Chapter Text
Chapter 8: The abyss of a Bekkyan future.
Levi slides on his shirt as he leaves his room, he glances over at Asher's room, at the door that has been closed for around a month now. He thinks back on when Asher was too ill to leave his room. How he'd spend every spare moment in there keeping him company. To Levi it's unknown what unfolded during the cataclysm, but it's a secret he can live with. He's just glad his beloved little brother is doing better.
He continues walking out into the kitchen, where his Father is standing in the kitchen buttering some toast. His health has taken a turn for the better recently, the doctors said he's expected to make a full recovery.
Dad: Levi! Are you on your way out?
Levi: Yeah, I'm just gonna visit Mom..
The older man pauses for a moment, like 1/10 of a second.
Dad: Ah! Pass along her wishes for me, will you?
Levi moves around the kitchen island to give his Father a hug.
Levi: Of course I will. Did you need anything while I'm out?
He walks to the door, grabbing the car keys off the rack.
Dad: Grab the mail on your way back in.
Levi: Will do!
He leaves the apartment, closing the door behind him. It wasn't long before he made it out of the building and in the car.
He switches on the ignition, and the car rumbles to life. Pulling out onto the road, he reaches into his cup holder and opens the box of cigarettes and pulls out one, sticking the brown end in his mouth before pulling the electric lighter out of the radio socket.
Sucking in a puff, he feels guilty that he lied to Asher about this, but he can't function the same without the occasional puff. That being said, he does try to limit it, knowing that he has to be clean to visit Asher in a couple months.
He turns up the radio to hear whats happening in the city this morning.
News Host: Crowds of protestors have gathered around the shogunate's palace, seemingly in response to the lack of activity in stopping the dangerous protests in east Bekkyo.
Levi (Thinking): We pay so much in taxes to keep that family alive, and they do nothing but sleep in their palace. Disgrace to all Bekkyans.
He switches the station to a debate one.
Radio Host: Has foreign influence in Bekkyo destroyed our culture?
Voice #1: I personally don't think so, even since the Sakoku-rei, when our ancestors opened our borders to the Europeans anyway. Trading with them allowed us to win the war against the Tokugawa. Which then gave them the opportunity to build what was then called Seirai and what is Bekkyo today.
Radio Host: Oooh!? Very insightful, does anyone object?
Voice #2: I'm not entirely disagreeing, you say this even though when let Europeans in back in the 1600's and again in the 1980's. You say that it didn't destroy Bekkyan culture, but letting those powers in have completely changed how we talk, the soviet union in the 1980's forced us to adapt their languages and words into our own language, some Bekkyans today Slavic first and last names. And when we let the Dutch in back in the 1600's, there are still, to this day people with French, Dutch, and German first and last names.
Voice #3: Yes. They might've helped us at the time, not saying the soviets did. But it cost us something greater down the line. There's a reason why districts have to focus on keeping place names culturally relevant.
Radio Host: Very good discussion going on here, might I add that upcoming musician from west Bekkyo, Asher Laplace, has both foreign names? My question is, are we ignoring the possibility of these names already being apart of Bekkyan culture, even if they aren't from here?
Levi (Thinking): You're a cultural icon, bro!
Voice #1: Are you saying it's time we try to redefine what a Bekkyan is?
Radio Host: No, but that could be the topic for next week. Now, when we're back from this ad break I'll have more questions for today's guests!
Levi (Thinking): That is a good point, what does a Bekkyan look like in today's era?
He throws the cigarette butt out the window, his mind focused on driving and the points made on the debate show.
Chapter 8: The lanterns light
It wasn't long after that be made it to the cemetery, he pulls into a park and braces himself. He rests his head against the steering wheel and gulps down the emotion that threatens to tear at his neck.
Eventually, he decides that it is time to get this over with. he pockets the cigarettes and gets out of his car and locks it before he leaves to find the grave site.
He wanders through the garden for a while, he couldn't remember exactly where she was buried since it's been a while since he was last visited. He tried to avoid since he figured it'll help him move on, it didn't really help, if anything it made it worse. Which is why he is here today.
Wandering the endless rows of tombstones, he hears the crunch of leaves behind him. Turning around, startled, he see's a black ram. He's about the same height as Levi, way taller than any ram is supposed to be.
Korvin: I hope I didn't startle you, my name is Korvin Kasmirovich Yarovit. Though for simplicities sake, you may just call me Korvin.
