Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Everything was engulfed in a flash of light.

To be honest, looking back I had almost expected this. I had always wondered if wormholes to alternate universes existed, like what those mystery shows always talked about. I never thought I would find evidence of one simply stepping into my garden.

 I hadn’t even seen anything unusual. One moment I was walking towards my garden while singing, and the next everything was white. I felt time slow, my body felt weak, and a sense of speed hit me suddenly, like I was moving very fast. The light was still there, blinding me. Suddenly the ground was no longer under my feet.

I landed hard on the ground within moments, gasping for breath as I struggled to rise. My legs weren’t working yet. Every time I told my self to get up it was like there was a ten second delay. I felt like I was jelly. 

After three tries I propped myself up on my knees. 

‘I- What’s going on?’ 

My mind couldn’t answer that question for me. I looked down at myself in a vain attempt to remember. 

My plaid jacket had become undone, and my straw hat lay a few feet to my right. 

I reached for it, dusting it off as I placed it back onto my head. 

‘Try standing again,’ chimed that other voice in my head.

I moved my feet under myself, propped my arms on both sides of myself, and finally succeeded in standing up. 

I felt woozy and unbalanced but tried to ignore it as I attempted to understand the shift in environments. I was swaying back and forth, making it harder to take in my new setting. I was no longer in my garden, that I knew for certain. Yet how I had ended up in a different garden perplexed me. It was very different from my own, as well. This garden had a tall wall around it, and I was facing the side of a shed. My garden didn’t have either of those things... and the flowers! There were types I had never been able to grow back where I lived.

So where was I?

From around the shed corner I could hear someone humming quietly. The voice was female, and I felt comforted by it. If there was someone else here, then I wasn’t really lost. Still… 

I tried to remember how I had ended up here. I had been walking, then there had been a flash. I didn’t know what that meant right now. It didn’t matter. My mind, probably numbed with shock and clouded with confusion, simply told me to ask the nearest person where I was. Currently where I stood blocked me from the sight of whoever I could hear humming, so I turned the corner. Almost immediately I dove back behind the corner of the shed.

Part of me felt silly. I didn’t fully comprehend why my mind told me to dive back to a hiding place. It didn’t matter, because right now I was busy pressing myself against the side of a shed, then peaking out as a small humanoid figure passed to my left without noticing my presence. She was wearing a white student uniform, and in her hand was a flowerpot of small colorful flowers.

Her hair was short and white while her eyes had pupils large enough to make them black. She was smaller, probably only coming up to my hip. Being 6’4” meant that most people were shorter than me, but she was dressed in a high school uniform. Logically, she should have been taller. I wasn't focused on her height right now though. It could have seemed like a normal and harmless description of a person if it wasn’t for one small detail.

She was obviously a humanoid bunny. My mind went into a lapse of denial.

‘Is- is that a person? No, look at the ears. A costume maybe?’

I watched how she moved. No zippers or seams came into view. 

‘It’s not a furry.'

Her back was still turned, but I heard her speak to the flowers in her hand.

“Some new soil, fresh water, and you’ll be grown in no time,” I heard her say.

 I watched silently until she started to turn, then quickly moved to another side of the shed, out of her sight. My mind raced with explanations and scenarios, yet only one word stood out to me.

“Shit,” I whispered quietly. 

“Oh, the water hose!” I heard the bunny say to herself. I glanced to my right where the water hose lay. What luck. It was next to me. 

She came around the corner before I could move. I expected that she would scream, or panic, or yell at me, but she merely kept walking towards me without any hint of fear.

She was five feet from me. I raised up my hands in a gesture that I hoped would be nonthreatening. Thoughts flooded into my mind.

‘Should I say something?’ 

‘No, she’d probably still panic.’

‘Why hasn’t she reacted?’

‘She’s looking right at me… no, right past me.’

She was two feet from me. Everything slowed down.

‘Maybe she’s blind?’ I wondered, still frozen to where I was. The thought of running hadn’t even crossed my mind.

She was about to-

She stepped through me. I felt an odd pulling sensation where she walked through, followed by a chill. I gasped loudly and turned around to face where she stood filling up a watering can. Her face gave off no indication of having noticed she encountered or walked through me.

“No- I- She-” I stuttered. My mind was at a loss, and it took a few second for me to calm down. I didn’t notice the bunny’s ears had perked up when I spoke.

“Am I a ghost?” I asked myself quietly while glancing at my hands. They looked normal to me. I didn’t feel dead, I hadn’t even-

“Excuse me, is someone there?”

I looked up at the bunny. She was looking past me and moving her head to the side to see past the corner. 

“Just me,” I said more to myself than her, “Just the boy who is apparently a ghost-”

“Is this some kind of prank? Is it you Mizuki? Stop being so bitter and-”

The wheels in my mind turned, and I realized that perhaps while I physically hadn’t manifested, my vocals somehow had.

“Can you hear me?” I asked quickly, cutting her off from whatever she was saying. 

“Who said that?” replied the bunny. She began walking forward, peaking over the tops of the bushes looking to see if anyone was hidden in them.

“Can you hear me, yes or no,” I said with as much aggression I could muster. It wasn’t easy to do. I had never been very intimidating or aggressive.

“I can hear you, just not see you. Come out from wherever you’re hiding, and we can talk more.”

“I’m not hiding, I’m actually standing right next to you.” I replied slowly. There wasn’t much else I could say.

The bunny glanced to both side of her and laughed.

“Whoever you are, you’re really good at throwing your voice. Just come out now!” She called out.

My heart sank. She didn’t believe me. I guess I can understand that. If I heard a voice tell me they were next to me but didn’t see anyone, I’d probably also try to find a logical explanation. 

“I am! I’m to your right!” I insisted.

“This isn’t funny anymore. If you don’t want anything, get out!”

I sighed in frustration. I turned, looking for something to hit in as the anger and fear of what was happening took hold. The water can was to the bunnies right, and I kicked it as hard as I could. It flew back into the wall and dented before falling flimsily into a bush. I gasped and ran over to it. 

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t think I’d dent it!” I said as I picked it up. It was made of a thin metal, so one quick push took the dent out of it. I turned to hand the water can back to the bunny. Her face was one of horror and shock.

“The water can is floating,” she said to herself. Then she got louder. “THE WATER CAN IS FLOATING!”

I hadn’t even realized I was interacting with an object. I set the water can down.

‘So I can touch non-living things, just not living things. I wonder if-’

I cut my thoughts short when I remembered that the bunny was still freaking out. 

“I’m sorry!  I didn’t mean to scare you!” I said as I attempted to apologize to her.

 She grabbed a rake from where it leaned against the wall and pointed it to me. I guess that she had pinpointed where my voice was coming from. She began swinging the rake.

“Hey! Stop!” I cried out as the swinging spikes got closer to me.

She continued to swing. The rake moved through me like how the bunny had done, but when I reached out and grabbed it with my hand it struck me. I let out a quick sound of pain, then managed to pull the rake from her hand. She backed away like I was going hit her with it, and I quickly set it down against the wall behind me. 

“Please, stop panicking. I’m not trying to freak you out!”

She blinked twice, then took a step back.

“Well you’re doing just that! Who are you? Why can’t I see you?”

I drew in a breath. This could be my only chance to explain, so it would be good to-

Instead I blurted out the first three things that came to mind.

“My name is Simon Smith, and I have no idea where I am or why I'm invisible.”

