers as the bean bags dropped to the ground beside the boys with the controllers landing on top. "You mean you can control things around you without anyone seeing it?" Miguno asks looking at the items that were just floating in the air before turning his gaze towards me
I nodded with a smile, that's when I felt Legoshi tap my shoulder turning my attention towards him. "Aayame I wanted to ask, are there others like you?"
A frown slowly comes across my face. I was the only left of my species who had not been slayed. Each day during my captivity, I would barely hear the screams and cries for mercy from each girl. Even if they were not near my dark and cold cell, I could still hear them from afar for how loud they screamed and cried begging for the torture to end. I could only guess on what happened, but I could imagine that whatever took place it was just as horrific as it was done to me. But at one point, it was starting to become quieter, that's when I knew something was changing. Now after hearing anyone scream or cry, a muffled gunshot would sound. That's when I knew a life had been taken. And I knew that with each shot that was fired, it just brought me closer to my turn. Like sending a lamb to slaughter.
My head lowered as tears began to bubble in my eyes, I could hear soft gasps from the boys surrounding me. Even without an answer it's like they knew.
"Oh A-Aayme, oh my god I'm so sorry!"
"N-No, it's okay" I shake my head quickly drying my tears trailing down my cheeks "You couldn't have possibly known, it's just a touchy subject that's all. It's just hard to accept when you are the only one left of your species in the world, all due to fear and discrimination."
"We hear you on that last bit, carnivores are always getting blamed for everything, take a look at the devouring of Tem, not a day goes by a carnivore doesn't get a dirty look or insult by someone, we get it all the time" Durham spoke with a groan towards the end
"Durham but then again, not all carnivores are bad, I know that just from observing."
Confused noises filled the room, the canines never thought they would hear those words from anyone before and to hear it from a mutant girl, this was a first, even for them. "But you don't even know us" Miguno says
"Yes, that may be true, you see, I believe that people behave a certain way it's because it's what they see in the world around them. Some were raised that way; some simply choose to act that way for no reason. Anyone can be bad, even herbivores can be bad too. So, not all the faults can't be placed on each of you."
The boys curiously moved in closer to listen to the girl's words, sitting upright on the floor or leaning in closer on the beanbags. Legoshi's eyes were now showing more curiosity as he kept his gaze strongly held on her as she spoke.
"After all, you never know about that devouring, the body could have been moved to make it seem like a carnivore was responsible or maybe not maybe he was devoured, I don't know. All I am saying is, there is more than one possibility to every situation, you can't always assume the most obvious first. Anyone can lose their temper and lose control."
I really shouldn't be tooting my own horn here...after all I slaughtered a whole army before my life was taken. Damn it I am really being a hypocrite! I shouldn't be saying any of this, I have no right.
"Look in order to not only prove others wrong but to prove yourself that you are not what others say you are, be better each day that is given to you. Rise above the stereotype. Even with just knowing you guys for a short moment, I can sense you all are great individuals, and you can prove how wrong the stereotype of carnivores can be by being the best versions of yourselves you can be. Is it going to be easy? No, I am sad to say that. I should know, I am experiencing it right now. It's been a long and emotional road, but things are slowly getting better, and I believe that they will continue to get better. And you all have to believe these things will get better for not just yourselves but for all carnivores too in time. If you believe in something strongly enough, it just might happen."
"You really think so?" Jack asked
"I am speaking an honest truth, I believe it and so should all of you"
Smiles came to each male canine that surrounded her, her wise and guiding words had touched them in their own special way and provided inspiration to each of them. Despite just meeting this girl, they could tell from this unknown mutant species, she had a very different point of view, one that was neutral. Like a glimmer of hope had just begun to shine through an everlasting darkness, making it possible that one day things could change, that fear will be a thing of the past. "Thanks Aayame, that really means a lot to us all", Miguno says
"Yeah it really does", Collot speaks
The other canines nodded in agreement. "Well, I am glad that it does, I would like to think I could now call you all new friends, if you want me to that is"
"Don't you worry Mei Mei, you are not alone anymore, you got us now!" Voss says jumping up on top of my right shoulder
"Yeah you are free to come up here anytime you want! Of course, we got sneak you past the dorm mother first!" Jack says, whispering the last part, nudging my arm with his elbow
We all couldn't help but laugh. "I think we can manage that, but I appreciate the warm welcome, I have Legoshi to thank for that"
My hand rested on top of his by his side and the wolf's eyes twinkle with joy and I couldn't help giggle. He looked like a cute little puppy when he did that. His roommates only watch as the two exchange knowing looks, already sensing the obvious growing between the pair. "Hey Aayame! Why don't you stick around for a while? We were going to have a video game competition! Ever played Fur Wars?" Durham says
"Um no I haven't, you will have to show me the way of the works"
"Please! Let a pro show you how its done!" Miguno piped in
"As if!" Durham shoves his shoulder playfully
"How about this? I'll play champion after I get a practice round in!"
"Oh, a competitive one? You are on!" Miguno gave me a high five as I giggled
As the hours went by, laughter and cheering filled the room, and I can't remember how long its been since that I smiled this much. The wonderful feeling of having fun with more individuals that have accepted not only for my species but for my gift that I have was overwhelming. To know that there was species out there that would accept me for who I am made the loneliness be pushed to the back of my mind. It honestly felt good not having to hide my vectors from some, it alleviated some of the pressure. And the best part of it was, I could trust them knowing they would keep my secret knowing they were genuine just like Legoshi was.
As the evening drew near, Legoshi offered to walk me back to my dorm making Jack wolf whistle at that and the others to tag along, causing Legoshi to throw a pillow at his face making me laugh as we left out the door. Getting on the trail, the atmosphere was comfortable and relaxing as we silently walked along. Today was such a good day that I just didn't want it to end. I only hoped that more days like this were going to follow.
As we walked along the trail, my gaze turned up to the wolf beside me. I couldn't help but smile seeing how he looked so content as the golden rays of the sunset glowed along his fur. His eyes looked relaxed as his eyelids hung halfway close. Even his smile looked true. I think this was the most I have seen him happy since the day I met him. It warmed my heart to see this, he probably hasn't felt this way in a long time or maybe this was his first time experiencing it. Either way, it brought me joy to see him like this, he deserved every little bit of it.
"I really liked your friends; they sure know how to have a fun time. I really wanted to thank you for introducing me to them, it makes me feel good to know that there are others like you out there that are as kind and accepting"
Legoshi can't help but admire the warmth of her smile matched the lowering sunset in the distance. His tail wagging frantically behind him in excitement. The same puppy joy twinkle in his eyes returning, making him blush in embarrassment. "N-No problem, and hey thank you for your inspiration back there, my friends and I really appreciated that."
"Of course, I am just glad I can make someone else smile for a change. Like I said, keep believing that things will get better Legoshi and the world itself will be a much happier place, even for you."
Her crystal blue eyes look up to him and Legoshi could have sworn that the breath from his lungs was suddenly gone, and the world itself faded away from him as he stared at her beauty. This girl somehow had seeped through the crevices of his stone-cold wall of darkness and loneliness and wrapped her warmth and kindness around his heart. She was changing the direction of a path that led him to follow her towards a brighter and better life.
Oh Aayame...if you only knew how much you are changing me, I-I couldn't be more thankful that somehow that you and I met on that very night, and you have pulled me out of this dark hole of what has been of my dreary existence.
"Just keep your chin up, your back straight and your heart open"
"Then what?" The wolf softly asks
She gently takes a hold of his hand "Take one step at a time..."
Slowly his hand intertwines with hers.