His eyes are empty, is pupils don't react to or reflect much light. Aside from how unsettling his appearance is, he himself comes of as polite, like a gentleman
Levi: No, you're fine. I just didn't expect to be followed so closely.
Korvin: I hope you find it in yourself to forgive me? I couldn't help but notice your wandering, I wanted to ask if you were lost? or looking for someone?
Levi: Yes, I'm looking for an Iris Laplace. Do you know if she's around here somewhere? She died in the attack, if that helps.
The ram pauses for a moment, small coils of his wool shiver in the breeze.
Korvin: I have an idea where she might be buried. Please, follow me..
He walks past Levi, his steps graceful and silent, the only indication he is real is the crunch of scattered leaves underneath his feet.
Korvin: If it helps, you can tell me a little about her if you'd like..
Silence fills the gap for a moment.
Levi: Well, she gave birth to me and my brother, she later adopted our older sister.
Korvin: She seems like a caring woman.
Levi: She was caring, she was also very traditional. Her lineage traces back to among the first in Bekkyo, so we grew up practicing traditions from as far back as Seirai. This naturally clashed with our Father, who was orphaned and ended up being adopted by French descendants.
Levi: He didn't feel as strongly connected to this land as she did, and thus wasn't as moved by our traditions. But he loved her- still loves her, so he made sure to make it work.
He corrects himself mid sentence.
Korvin: He seems like a caring man, I'm sorry for your loss.
Levi: Eh, you know how it is, grief gets easier.
Korvin: It does, doesn't it?
He stops walking and turns to a headstone.
Korvin: Well, she's here. Would you prefer I leave you with some space?
Levi looks down at the headstone.
Levi: You're welcome to stay, I find that talking makes these things easier.
He sits down on the warm, dry grass in front of her headstone. Korvin takes a step back.
Levi: If I can ask, where were you when the attack first started?
The ram stands silently, contemplating for a moment.
Korvin: I was here, when the Wild Hunt raided west Bekkyo. They came here to desecrate countless tombs. Many officers stationed here fled immediately. Cowards, they court death.
Korvin: We were the last line of defense of the memory of Bekkyo's dead. Explosions rung out across the perimeter, many lost themselves to the despair they felt. I still remember their screams, how they changed.
Korvin: I now understand my purpose as a Bekkyan: To eradicate the Wild Hunt. For now, that is a story for another time, how about you?
The snow leopard sucks in a breath.
Levi: Me and my dad were on the outskirts on the city, we planned to go hiking on the mountains for a couple days. We watched the tragedy unfold from afar, it was my brother and sister who were at the heart of the tragedy, and survived.
Korvin: Sounds like they were lucky, that was the worst place to be at the time.
Levi: It was a miracle to know they were alive. Our sister vanished shortly after, and it took my brother some years to recover.
Korvin: Many were in the same boat as those two, I hope you hear from your sister soon.
Levi: Thank you, it is rare to meet someone with a calming presence such as yours.
Korvin: You're welcome, I do try to come off as such. I'm glad to know I'm having that effect.
Levi: Do you find yourself lonely here? It seems very quite here.
Korvin: I wouldn't call it loneliness. I still have the grave yard to keep me occupied, as well as the occasional visitor such as yourself.
Levi: It seems very quite, I think for someone to take on this line of work, they need to be prepared.
Korvin: I agree, this job can be quite taxing, but someone has to do it.
The two fall silent for about a minute, the occasional wind disturbing trees being the main source of sound.
Korvin: If nothing else, I'll leave you be.
He steps away, bowing before walking back to what he was doing before Levi's arrival, Levi waves him off.
Chapter 8: Decent into memories
[Five years ago]
It was an ordinarily pleasant day in Bekkyo, nothing much to be concerned about except the greenery surrounding the cemetery. The setting sun casts the city in an orange hue, and the reverent, gentle breeze warmly weaves through the buildings and the rams wool.
His job here was a lonely existence, not a lot of people came by for and even when they did they were in no state for conversation. Of course he is one of the few herbivores in this part of the city, and that itself was isolating.
He sips his tea, the steaming, sweet, and fruity liquid sliding down his throat. He hums in enjoyment, setting the cup down to pick up a news letter.
"Celebrating 300 years of herbivores in Bekkyo" is what the news title read. Though it was true, it didn't make him feel that he belonged in this city, he didn't feel like he belonged anywhere, and that's why he's so fine with being so isolated in this foggy cemetery.