Chapter Text

Haru wasn’t scared, per say, she was just uncomfortable. She could hear his voice, and as long as she had her ears she could quickly find the approximate location of the unseen boy named Simon. Still, this didn’t give her much reassurance. She would have preferred to be able to see him.

“So,” came the voice to her right, “where am I?”

Haru didn’t hear him. Her mind couldn’t handle many questions right now, not after everything that had happened in the last five minutes. She was, as much as she hated to admit it, in a daze. 

“Hello? Miss Bunny?”

“Huh? Oh! The garden is part of Cherryton Academy. It’s a large mixed species school.”

“Oh. I guess I should ask this now, but I’m kinda nervous to get an answer.”

The voice was to her left now. She became aware of the sound of footsteps. 

“Can you stop moving around? It’s freaking me out when your voice comes from different directions.”

“Oh, sorry.”

There was the sound of boots scuffing against the ground and the sounds of movement ceased.

“We should go into the shed. The last thing I need is other students seeing me talk to nothing.”

“Uh, yeah, that makes sense.” 

Haru walked over to the shed. The footsteps followed her, but she noticed something different, like the boy was taking smaller steps.

“So, are you a large carnivore?”

“Huh?”

“Your footsteps. They’re heavy, so I want to know what you look like.”

“Oh. I’m 6’4”. I’m wearing large boots and- Hey! Look!”

Haru paused and turned to face where the voice had come from.

“You’re invisible, remember? I can’t see if you’re pointing.”

“Oh, sorry. Look at the glass door.”

Haru turned back to the window, the gasped and stepped away. There was the reflection of someone behind her. She turned and saw no one there, then turned back to the glass. There was definably someone standing there. 

“Your… your face. What’s wrong with it?” she asked hesitantly. 

“What do you mean?”

Haru didn't respond. She had never seen anything like him.

“You don’t have much fur either,” she added.

“This is just what most humans look like. Well they don’t all look like me, but they have physical similar characteristics. Wait, do you not have humans here?”

The reflection moved closer. Haru guessed that the boy was approaching her. From where he stood earlier, she had known he was taller, but as he approached the reflection increased in size. He was very, very tall. Her mind sent her messages to run but she ignored them. The boy was still talking. She focused back on what he was saying.

“Hello? Miss Bunny? Please answer me.”

“Huh? Stop calling me bunny," she said with an accidental harshness. 

"You didn't give me your name though."

"Oh, right. It's Haru."

"Haru, do you have humans here?”

“Sorry,” she replied without looking away from the reflection, “I’ve never heard of a human.”

There was the sound of heavy breathing, then the sound of someone falling to the ground. The reflection confirmed the boy had indeed sat down. His face was contorted and Haru could see his face looking flustered.

“Did I say something? I didn’t mean to upset you! Come on, we can sort this out in the shed now,” she said quickly. She was suddenly concerned. If someone saw her right now comforting what was seemingly nothing she would end up known as both promiscuous and crazy, and that was the last thing she needed right now. 

“H-Hang on, I-I’m having a pan-anic attack,” came the voice. She could hear him as he gasped and wheezed heavily. 

“Well I can’t stand here forever. I’m already probably looking crazy. How do you manage your panic attacks?”

“I-I, uh, usua-usually sing."

“Then sing. The sooner you can function the sooner we can figure everything out in the shed.”

“Alright… a-any requests?” asked the voice. It sounded strained, and Haru could hear the loud breathing continue.

“It doesn’t matter to me.”

There was a quick acknowledgment and the sound of a deep breath. Then the singing began, and Haru felt time slow. 

‘He's- It's very good. I didn't really expect that,’ she thought as she listened.

The vocals were shaky and his breathing uneven, but she assumed it was because he was having a panic attack. She shook the thoughts from her head and sat down to listen to the voice.

“There’ll be b-bluebirds over, the w-white cliffs of Dover, t-tomorrow, just you wait and s-see…”

The song drifted over campus slowly. For the animals that were close enough to actually hear the voice, the song was a welcomed surprise to their day. This was especially true for the red deer who stood at the foot of the stairs leading to the drama room. 

‘It’s got a nice tone. Even too. He can’t hold a pitch very long though. Still… it’s decent,’ the deer thought to himself.

His ears located the source and his head turned towards the outdoor garden.

‘Did Haru get a new member for the garden club?’ he wondered, ‘Or is it one of her…costumers?’

 He decided that once he was finished meeting with the stage crew about the costume design he would head over to the garden and ask Haru who had been singing. 

Chapter Text

“You’re really good at singing”

I looked up at Haru. She was standing at a table across the room and pouring some water into two cups. She picked them up and walked back to where she had told me to sit.

“Thanks. I like the garden you have here,” I replied as I looked out the window.

“Oh, thanks. It’s not easy doing it by myself, but I manage. The flowers rely on me.”

“It’s just you? That’s amazing!”

“Yeah, well, I guess,” she said awkwardly as she held out the cup. She was holding it out a foot to my rights opposed to in front of me, but that didn’t matter. 

“Thanks,” I said as I took the cup and sipped it slowly.

“So what’s your plan now?” she asked.

“I’m not really sure. I’m all alone here, animals are humanoid, and no one can see me. I’m basically trapped with no place to go.”

“You could stay here, I guess,” suggested Haru. 

“Thanks for the offer. That would take care of having a place to sleep at least. I’d still need to figure out how I’m going to keep clean and eat.”

“There are changerooms with showers near the gym and rehearsal hall. And I could bring food out. I usually eat out here anyway.”

“Really? You’d do that?”

“I guess so.”

“Thank you,” I said excitably, “How can I repay you for this?”

“Just help out around here. You can probably lift heavier things.”

I got up quickly and walked to the door.

“I can do that. Do you have anything that needs to be done right now?”

Haru looked from the chair to the door I stood next to.

“Did you move again? You need to tell me when you’re moving, otherwise I’ll just end up talking to an empty chair.”

“Oops, I’ll try to remember that.”

Haru shifted uncomfortably. 

“Oh, one more thing I should tell you.”

“Yeah?”

“When I go into the shed with the people who stop by, please go for a walk around campus or something.”

“Oh, sure,” I said. Haru must of thought I wasn’t being serious. 

“I’m serious. If I find out you stayed in the garden, I’ll-”

There was a knock at the door. I turned back towards it and jumped back at the sight of a deer standing on the other side.

“Should I stay or go now?” I asked quietly.

“You should go explore the campus,” came Haru’s whispered reply.

The deer was obviously used to walking into the shed. He opened the door before Haru reached it and let himself in. 

“Haru,” the deer said. His voice radiated with confidence.

“Louis, I wasn’t expecting you today.”

“Thought I’d stop by quick. How are you, Haru?”

“I’m good. So, what’s up?”

“I wanted to ask you who was singing earlier.”

“Oh, uh, that was a radio.”

“A radio?”

“Uh, yeah. I had one up here for a bit.”

“Just to play one song?”

“Y-Yeah.”

The deer was staring at her. He stepped out of the doorway and I took this as my chance to slip outside. The deer was facing away from my reflection, so I gave a wave to Haru before walking away. That way she would know that I had left. I could still here them talking as I walked towards the garden entrance. 

“Don’t lie to me Haru. Whoever that was, he caught my attention. That doesn’t happen very often.”

“It was no one, Louis.”