Tossing the paper down, he sips the rest of his tea in a single gulp. The sun has fallen behind the mountains shrouding the city in darkness, he decides it's time to do a final sweep of the grounds.
He stands up and grabs the lantern hanging off his hip. Striking a match and lighting the oil inside, the area explodes in the warm orange light of the flame. He steps outside and the flame flickers in the frozen mountain wind, one that made Korvin himself shiver.
He wanders the grounds quietly, looking for any sign of a guest over staying their visit. The fog makes it difficult to see too far ahead of him, but the cemetery's position on a hill makes it so the only visible landmark was the city down wind.
As he was finishing his sweep, he notices a leopard walking around the grounds, obviously having lost his position in the fog. He see's the yellow flicker of the lantern and he turns to face Korvin.
Korvin: Are you quite alright? This is no place to linger on a foggy night.
Leopard: Ye-yes.. I couldn't tell where I was.
Korvin: Stay close to me, I'll walk you to the exit.
Leopard: T-thank you.
He stands closer to Korvin, as if trying to absorb his warmth. Korvin continues to walk, his height almost dwarfing the leopard.
Korvin: I must apologize, lanterns aren't known for their warmth..
Leopard: It's okay, I'm just glad you found me.
The ram says nothing, he continues walking. The leopard silently shivering behind him.
Korvin: If I may, you seem a little... unsettled.
Leopard: It's.. this place, everything seems poised to outsmart me, including you.
Korvin: Hence why you want out of here?
Leopard: Haha, I suppose.
The leopard stops talking, the crunch of the ground underneath his footsteps filling in his silence.
Leopard: In truth… With the wild hunt, and everything else…
Korvin: You need an escort?
Leopard: No, then you'll ask for money in return.
Korvin: Surely you don't take a Ratniki like myself to be a common thief?
The leopard laughs, shedding off the previous stress he was feeling.
Leopard: You're a Ratniki? Great!
As he escorted him to the entrance, asking nothing in return. The sky grew dark, the air impossibly colder. a bone deep chill nipping at his heels.
Leopard: I- I heard that there are beast-eating yokai that hang around the woods at night.
His chest feels tight as he fights off hyperventilation. Something about this ram is completely unsettling. If it wasn't his height, was it that look in his eye? Or that unusually polite voice of his?
Korvin: Ah.. All the more reason not to linger.
The ram stops in his tracks, the leopard scrambling to a halt even though he was just walking.
Korvin: Oh and by the way, it's best to not look down..
Shivering away, all the leopard could do is place one foot in front of the other. Until, finally the entrance was in sight.
The leopard steps ahead of Korvin and turns back to face him.
Leopard: This is far enough, thank you!
Korvin: Now, go..
It was a farewell and a dismissal all at once. The leopard wastes no time in getting in his car and leaving.
Korvin: Safe travels.
Driving away, the leopard looks in the rear view mirror. The ram is doing a farewell bow as the thick fog rolls in, and he disappears from sight. Until, out of nowhere. He saw the glint of eyes, he held it's gaze but could not tell if that was truly a herbivore staring back at him.
Chapter 8: Ultio Irae
Several hours later, Korvin finds himself wandering the city. He was talking to a shop keeper not far from his cemetery when the first attack happened.
A large bang fills the air as the once dark night sky burns a bright orange as fire burns the sky. Citizens scream and run to wherever they believe safety is. Korvin jumps into action, helping beasts that had fallen over in their escape.
The cry of bending metal screeches from above, the skyscraper next to the market collapsing in on itself. Korvin watches in horror as debris crashes into the ground like meteorites. He knew he couldn't save those people.
A particularly large chunk of cement crumbles off the tower, sending it plummeting to Korvin. He ducks in an attempt to protect himself. As the cement makes contact with the ground, the world flashes black.
When he awoke, he couldn't tell how long he'd been out. All he knew was that he needed to get back up, which with a lot of effort and pain, he did. He wipes off the dust that has settled on his body and strides forth.
He limps through the streets, stopping to help someone whenever possible, whether it was to lift rubble or to direct them to safety. The air was filled with dust and the distant yells of people, some begging for help, others yelling for loved ones.
Turning a corner, he see's a red lynx sitting against sitting near some rubble of what was a building. She clutched something close to her chest. He limps closer, eventually making it close enough to speak to her.