The voices became muffled and I couldn’t make anything else out. I stopped and looked around outside of the garden door. The garden looked like it was on the third or fourth floor of this building. In front of me was a railing that overlooked a courtyard with a large fountain in the middle. This railing and open walkway ran down the length of the building, one side covered in the doors and windows of what I guessed were classrooms or dorms, and the other side was made up of the railing. 

To my left were stone stairs that looked like they led down to the floor below. I turned left and started to walk down them. My footsteps were loud, and I quickly slowed down my pace to make less noise. I reached another flight of stairs and went down them as well. Then another flight. Now I was on the courtyard grounds looking around nervously. There were animals everywhere. I felt another pull and chill as a something walked through me. It was a… peacock? They looked terrifying with a humanoid body. I shuddered and then looked back around the courtyard. 

‘Haru said there was a drama auditorium around here… If I can find that then I can find a place where I can wash,’ I thought to myself.

I began walking across the courtyard. None of the animals gave the slightest indication they could see me. I relaxed slightly and glanced down. I tensed again. Dust from either the garden or the courtyard had settled onto my boots. I wondered if it would create an outline of my boots. I kept walking, my pace getting faster now. I didn’t want to be near anyone-

“Hey, what’s that?” I heard someone say behind me.

 I didn’t stop to look back.

I kept walking faster. I made it past the center of the courtyard, marked by the white fountain. 

“What’s what? I don’t see anything,” came another voice.

“Ugh, never mind. Thought I saw something.”

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. That was close.

I was across the courtyard now. There was another set of stone stairs leading upwards. A sign with an arrow pointing up them read “Rehearsal Hall.”

I reached the top of the stairs and paused at the large doors. I glanced back to make sure no one was watching, then opened the door slightly and slipped inside.

Chapter Text

So far the sorting of old props and costumes was going well. There were still some boxes to be sorted and a couple props to be labelled and stored, but Legosi knew that this would only take another hour or so. It didn’t matter anyway. Despite his shy nature he usually enjoyed working in groups. He got up from where he had sat sorting boxes, then quietly surveyed the group he was with. 

There was Mina, a giraffe and one of the stage set and prop makers. Next to her was Fudge, a red panda and a costume designer. He was hanging up old costumes with the help of Kibi, an anteater who was also a costume designer. As for himself, wasn’t really supposed to be here. Legosi was part of the lighting crew, but when Kibi asked him if he could help he didn’t know what else to say. 

‘It’s quiet, anyway,’ the grey wolf thought, ‘At least I can-’

“Is someone else suppose to be here today?”

He snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Mina. She was peering out of the doorway that lead from the storage room they were into the main stage. Beyond the light of the storeroom was the almost pitch black darkness of the stage.

“Huh? No one. Why Mina?” replied Fudge. He had also gotten up and walked over to where Mina stood.

“I thought I heard footsteps. Legosi, you’re good at hearing. Is someone coming?”

“Oh, uh,” said Legosi, “sure. Everyone be quiet.”

Everyone settled, trying not to move, while Legosi listened.

Clop-Clop-Clop-Clop

“I think someone’s walking onto the stage,” he said.

“Why? We didn’t even turn on the lights. To anyone walking in the drama auditorium would look empty,” said Kibi as he walked over to the door as well.

“There’s a curtain that is blocking the light from reaching the stage,” began Mina, “Maybe they don’t know we’re back here-”

She was cut off suddenly when from the stage came the sound of someone singing.

“I’m, always chasing rainbowwssss, watching clouds drifting byyyyyy…”

“Who is that?” asked Fudge as he leaned his head out the door and looked towards the stage.

“Can you see them?” asked Legosi. He stood behind the three others who crowded around the door. The singing continued.

“But my life is a race, just a wild goose chase, and my dreams have all been denied.”

“Should we go out and see?” asked Kibi.

“They might stop and run away if we do,” replied Mina.

“Shhh. I want to keep listening,” said Fudge is a harsh whisper. Legosi didn’t blame him. Whoever was singing was doing a great job, although it was eerie to hear coming from a dark stage in an empty theatre.

Mina leaned her head back in and turned back to face Legosi.

“It’s too dark. Legosi, you’re a wolf. Come look and see who it is.”

“Huh? Oh, ok, I guess.”

They moved aside so the wolf could look.

“Some people look to find the sunshine, I always look and find the rain, belieeeeevvvveeee meeeee,” the voice sang out.

Legosi could easily pinpoint where the noise came from, and with his eyesight the darkness wasn’t a problem either. What was the problem was the fact that although he could pinpoint the singing coming from the center of the stage, his eyes couldn’t see anyone. He pulled his head back into the storage room.

“Well?” asked Mina.

“I- uh-”

“Did you see them or not?” asked Kibi.

“I can hear them. I can pinpoint where they are standing, but…”

“But what?” said Fudge in confusion.

“No one's standing in the spot the music’s coming from.”

Kibi laughed nervously. 

“There has to be someone singing, obviously,” he said with a hint of fear in his voice. The song was still drifting through the air.

“I’m always chasing rainbows, looking to find a little bluebird in vainnnnnnnnnn.”

“Maybe you just didn’t see them-” began Kibi.

The singing stopped. The four animals turned to the door as the footsteps began coming their way.

“Hurry! Hide! Maybe they’ll come in and we can see who it is!” suggested Mina as she ran behind a rack of costumes.

Kibi and Fudge had dived behind some boxes already. Legosi looked around, startled. He doubted he could hide, so instead he pulled himself up against one side of the door. When the mystery singer came in he could block the door so they couldn’t run out in embarrassment. 

The footsteps got closer.

Clop-Clop-Clop-Clop.

They reached the door, then stepped into the room. Legosi hoped the other animals could see what he was seeing. There were footsteps, yet no one was there. There was the sound of hymning as the unseen figure walked further into the storage room. He heard them turn.

Clang!

Kathump!

There was a sound of something falling, and Legosi looked over towards where Mina had hidden. She had fainted and pulled down the rack onto of herself. A black spotted costume lay next to her.

 Legosi’ brain was in overdrive. 

‘I- Gh-Ghost- He- I-’ came the jumbled mess of his thoughts. He hated how indecisive he was whenever he would get nervous. 

Legoshi’s thoughts were cut short when there was the sound of a scream. It sounded more surprised than threatening, but it froze him in place. The footsteps began again at a pace that suggested the unseen figure was running towards him. He panicked, suddenly terrified that the ghost was running at him. Instead the footsteps veered towards where Mina laid, and Legosi suddenly realized that when Mina had fallen with the rack she had knocked into a shelf as well. He glanced up in horror.

A heavy looking box was teetering on the edge, right above where Mina's head was. 

His mind cleared and instincts took over as he ran forward hoping to catch the box as it slid off the shelf edge and began to fall. Legoshi reached his hands out to catch it and felt it brush against the tips of his claws. He panicked.

He had missed it. Would Mina be ok? It was about to hit-

There was a grunt as the box stopped in the air with two feet to spare from striking Mina’s head. It floated there for a moment, then moved to the side and fell harmlessly to the ground away from Mina's head. The box split open on impact and there was the sound of glass shattering and metal crunching. From one of the splintered ends Legosi could see the remains of a spotlight. 

There was a collective sigh of relief from both Legosi and the unseen force, then the sounds of the figures footsteps as it ran past him and out of the room.

Legosi stood there stunned along with Kibi. Fudge was helping a now awoken Mina. She groaned and sat up, then glanced at the splintered box next to her.