Korvin: Young one, what is your name?
Azra: My name is Azra.
There's panic written in her eyes, she has witnessed something no one should.
Korvin: We need to get you out of the city!
Azra: I'm quite fine here, a leg injury is fatal for a herbivore. You should focus on getting yourself to safety.
She stands up, lowering the object to her side. Whatever it is, it's wrapped in a delicate paper, it shines with a finish. Something special is wrapped tightly inside.
Korvin: What have you got?
The young lynx stands motionless, her eyes look lifeless and her features devoid.
Azra: Something my Mother entrusted to me.. She's… gone.
Korvin says nothing, not that there is anything that he could say to somehow comfort her in this situation.
Azra: You need to get to safety, and I need to flee the city.
She walks away, leaving Korvin hunched in the rubble.
Chapter 8: Corrupted roots
Levi stands up from the tombstone, he's spent the hour talking to it, filling it in on all that has gone on in his life, the joys and the woes. He retraces his footsteps through the graveyard, he walks past the strange keeper again, he waves to him.
The gardens are well kept, it reminds him of his mother a little bit. When she was alive they could afford to live on a property with a backyard. He thinks back on those times, they were so simple back then, it was just him, his brother, and his sister, they were all together then.
Unlocking the car and opening the door, he reaches in and grabs his cigarettes. With deft, experienced hands, he pulls one from the pack and puts it in his mouth, lighting it and taking a puff.
He leans against the car as he looks down on the city. The concrete hills don't stir much in him anymore, it hasn't felt like home in a long time. His brother was the only constant in his life and he's moved away, too. It's barely been a month but he still feels mournful about it.
He grinds his teeth, frustration building almost overwhelmingly in his chest. Finishing off the cigarette he throws it to the ground. Unexpectedly, his phone starts playing the ringtone in his pocket, buzzing with the tune.
He checks who's calling, apart of him hopes it's his brother, but his hopes are crushed once again. It's his old professor from university, he had to quit university when his father first got really sick last year. Quitting his study left a terrible pit in his stomach, his studies and work were his pride and joy.
Levi: Hello? Why are you calling?
Tenjin: Good morning Levi, I was just looking at your old studies and I think you might be onto something here.
Levi: Hm? What are you talking about?
Tenjin: Another student decided to test your theory around the blood of Bekkyans. They found something, we were wondering if you're able to return?
Levi: I don't have money for a tuition..
His voice reminds steady, though his mind is reeling with curiosity about what of his work specifically lead to something big. He remembers the long hours spent drawing blood from himself and other volunteering students, only to run it through specific tests to confirm his hypotheses.
Tenjin: Who said anything about a tuition?
Silence fills the line as Levi contemplates his next decision.
Levi:… Fine, I'll pick up where I left off. Can I call you later to talk about hours?
The professor stammers for a moment.
Tenjin: Yes, of course. You already have my number!
Levi: Okay, bye.
He shoves the phone in his pocket as his mind reels with different thoughts and emotions, so many that it feels like it's literally clogging his vision.
Chapter 8: Lover's oath
Meanwhile in Zebuth, Asher is lying in his bed thinking about his brief meeting with his sister. He traces the wooden beam that hold up the empty bed above him with his eyes, muttering the names scratched into the wood.
Asher: Jay… Arashi…
His mind drifts back home, the place where his story is written. A song from that land drops from his lips, a small whisper.
Asher: Ecce luna.. rubra orta erat
Asher: Noctem ensanguem rubefecit
Asher: Nemo nisi innocentes dormire potest
Bill walks into the room and collapses onto Asher in his bunk. He lies there for a second before Asher breaks the silence.
Asher: Are you all good?
Bill moves his head so that he could talk.
Bill: Yeah, things have been rough since Tem.. yeah…
Asher: I'm so sorry.. i don't know what to say.
Bill: It's okay, your presence is enough..
Asher: What's the situation like for us out there?
The tiger wraps his strong arms around Asher, nuzzling into his collarbone.
Bill: I don't wanna talk about it.
He says it with a sigh, Asher brings his arms over Bill's shoulders, his fingers scraping against his muscular back, which causes Bill to physically recoil into Asher.
Bill pulls back slightly to look at Asher, the two share a prolonged eye contact. Their eyes flicking down at each other's lips.
Bill takes the initiative and closes the distance, Asher melts into it and Bill cups the back of his head, holding him close as his tongue works its way into the snow leopard's mouth.