"Oh..." she said quietly.

“What just happened?” asked Kibi. His voice sounded dazed.

“I have no idea,” replied a wide-eyed Legosi. He stood frozen in place, looking out the door and into the black void beyond it. 

Chapter Text

“You really should be more careful, you know. What if something had happened?”

“Um, Haru? I’m two feet to your left.”

“Oh.”

She turned to face me.

“Am I making eye contact with you?”

“Raise your head abit.”

She looked up slightly. 

“There. Now you kinda are.”

“Good. Anyhow, you should be more careful, Simon,” she said sharply.

“I didn’t even know they were in there. I turned and there was a fainted giraffe tangled in some costumes and a wolf at the door,” I argued.

“That doesn't matter. You need to use caution. Besides that near disaster in the rehearsal hall, Louis also heard you singing.”

“Who’s Louis?”

Haru sighed.

“Louis is a very popular red deer and an important part of the drama club here. I think he was interested in recruiting you because of your singing.”

“Oh. That’s nice of him.”

“That’s not the point,” said Haru pointedly, “You're drawing in too much attention. I think you shouldn’t sing in the open anymore.”

“What? Just stop singing?”

“I didn’t say you had too. Just find a place where no one will be so you can sing without anyone hearing you,” explained Haru.

I nodded.

“I guess I could do that. What time is everything usually locked up here?”

“Most buildings close at 11 at night.”

“I could sneak into the rehearsal hall before they lock the doors. I saw a couch I could sleep on.”

“I thought we agreed you could sleep here though. And besides, the drama club sometimes practices until a few minutes until everything is locked.”

“I’ll sneak in, wait until everyone is gone, and then sing or sleep. It’ll be fine.”

“I’m still not sure if that’s the best idea Simon.”

“If it lets me sing abit, then it’s worth it.”

"What's so important about it that you need to sing everyday?" she asked.

"It's... nothing. I just really like to."

That wasn't a lie, technically. I really did like to sing. That just wasn't the reason why I had the need to sing everyday.

Haru sighed.

“Alright, fine. Now that this is settled though, will you help me with some planting?” asked Haru, “I need to move some heavy pots. I forgot to ask Louis for help when he was here.”

“Of course,” I said with a smile. Haru couldn’t see it, but I had read somewhere that people can tell if someone is smiling when they talk without having to see their facial expression.

The next few hours past by quickly. I hadn't really had a chance to explore the garden. The seer amount of flowers, and the colors! I though my garden was nice, but Haru seemed to run hers in that odd institutional way that schools often set up. 

"I'm still amazed by how great these look," I said to her while watering some roses.

"Oh. Thank you. It's just something I really enjoy. Rabbits like greenery," Haru replied. She was kneeling at the edge of a flowerbed and planting tulips.

She glanced up from where she kneeled when there was a knock at the garden door. 

"Someone's here. You should probably go for abit."

"Oh," I said slightly hesitant, "Alright. I'll be back within the hour."

"When you get back, I'll go get supper from the cafeteria and come back here, ok?"

"Ok. See you later then," I said as I got up and dusted off the dirt that made a faint outline of my knees.

I walked with Haru over to the door. She opened it to let in the visitor. Another bunny stepped in. He had an interesting black and white pattern and wore a school unifrom. I walked through him and out into the hall as Haru let him in and closed the door. I glanced around, wondering what to do.

'You could go sing in the-'

'No, I told Haru I wouldn't do that. I've been here a day and I've already had two close calls. Better to go down to the courtyard and just sit.'

I walked down the stairs until I reached the courtyard, then I made my way to a bench. I sat down with a sigh. Animals walked by, never once suspecting that the empty bench they walked past was in fact occupied. It didn't matter anyway. I felt a wave of the sadness I hated so much run through me. There wasn't any way for me to interact with anyone with out scaring them. I was useless for almost everything again. I heard someone else sit down next to me.

What looked like a white alpaca sat down, narrowly avoiding sitting through me by two inches. In his hand he held a letter with the words "To Els, From Tem" written in the corner in handwriting. He sighed loudly, then looked up as a female sheep walked past him. She waved and smiled at him, then kept going with the crowd of students hurrying to their classes. He glanced down at the letter in his hand, then groaned and shoved it into his pocket. 

I understood exactly how he felt. An idea popped into my head. I got up slowly, trying not to make a noise, and walked behind him. 

"Go for it," I whispered very slowly, trying to make sure the breeze that blew past carried my voice to him. Hopefully he wouldn't be able to tell that the voice came from behind him.

He straightened up and looked to both sides in confusion, then reached for his pocket and pulled out the letter. He smiled, then pushed it back down and stood up. I watched him start to walk in the direction the female sheep. The smile never left his face. I realized I was smiling again too. 

Maybe I just needed to be careful and chose the right moments to interact with the animals around me. I didn't have to be useless. I could help others, and I knew of another place besides Haru's garden where it seemed help was needed. I got up from the bench and began to walk towards the rehearsal hall again. 

Chapter Text

It had been a week. Drama club was about to start up its rehearsals and Louis the red deer was having a slight crisis. The club had all the members they needed, himself included, and the crew were already preparing the designs for the sets and props. Everything seemed like it was going well, but there was still the matter of-

“It happened again!” shouted Dom as he came running out onto the stage from the storage room. Everyone turned to where he stood. Louis could already hear the usual whispers. 

Louis sighed heavily. They had just gotten here an hour ago for the third official practice. What had already gone wrong? And couldn’t that peacock be less… loud? He felt frustration and annoyance bubble up. He took a breath to calm himself, then started to talk. 

“What did?” he asked an annoyed tone.

“Oh, Louis, I-I didn’t know you were here,” stuttered the peacock. All eyes were on them now.

“Well I am. So tell me, what is it?” said Louis condescendingly. 

“You’ll want to see it yourself,” Dom replied before hurrying back to the storage room. 

Louis looked around at the others who had gathered and sighed. 

‘Great, almost everyone heard that,’ he thought in annoyance. 

“Everyone, please get back to what you were doing,” ordered the red deer. As if suddenly realizing they were gathered around staring, the other drama members around him dissipated and returned to what they were doing. 

Louis shook his head and walked into the storage room to where Dom stood. He looked around. Everything looked totally normal.

“I don’t see anything wrong. I tasked you with cleaning up everything and it looks like you did just that,” said Louis. His annoyance was growing again. 

“That’s the thing. I didn’t do this. I opened the door and the room had cleaned itself,” replied the peacock nervously. He didn’t want Louis to get mad, but-

“This is the third time this week that someone’s done this! I want to know who keeps hiding here when we lock the doors for the night and why they always clean and organize things!” 

Yup, Louis was raising his voice in anger again. It always intimidated everyone, and the poor peacock and head of production was no exception. 

“You were here last night after practice with us. No one was in here hiding, we checked!”

“Well we must have missed a spot. First it was the costumes being hung up, then the stage being swept, and now this? Tonight, I want everyone to-”

“Uh, Louis?” came a voice from the door. 

The red deer felt another straw of patience snap. He turned towards the door.

Most people would have recognized the grey wolf named Legosi. All Louis saw was the enigma of a wolf who he couldn’t ever fully understand. 
“What do you want?” Louis snapped to the wolf.

“Els and Shelia just found something. You might want to come look,” said the grey wolf awkwardly. He was always so quiet and antisocial. That was one more reason for Louis to feel angered by his gentle manner. 

“This better be good, Legosi.”

“It- It might be.”

“Does it involve whoever keeps getting in here at night and cleaning up?” asked Dom eagerly. He felt that he should thank whoever was helping out, but the other part of him felt uneasy. How could this mystery helper avoid detection when they prepared to lock the doors for the night?

“Sort of,” replied the grey wolf hesitantly.

 
“Show me,” said Louis with a fiery edge to his voice.

Chapter Text

“Els?” asked Louis with an odd look on his face. Legosi had led him and Dom to the makeup and dressing room behind the stage, where they found Els and Shelia standing together and staring at a couch that sat in the corner.

“Shhhh…” whispered Shelia. Her eyes were focused on the couch. Legosi had joined them in staring at it. 
Louis sighed.

“What’s going on?” Louis whispered. 

“Look at the couch,” came Els whispered response. Both Louis and Dom followed the collective gazes until they too noticed it.

“Is that-” began Dom, only to be cut off.

“Someone’s sitting on that couch,” said Els. Her voice sounded nervous but otherwise blank. 

“It’s just an indent,” said Louis in an attempt to explain the odd shaped indentation on the cushion. 

“I’m sure there’s an explanation for it,” whispered Legosi with a nod, “but I feel the explanation might be-”

“Stop with the ghost stories, Legosi. Obviously the crate hit something that knocked it away from Mina at the last second, not a ghost!” snapped Louis.

Legosi stepped back slightly with his head down. He hated the idea of having a confrontation, even if he was telling the truth. 

“Even Kibi and Fudge-” began Shelia

“They were probably shaken up and in shock at Mina’s near miss,” whispered Louis sharply, “There is no such thing as-”

“I think it shifted,” whispered Els, still gazing at the couch indent.

The last straw of patience broke in Louis.

“I’ll prove it right now,” said Louis, no longer bothering to whisper. His voice once again sounding quite annoyed. He marched over to the couch and raised his hand to smack the indent and fluff the couch. He brought it down hard. 

The indent didn’t budge. He struck it again, then again. It still didn't disappear. 

He raised up his hand a fourth time and brought it down. It stopped midair and Louis’ eyes shot wide open. 

To anyone else it would appear that Louis was only hesitating. For Louis and the others who were watching though, the sound of Louis’ arm striking unseen flesh confirmed the fact he hadn’t stopped willingly.

Something grabbed his hand to block the next strike. The force let go and as his arm dropped to his side. They watched the indent vanished as the sounds of someone running away echoed through the dressing room. The five animals in attendance simply stared at the receding footsteps. 

Louis snapped out of it first and glanced to the others. They all looked calm and composed.

“I expected more panic,” said Louis flatly. They turned to him.

“W-Well, it’s kinda weird… but it hasn’t done anything bad,” said Els, “We herbivories can sense danger pretty well. I didn’t feel any. Just uneasiness, like it didn’t like us watching it.”

"I agree," said Shelia, "If it wanted to it could of pushed or hit you Louis. Instead it blocked your slap."

Louis thought about what they said for a moment. It was true, he didn't feel fear for whatever had blocked his hand, just surprise and a bit of shock. And Shelia was right. It didn't retaliate further besides seemingly defending itself. He was temporarily lost in his thoughts until another voice broke through.

“So, what now?” asked Legosi.

Louis glanced around to make sure they were the only ones who had seen the event happen. No one else had noticed the small group in the dressing room. He sighed, then straightened himself out. 

“No one tells anyone. If I hear anyone mention it again, I’ll kick you out of this club myself,” he said harshly.

“You can’t just-” began Shelia.

“I said no more talking about it!” he said again, louder. Everyone went quiet. He continued.

“If word got out about this we would be finished. No one will want to join a club with a ghost in it.” 

“It’s not like it did anything bad,” said Dom, “it saved Mina-”

“Enough!” snapped Louis, “This is ridiculous. No one mentions what happened. I’ll have the same talk with Mina, Kibi, and Fudge later. Now, get back to what you were doing before!”

They filed out the door and went back to work. Legosi was the last to leave. He remained quiet. Perhaps it would appear he was following Louis’ orders. In actuality it was because he was busy thinking of a plan. 

Chapter Text

I stood on the catwalk where the spotlights were mounted and sighed. I hadn’t meant to block the deer’s hand, but I had felt angry by how much he had ridiculed everyone for the rumours about the ghost. 

I just wanted to see his face go from filled with confidence to filled with realization that he was wrong. It was also worth it hearing his condescending tone vanish for those few seconds he realized that something had blocked his hand. Speaking of that…

I took off my jacket and rolled up my shirt sleeve to check where our arms made contact. It was badly bruised.

‘They’re all so strong compared to me.’

‘Animals typically are though. Why are you surprised?’

‘I-’

The ladder leading up to the catwalk creaked, causing me to glance over to it. The grey wolf came up and got to work moving a spotlight. He was holding a small checklist that he looked at every minute or so as he tinkered with the spotlight and wiring. He moved to another spotlight and began to check through the bolts that held it in place. He seemed lost in thoughts, maybe even distracted. It didn’t matter, it wasn’t my problem-

“Hey Legosi, don’t screw up!” someone shouted from below. Their voice was laced in mocking. I leaned over the railing and saw the tiger laughing below with a shit-eating grin on his face. He seemed like the obnoxious and cocky type from the few times I had seen him at the practices. I looked back at the wolf beside me. He looked unfazed and unbothered.

 I wonder if he was like me in that sense, hiding away the feelings and staying bottled up. At least for me there was singing to let out the emotions that built up throughout the day. I found myself wondering about how the wolf released his emotions. Maybe he didn’t. 

I watched when his hand slipped and he dropped the wrench. It landed at my feet and without thinking I bent down to pick it up to give it back to him. I realized too late that once again I had screwed up. I was used to screwing things up anyway. The only time I didn’t was when I sang or when I gardened. I felt the sadness build up in-

The wolf slowly reached out and took the floating wrench. I couldn’t read his face, although I expected that at any moment he would-

“Thanks.”

I looked up at him from where I was knelt. He was looking past me, like Haru does, but I knew I shouldn’t try to correct him. I started to walk away as quietly as I could.

“Wait, I know your walking away!” he called quietly. I stopped suddenly and looked back, waiting for him to continue. His hearing must have been sharp. I guess it made sense. He was a wolf after all. 

“Who are you? Can you talk?” he asked.

He still thought I was a ghost, but the fact that startled me was that despite this he was trying to hold a conversation. I enjoyed the effort and I really did want to answer him. Haru was great to talk to, but that was only when she wanted to talk. Otherwise she was always silent or speaking softly to her flowers. Admittedly the isolation and very little contact was weighing on me. Yesterday I had started to feel depressed again. It took a lot of singing last night to start to distract myself from it.

“Is it alright if we call you ghost? Do you have a name?"

My eagerness to try a conversation with someone besides Haru began to get the better of me. The wolf continued to speak.

“My name is Legosi. Will you tell me yours?”

Oh, screw it. What was one more mistake in the mountain of ones I’ve made anyway?

“Simon. My name is Simon,” I replied slowly. The wolf’s ears moved slightly as he tried to figure out where my voice came from. He moved his head slightly upwards and to the left. 

“Huh, you’re taller than me, Simon,” he said in surprise. 

“…”

How do I respond? This was ridiculous. If I started talking it would expose me too much. The nervousness returned. I began to walk away.