Asher gasps as Bill's tongue licks against his teeth before tangling with his own. Asher's hands slide under Bill's shirt, he feels up the muscular angles typically hidden by his fur. Bill laughs, his hot breath shivering the fur around Asher's mouth and neck. He pulls back and removes his shirt, tossing it carelessly to the side before grabbing Asher's hands and guiding them to his abs and chest. He groans in pleasure as the snow leopard's hands feel up his body.
He leans back down against Asher, sucking at his neck and collarbone as he slightly works himself between Asher's legs and under his shirt.
He grips at Asher's hips, holding him in place as he kisses and bites at Asher's jaw, which draws breathy moans and gasps from his lips.
Bill pulls back again to examine Asher, his exposed midriff and those half lidded, eager eyes that beg for more. Bill chuckles to himself as he lays himself back on top of Asher again, taking his hands and interlocking their fingers.
Asher: What was that about?
Bill: Try not to worry about it.
He squeezes the snow leopard's hands.
Asher: Should we worry about it?
Before Bill can respond, a knock is heard at the door. The voice behind it calls for Asher specifically.
Bill: You should probably get that.
Asher: I would if you'd let me get up!
Bill releases his hands and climbs off Asher, settling in his own bunk.
Asher gets up and walks to the door, patting down his fur and fixing his clothes. He checks himself in the mirror before opening the door.
Louis is standing there, very much to Asher and even Bill's surprise.
Asher stands there kind of shocked as Bill scrambles off his bed and to the door, he shoves Asher out of the way before talking to Louis himself.
Bill: Louis!!?! What are you doing here!!?
Asher: Yeah, Louis, it's probably a little dangerous for you to be here…
Louis: That's why I'm leaving as soon as possible. Can you come out with me?
Asher steps out and closes the door behind him.
Asher: Okay, what's this about?
Louis: After what happened at headmaster Gon's office, I suppose you might have questions?
Asher: I'm not too worried about the drama club anymore. Nothing I can do about my heritage or how my people are seen.
Asher: You seemed to have recognized my sister, too. I want to know your business with her.
He looks unusually stern and tense, which catches Louis a little off guard.
Louis: The Knave has had plenty of business with The Horns conglomerate for about 2 years now. She has very often had meetings with my Father and his associates both at The Horns headquarters and at our home.
Asher: What type of business? Does she work for anyone?
Louis: That's what I wondered too, and I discovered that she works as a diplomat.. technically.. She's more like a military general with her own forces, while also being a diplomat.
Louis: I don't know what that exactly has to do with The Horns conglomerate but she's someone that's a wolf in sheep's clothing. To exert a higher level of control over people, she puts on a graceful and cordial front, but most of those who have seen her true self… have disappeared.
Asher: How can I be sure you're not just making shit up?
Louis: You can ask her yourself if you're not sure.
Louis: I know you can't do that, to put it simply: She's abandoned all that was her old self for her position. Given how cunning she is, I don't doubt she has her own ulterior motives.
Asher: The Cataclysm…
Louis: Precisely, I think that has something to do with this too. Her "forces" are situated in the black market, but I also think she's taken a personal interest in Tem's death.
Asher: Do you think that was why she showed up earlier this week?
Louis: No, I think she just cares about her little brother and wanted to clear his name.
Asher: Well thank you, Louis. I think you should get out of here. A herbivore in the carnivore dorm, that won't mix well.
Louis: You sound like Gon, but you're right. The killer could be in here, tell Bill I said hi.
Asher (Thinking): Probably shouldn't have said that so loud.
Asher: Bye bye!!
He turns around and walks through the door, closing it behind him. Bill stands there with a worried look on his face. Asher feels a similar way, that just came out of nowhere. He feels sick that he just did that, unsure weather to be more mad at himself or Bill. The notion of simply being "friends" with Bill feels outwardly impossible and he wants to pretend it never happened.
Bill: Asher, I'm sorry… about that..
He sighs, not even bothering to look at Bill. Walking past him, Asher looks out the window.
Asher: ...Don't worry about it, we can talk about it later. Right now I've got other things to worry about, sorry..
Bill: It's okay, don't apologize. If I can help, let me know..
Asher stands silently for a moment.
Asher: Do you know where the black market is?
He turns to face Bill, who is horrified by the question.
Bill: Why are you asking?
Asher: It's important, my sister might be there..
He stands there, thinking unusually hard for the easygoing tiger in front of him.
Bill: Fine… I'll take you there this weekend.. I owe you that much..
Asher scoffs, but he doesn't say anything in an attempt to avoid unnecessary conflict. He wishes he could tell Bill that he's okay, but he's unsure if it truly is.
Chapter 6: Invitation to a beheading
Knave (Thinking): I guess he did take the life I built... I haven’t seen him in years.
She looks out the window, a large room length window that shows the expanse of the city ahead of her. It was advertised as a feature on the website of the luxury hotel her organization bought out for the next couple months. Of course, she is alone with her highest subordinates staying here, but the bulk of those working for her are set up in dorms, motels and hideouts across the city.
She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small polaroid of her family, the closest thing she's ever had to a family. The photo shows a family picture of two snow leopard teenage boys, an older female snow leopard and her husband, and her. She hears a knock on the door.
Officer: My Lord?
The Knave turns around and looks towards the door.
Knave: You may come in.
The officer creaks open the door and the officer bows nervously, he then holds out a stack of papers to her.
Knave: Hmm.. What’s this?
Officer: Uh- Um.. An update on project “Atlas”.
She takes the papers and tosses them onto the coffee table, the resounding slap of the paper causes the officer to wince slightly.
Knave: Very good, I’ll read through this later. She crosses her arms and stares down the officer.
Knave: Now, I need to personally check in on an informant in the black market.
Officer: Yes, My Lord, we’ll have a vehicle ready for you ASAP. Was there anything else you needed?
Knave: ...No. That’d be all.
The officer bows again before rushing out of the room, failing to hide his fear any longer, his tailed coiled and quivering between his legs.
Chapter 6: Ecce luna rubra orta erat
20 minutes later she's sitting in the back seat of an SUV driving through the streets of Zebuth, she’s been deployed here for about a month now yet she still finds herself struggling to map the city in her head. She watches the streetlights flash by outside her window, she doesn't know exactly how to feel about seeing her brother. Of course she couldn't leave him in that situation, it was also a low blow from the Beastar to target her brother. She doesn't plan on letting it slide so easily. In time, however, she reaches her destination.
The Knave wanders through the alleyways, hundreds of carnivores barter at stalls selling meats. She spots what she’s looking for. A small stall with a young caracal running the business. He sees her and his face blanks like an activated sleeper agent.
Aaru: “Father”?
Knave: Hello Aaru.
Aaru: So, what brings you to the black market?
Knave: A change in assignment.
Aaru: Oh? Is the Shishigumi no longer of interest to us?
Knave: They still are, and some else will pick up where you left off, but there's someplace else where your skills could be utilized.
Aaru: Ok. I’ll give you my latest report. What’s my new assignment?
The Knave looks at the selection of meats that are on display, cuts from rabbits, tahr and other beasts are all laid out neatly. There are empty spaces where one was purchased to be consumed.
Knave: You are going to be relocated to Cherryton.
Aaru: I’m going back? Already? Can I ask what's changed?
Knave: Headmaster Gon has put his eyes on a new Beastar candidate.
Aaru: Remind me why they’re important?
Knave: Because the current Beastar is currently on his way out. Keeping tabs on those who are expected to fill that position next is something we deem important.
Aaru: Okay.. Who am I watching?
She turns around to face the young caracal.
Knave: His name is Asher Laplace, he’s new to the school but apparently he’s already made waves. He’s also of personal interest to me, so I’ll ask you to refrain from hurting him.
Aaru crosses his arms and smirks.
Aaru: Oh? Is this a conflict of interest I’m hearing? Wait until the higher ups hear about this…
The Knave steps closer, cornering him. She places a hand on his shoulder in an endearing way, contrary to what you’d expect from someone with her status and personality, but the way the claw of her thumb rubbed against his neck made his body almost paralyzed with fear, the complete opposite of endearing.
Knave: We both know what happens to disobedient children in this house, don’t we?
Aaru: Y- Yes, Father.. Forgive me. W- What is my job with him?
He looks down, trying desperately to avoid eye contact as The Knave's hand leaves his shoulder. Her dark eyes not leaving his terrified form.
Knave: Make sure he isn't bothered by anyone.
The Knave turns around and starts walking out.
Knave: Someone will come pick you up in the morning. Don’t be late.