“Wait! I didn't mean to upset you!”

I hesitated. I didn’t want to be rude, but I figured I had already said too much. Still though…

“It's not that. Good-bye Legosi,” I said quickly and quietly as I slowly descended the ladder down to the floor. I hoped no one else would hear me. The wolf just watched me go, gazing silently in a way that made me almost regret leaving.

I watched the rest of the practice quietly. The roles had been assigned by now for the play they would do. A zebra left her script behind at the back, so I sat there slowly skimming through it and turning the pages as discreetly as I could. The plot  looked good, albeit somewhat violent. It was a tragedy of some sort. 

The title simply read "Adler." 

I had never heard of it before, and that lead to me spending the next few hours contemplating whether or not this world I had ended up in had experienced the same events and pop-culture that the world I came from had. I wouldn’t know until I asked Haru I suppose. 

It was 10 pm now. Most members had left for the night and the few that remained were crew. I saw the wolf still checking spotlights. At the sound booth there was a female squirrel going through some music files. That peacock and anteater were somewhere in the back arguing about what color the costumes should be for the set designs that had been drawn up. Oh, and there was a pelican who looked like he was in charge of a lot of things talking to the deer. 

Another hour passed. Everyone had left now and I took this opportunity to walk onto the stage area and flip a switch to turn on a light. The few boxes that had been left out were soon put back into the storage room, so I grabbed a broom. My mind went through a list of songs that would suit the mood I felt before landing on one that would either cheer me up or further sadden me. 
I took a breath and began to sing as I swept.

“Let’s go in the garden, you’ll find something waiting, right there where you left it, lying upside down.”

Above me the light shone brightly. The only noise was the broom against the floor and my voice.

“When you finally find it, you’ll see how it faded, the underside is lighter when you turn it around.”

I didn’t hear the footsteps behind me.

“Everything stays, right where you left it, everything stays, but it still chang-”

“H-Hello?”

I dropped the broom immediately. Now at least whoever was behind me couldn’t-

“Are you the g-ghost?”

I turned around to see the alpaca that I had whispered the encouragement to in the courtyard. He looked frightened, and I wondered why he hadn’t screamed or fled when he heard me and saw a floating broom.

I realized he was waiting for an answer.

 
Should I reply? I had already talked to someone today. What if he told everyone? 

But didn’t I want to be able to talk to others? I had failed to with the wolf, but maybe I could be more comfortable talking to him. 

Part of me insisted I try while the other part of me screamed for me to stop and escape. I could run for the door-

“M-My name’s Tem. W-What’s yours?”

My mind settled on what to do. I began to speak but couldn’t find the words. I stopped and took a breath, then tried again.

“I’m Simon,” I replied as non-threateningly as I could.

The alpaca nodded. He seemed much calmer now.

“It’s nice to meet you, Simon.”

Chapter Text

Tem hadn’t intended to fall asleep during the drama practice, but he didn’t sleep at all the night before. The nervousness of giving Els the letter had kept him awake. He scolded himself for not giving her the letter after the boost of confidence he had gotten in the courtyard just over a week ago. He couldn’t of, anyway. She was with all her friends by the time he caught up to her and he didn’t want to embarrass her. 

He slept on, hidden from sight in the costumes area behind the stage. His dreams were normal enough. He was walking through a garden as a song played. 

“Let’s go in the garden, you’ll find something waiting, right there where you left it, lying upside down.”

He woke up with a start. The voice was the same one that had urged him to give Els the letter in the courtyard. Of course he had heard the rumours about a ghost. Mina said it saved her, while other members had mentioned how it would sometimes clean up the stage and put things away. However, because he was a cast member instead of crew, he hadn’t really seen any of those things.

 
“When you finally find it, you’ll see how it faded, the underside is lighter when you turn it around.”

He gulped and got up from the pile of costumes he had fallen asleep in and began to slowly walk forward. He stayed behind one of the curtains and peeked out from behind it. The stage appeared to be empty except for three tiny things. The song, the footsteps, and the broom that was currently sweeping the stage floor without anyone visibly holding it. 
He ducked back behind the curtain. His mind raced. What should he do? No one had said the ghost was bad. Would it be ok to try to talk to it? 

‘Maybe I could help it move on,’ he thought to himself. If he could talk to a ghost then maybe then he could also find the confidence to talk to Els.

He peeked out again. Its song sounded so sad. He made up his mind and tried to calm himself before stepping out from the curtain and walking towards the broom. The singing continued and he hoped it meant the ghost hadn’t noticed him yet.

“Everything stays, right where you left it, everything stays, but it still chang-”

“H-Hello?” he said. His voice was shaky and he tried to calm himself down more. He didn’t want the ghost to think he was scared, but he also wanted to be polite and avoid surprising the ghost too much.

The song stopped as the broom dropped to the floor, no longer held up by invisible hands. He heard the sound of someone turning around quickly. 

He flinched slightly, then kept talking.

“Are you the g-ghost? Y-You're very good at s-singing.”

He heard a quiet response.

"Thank you."

There was silence. He didn’t feel threatened, but he did feel uneasy. He wondered if the ghost was still there. 

“M-My name’s Tem. W-What’s yours?” he asked. Maybe if he could introduce himself the ghost would-

“I’m Simon,” replied a voice from in front of him. 

Tem nodded. Having a name to call the ghost made him much more comfortable. 

“It’s nice to meet you, Simon,” he said.

“Likewise.”

He paused for a second. What else was there to ask. Maybe about-

“I saw you got casted for one of the main roles. I think you’re great at the practices.”

He looked at where the voice had come from.

“Oh, uh, thank you.”

There was an awkward silence.

“Did you get locked in? I can probably help you get out,” said the voi- No, not voice, Simon. It would take him awhile to get used to calling the ghost by his name. 

“I guess I did. You sound familiar. Have I heard you before?”

“You’re the one who likes Els, right?”

Tem looked around embarrassed. Had he made it that obvious during the drama practices?

“How would you-”

It clicked suddenly as he realized how Simon would know. 

“You were the voice in the courtyard!” he exclaimed suddenly.

He heard Simon laugh.

“You almost sat on me when you sat down. I thought maybe I could help. Did she like the letter?”

“Oh," the alpaca said awkwardly, "Well, I didn’t give it to her. She looked busy and her friends were-”

Simon's voice interrupted his own.

“Trust me, life goes by fast. Don’t put things off. You’ll regret them someday.”

He thought for a moment. It kinda made more sense when the ghost said it.

“I’ll try again tomorrow, I guess,” said the alpaca. 

“I know you can’t see me, but I’m smiling right now,” said Simon with a chuckle.

Tem felt himself smile back. He suddenly remembered he had questions about… Simon.

“So were you a past student?” he asked, “Did you die here? Why does your ghost-”

“Oh, right. You think I’m a ghost.”

Tem blinked.

“What do you mean? You’re not a ghost?” he asked.

“Well… kinda. It’s hard to explain,” replied Simon.

“We have all night,” said Tem as he glanced at his watch. He was really curious now. If Simon wasn’t a ghost like they thought, then what could he possibly be?
There was a sigh.

“If you put that persistence to better use you would probably be dating Els by now,” said Simon.

He laughed, then shrugged.

“I just really want to know.”

“First, follow me to the dance practice area. They have mirrors on the wall.”

“Why are mirrors important?”

“It’ll help explain a few things.”

He heard the footsteps begin to walk. 

“Hey, wait up!” he said as he hurried after them.

“Oh, sorry. I guess you have shorter legs.”

They walked off the stage and to the large dance area where the dance members usually practiced. Mirrors and a rail lined one side. With a flick of the switch the area was filled with light from the bulbs above. They stopped right before the mirrors.

“I’m kinda tall, and I look different. Just try not to freak out,” said Simon.

Tem nodded. He still didn’t understand why they needed mirrors, and what about what Simon had said? Was he disfigured? He said he wasn’t a ghost, but that made no sense-

The footsteps walked in front of the mirror and Tem gasped. There was a reflection of someone in it. He glanced back over to the floor to make sure no one was actually standing there, then looked back at the mirror. 

The figure was tall, wearing a plaid jacket with old blue jeans and wore out suede boots. On his head was a round straw hat that concealed his face. His hands were covered by black gloves. 
He certainly looked like a ghost gardener. 

Slowly the figure reached up for his hat, then faltered.

“Are you sure you wont panic when you see my face?” asked the figure in the mirror as he gestured to himself.

 Tem shrugged. He made way more progress then he had hoped to do in one night. 

“If you don’t want to you don’t have to. I’m sure I’ll be fine if you do though,” he replied.

The figure in the mirror thought for a moment, then reached up to take off his hat.

Tem’s eyes widened. The face was certainly different. It was flatter, the eyes were odd and so were the ears. The nose shape was something he had never seen before. There was no hair covering Simon’s face, only at the top. It was a dirty blonde color that was combed upwards at the front. There were some small scars and divots on his face. The figure put his hat back on and took off his gloves. The hands were odd too, but also similar to Tem. There were scars on the hands too, especially on the knuckles. 

“I’m not from here.”

“I can see that,” said Tem slowly. He went through his mind trying to think of similar species to what Simon looked like, but his mental search yielded nothing.

“I think I stepped through something. Do you know the theories about alternate universes?” asked Simon. Tem nodded.

“Like where each one has different changes?”

“Yeah, that. I think I proved their existence about a week and so ago.”

“That’s… that’s amazing!” exclaimed Tem. This was something even cooler than a ghost!

“Speak for yourself. No one can see me. I’m apparently a phantom of the drama club. I don’t mind it; except I can’t really talk to anyone.”

“So no one else knows about you?” he asked. Where had Simon stayed this whole time?

“There is one other who knows I’m here and talks to me. And someone else did today at the drama practice. I kinda got nervous and ran off after saying my name,” explained Simon with a hint of embarrassment."

“Why don’t you talk to everyone in the club? I’m sure they-”

“No, I can’t. If I did that then I’m scared it would attract the attention of bad people. I can’t walk through walls you know. I’d be trapped if someone got me in a cage."

"What about the ones that say you moved things?"

"I can interact with others if I touch them with my hands, but if I don't they just walk through me. I can interact with inanimate objects just fine, but if something hits me it just passes through me unless I touch it with my hands.”

Simon had a point, and it made sense to Tem. If he was in a place where he was unique or really different then it would probably attract unwanted attention.

“So where do you stay?” he asked in an attempt to change the conversation to something Simon might want to talk about.

“A friend I made here helps me. She makes sure I have food and whatever else I need.”

“So you sleep there?”

“No, not really. I stay here at night.”

“What about staying clean? Don't your clothes get dirty?”

“I use the showers in the change room. I do it at night so no one seems my outline in the steam.”

“You’re pretty smart to think of that. Does dust and powder also make an outline?”

“Yeah. It's like I don't need to touch it with my hands to make it cling to me. It just does."

It went quiet again. Simon broke the silence after a few moments.

"Do you want me to help you get out now?”

“Sure, but didn’t you say you can’t go through walls?”

“Yeah, but I can lift you.”

“Lift me- woah!”

Tem felt hands grab him and lift him up towards a window that was open at the top. It would be large enough for him to slip out of and land outside.

“Oh, sorry. I should have told you first I guess.”

Tem laughed. It felt so odd to be lifted like that. If anyone saw him they would think he was flying! He was close enough to the open part of the window to climb onto it. He looked back down.

“Thanks Simon. Can I talk to you more tomorrow? Wait, no, I’m meeting with a friend tomorrow. Is Friday ok?”

“It’s fine with me. Just try not to get locked inside,” replied Simon with a chuckle. 

“Alright, I’ll see you then said Tem as he began to slide out the window. 

“Oh, wait!” exclaimed Simon suddenly. Tem stopped and hung onto the corner to stop himself.

“What?”

“Thank you.”

“For what?” Tem asked. He hadn’t done anything-

“For talking to me… and not getting scared by how I look,” said Simon. He sounded so quiet.

“Oh. You’re welcome. I’ve got to go now, my hand is slipping."

“Alright, goodbye.”

“Bye.”

Tem let go of the corner and slid out the window. He landed with a grunt in the bush below, then stood up and dusted off his uniform. 

He turned and waved to the window before leaving for his dorm. As he walked he was certain he could hear singing coming from the rehearsal hall. It floated on the cool night breeze and he strained to make out the words.

“Ever so slightly, daily and nightly, in little ways, everything stays.”

As he walked he wondered what the lyrics meant.

Chapter Text

Els may have been small, but she was in no way defenseless and quiet. Despite not appearing very intimidating she had the determination to fight back, which was what she was currently doing against the red deer who had backed up into a corner.

“There’s no point in trying to hid it from everyone else, Louis. Even your excuses can’t cover up everything that’s been happening.”

“I don’t know what your talking about,” the deer snapped back agitated, “It’s obvious it’s a prank, and I thought I told you that no one was going to mention it-” 

“Stop with the threats. Besides me, there are like six others who have seen it!” she shot back. The red deer waved his hand at her.

The ghost was getting more and more active. So far he had managed to keep it hidden from the rest of the drama members, but there was still six of them that knew for certain who was responsible for the odd events. 

“If word of this gets out-” he began.

“It’s not going to get out to the rest of the school. We just want you to stop telling us to deny it’s happening and let us tell the other members!”

“It’s a ghost. If we tell everyone we’ll lose all our members!”

“If Kibi and I aren’t scared of it then I doubt anyone else would be!”

Louis opened up his mouth to argue back, then shut it when he heard a commotion from the stage area. Legosi walked into the room looking rather calm.

“Mina just saw a box move back onto the shelf. He must be cleaning again.”

Louis turned to the grey wolf standing in the door way.

“Well go tell him to leave!”

“I’m not sure if-”

“Just do it!”

The deer turned back to Els.

“And you, why don’t you just-”

Els didn’t even let him finish his sentence. Louis was a great person for most of the time, but she couldn’t handle his tone and mindset sometimes. 
“Just shut it,” said Els as she began walking towards the door. 

“Where are you-” began Louis. She ignored him.

“Here Legosi, I’ll come with you. Anymore arguing with him,” said the sheep as she pointed behind her in frustration, “and I think I’ll scream.”

The wolf and sheep walked out towards the stage area.

Louis stayed where he was, straightening out his uniform and trying to compose himself.  After they had left he crumpled down onto a chair and sighed.

He was stronger and better than all of the others, but yet he still felt terrible for being so indignant towards them. He hated himself for feeling those emotions of regret and guilt. It made him feel weak and it was the same story with the ghost. He had always had control of everything that came into his life, and he always had a plan laid out, but yet the whole ghost business was something he had no control over. It made him feel useless and incompetent again.