She retraces her steps through the backstreets of the black market, returning to the vehicle she arrived in. She steps in and speaks to the driver.
Knave: Arrange for someone to pull Aaru out and for someone to replace him by tomorrow morning..
Driver: Of course, Knave. What do you want done with Aaru?
Knave: Return him to Cherryton.
The driver pulls out of the park and onto the road, driving back to the hotel. Eventually they arrive and The Knave retreats back to her room.
Inside, she looks back out the window. Her eyes meet the well lit Cherryton academy in the distance, with her knowledge of the campus, she knows exactly what dorm Asher is sleeping in.
Knave (Thinking): He’s still awake..? I miss reprimanding him for staying up late. We will be reunited.. Just not quite yet…
She sighs and turns her head to the stack of papers sitting on the small table.
Knave (Thinking): One last thing to do for the night…
She walks over and grabs the papers before sitting on the couch and sitting the papers on her lap. She flips it open and begins to skip through the pages.
Knave (Thinking): Why does she want to seize control back over Bekkyo again? Could it be because she wants to force the Japanese Beastar into making an uneasy decision? As long as it doesn't come at the cost of my organization, I'm fine with leading this project..
Knave (Thinking): I'll have to ask The Vecchi for some extra funding for this project, too… What a miserable man.. At least The Marionette will find this laughable at our next tea party, I do hope she gets dispatched to here soon.. Though I don't think she'll dispatch so many harbingers to one nation.
She stands and walks to the table in the kitchen, walking around the couch to get there. She gazes upon her work phone which scans her face and opens automatically. Driven by curiosity, she checks the statuses of the other harbingers.
The Vecchi is supposedly in the UAE trying to strike a deal with oil companies to favor sales with the homeland, likely to put pressure on north America and oust the Canadian Beastar.
The Marionette, like The Vecchi is at a tech conference in Taiwan to secure access to whatever tech is being manufactured there. This was likely a personal decision on her part, she likely struck a deal with The Tsarina herself and made it into an official mission.
The Fair Lady is at an EU conference trying to improve relations with other nations, something that their own president makes very difficult for them.
Everyone else is resuming their duties in the homeland, the others in other nations will be back by next week while she will be away, stuck here for the next couple months. She entertains the idea of creating a situation difficult enough that it creates the need for all harbingers to converge on Zebuth, all so she can have a tea party with her friends and discuss drama.
She sighs and leans back, thinking on what she might need to complete this assignment. It wasn't at all rare for harbingers to lean on each other. In fact, collaboration was something encouraged if necessary, but she doesn't see herself needing their assistance.
Knave(Thinking): My next move should be to schedule a meeting with the Beastar..
She stands once again, this time to begin her nightly routine.
Chapter 8: The crimson moonlight wanes
It was an awkward morning in the dorm, the usual chatter between Bill and Asher is replaced with an unfamiliar silence and the confused looks of Tao.
Asher doesn't spend any extra time lurking around Bill as he walks around the campus largely alone. He thinks about the events of the past week, it's worn down on him a lot. he want's to worry about what Bill did yesterday but he just can't in the face of everything else that has happened.
As if driven by fate, he ends back at where Tem died. The doors are still dented the same way he seen them on the night of his devouring. He balls his fists hard enough for his hands to bleed.
Asher (Thinking): Why didn't I do anything? Could I have saved him? Was it already to late?
Out of nowhere, a spine chilling rattle fills the air, Asher's fur standing on edge as his eyes scan the area looking for the source.
???: There was nothing you alone you could do about it..
That same rattling noise fills the air again.
???: I remember seeing you that night.. You seemed.. out of it. I hope that helps you feel less guilty about it..
Asher (Thinking): It doesn't..
He stumbles closer to the police tape that blocks off the door, the image of the crimson moon burns itself in his vision again and he stumbles back. Rubbing his eyes, he turns to leave but he runs into Louis.
Louis: Asher? I didn't expect you'd visit Tem.. Are.. you alright?
He looks concerned, he reaches a hand out to Asher before hesitating and withdrawing it.
Asher: Uh.. Yeah..
Louis: I'm sorry, this must've hit close to home for you..
He looks down, mournful.
Asher: I thought this city would be the last place something like this would happen..
Louis: I guess you came at a bad time, then..
Asher: I'll give you some privacy.
He turns to leave, not waiting around to spend anymore time here.
Louis: Look after yourself, Asher..
Asher: You too, Louis..