He took a breathe and stood up. He wouldn't the weaker herbivore side of him that he despised so much show through. He would get control of this situation somehow, no matter what.

Chapter Text

I raked around the potatoes I had planted, doing my best to avoid hitting the still developing roots. I was doing well at least, thanks to Haru. She had let me plant a small patch of vegetables in one of the gardens corners. Doing so meant that I’d be able to not be so reliant on the food she would bring from the cafeteria twice a day. So far my diet here was a very small and simple one. I felt like I was losing weight. 

Haru stepped out of the shed with one of the school’s newspapers.

“Looks like you’ve got some attention,” she said as she read the headline out loud, “Singing at night puzzles school officials.”

I laughed and set the rake down.

“Every time I walk down to the courtyard I hear a couple students whisper about it. Seems like I’m a new campus ghost to them.”

“Didn’t I say you need to be careful? What if you get caught?”

“It’s fine. I-”

“And some of the drama club is saying that strange things are happening during and after practices. I thought you said you wouldn’t be interacting with them.”

“It’s nothing bad, Haru, honest. I’m not scaring them or causing mischief, I just help some of them with things. If anything I think they like the extra help.”

“And what happens if the drama club shuts down because some higherup is superstitious?”

“You know that wouldn’t happen. What’s this about, anyway? You haven’t mentioned being careful in like two weeks.”

Haru sighed. 

“No reason. I just think-”

“There she is!”

There was a harlequin rabbit in a girl’s uniform coming towards her. She was flanked by some kind of cat and a racoon who were also obviously female. Good thing I set my rake down before they got in here. They didn’t even knock. 

Haru let out an annoyed sigh as they walked towards her.

“What do you want, Mizuki? Your boyfriend isn’t-”

The rabbit called Mizuki shoved Haru back. She stumbled and fell down onto her butt.

“Hey-”

“Shut it, flower bitch. You’ve been seeing him again, haven’t you?”

I couldn’t do anything without giving myself away. If Haru played her cards right maybe she could diffuse the situation.

“Who, your boyfriend?” asked Haru innocently, “He’s actually the one who has been seeing me-”

Of course Haru apparently wasn’t much for diffusing situations like this. 

“You garden slut!” cried the harlequin rabbit as she jumped onto Haru and started to hit her.

Haru responded with a punch to her chest, sending her attacker off of her and into the other two advancing girls. They got up quickly and cornered Haru. It looked like she could use some help now.

I walked over and grabbed the racoon first, slapping my hand over her mouth before she could yell, and dragged her quickly back to the entrance door before throwing her outside. 

“Maybe if you weren’t so stuck up your boyfriend would like sleeping with you!” I heard Haru yell as she threw herself onto Mizuki. 

‘Good way to deescalate the tension, Haru,’ I thought to myself. 

There was the sound of slapping again.

“Common rabbits like you are in no position to threaten a harlequin like me!”

 That Mizuki really liked to mention how important her species was. It was getting on my nerves.

I grabbed the feline next. Mizuki was too busy with insults and trying to hit Haru to notice her other friend get dragged back and thrown out the door. Haru herself had a few small cuts, but so far she had managed to defend herself quite well. She moved her hand to hit back again. 

Mizuki kicked her suddenly, sending Haru to the ground in a pile. She raised her hand to deal a finishing blow, then screamed when she was grabbed from behind and dragged backwards by me. I threw open the door and tossed her out onto the floor with the other two. None of them were looking at the door and I doubted they had seen that they were grabbed by seemingly nothing. Mizuki started to turn back towards the door.

“Who do you think you are-”

I slammed the door shut before she saw the empty doorway and turned back to Haru.

“Are you ok?” I asked. Haru stood up suddenly and crossed her arms. She looked furious.

“You idiot! Why would you do that! Now they know, and they’re one of the biggest gossip groups here!” she said angerly. I took a step back and raised my hands.

“They didn’t see what grabbed them,” I replied, “They’ll think that someone else was here. I just though you needed help.”

“I’m not helpless you know! I could have handled it myself!”

Apparently she didn’t like when others fought her battles for her either. Oops.

“I’m sorry. I was just trying to help.”

“Well next time don’t bother. I can deal with them myself," she said as she took a breathe to calm herself, "but thanks for caring."

“What that was all about anyway?” I asked hesitantly. 

“They just don’t like me, that’s all.”

“She mentioned her boyfriend.”

Haru shook her head and sighed. We stayed silent for a few minutes. I was beginning to figure out why she always wanted me to leave whenever a boy came in.

“It’s almost supper. I’ll go get it,” she said quietly and began to walk towards the door.

“Oh… alright. Do you want me to water the poppies?”

“Um, sure. Thanks...”

I nodded, then turned and picked up the watering can. I heard Haru clear her throat.

“This got me thinking a little. Have you interacted with anyone else?”

Good thing she couldn’t see me, otherwise she would have seen me freeze where I was with my face etched in nervousness. 

“Uh, no,” I lied, “Only the few times I’ve already mentioned. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, no reason. I’ll see you later then.”

She left and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I felt terrible for lying but I didn’t want to upset her again. Because… the truth was I was interacting with someone else after the drama practices, and I had been for the past two weeks.

 After I met Tem he had began sticking around after drama practices whenever he could. We talked whenever he had time to stay after the practices were done. Our conversations ranged from our favorite memories to our plans for the future. I trusted him by now, and I like to think he trusted me just as much. 

Supper came and went. Today it was a soup with bread and a salad, so Haru gave me the soup and half the piece of bread. I felt bad for eating the food that she bought with her own money, but there weren’t any other options. I hoped I wasn’t a burden on her. We watched as it got dark before going our own separate ways. I headed towards the rehearsal hall and she went towards her dorm.

Drama practice was just wrapping up. A female zebra named Ellen opened the door and stepped out into the night, so I took the opportunity to quietly slip inside. 

I glanced around the practice area. Most members were gone for the night, so only a few were left. By now I knew most of their names anyway. I didn’t see Tem, so that meant he had probably hidden in a storage room and was waiting for me to get him once the coast was clear.

The wolf, Legosi, came walking by carrying a spotlight. In the sound area I saw the squirrel. I couldn’t remember her name, just that she always asks Legosi to help her crack walnuts. There was Louis in his costume explaining to the tiger called Bill why he needed to move the wooden sword more fluently. Having observed the drama members behaviors for the past six weeks I doubted it would have much of an effect. Bill was really stubborn. To my right was Shelia pushing some dance equipment over to the side. Over to my left side, helping Dom and Fudge with some boxes, was Riz. He was a large grizzly bear that looked really intimidating, but he was also one of the nicest animals in the club. No doubt they were all getting ready to leave for the night as well.

I felt a pull and a chill and realized I had become lost in my thoughts. The sheep, Els, walked through me, then paused and looked back before shrugging and continuing on. I wondered if she had felt me. 

I walked to the storage room. There was the anteater named Kibi trying to grab a box from a higher shelf. I looked around quickly, then reached up and pulled the box down. The first time I had done this he had ran out of the room, but by now he was used to getting help at random times. The same went for most of the other crew members who worked in the back stage area; they just considered me extra help. 

“That’s all for tonight, everyone!” I heard Louis call out.

Kibi had already carried the box out of the room, so I watched as the remaining cast and crew cleaned up their areas and left. Louis locked the door behind them and then spent the next few minutes looking around. He was probably looking for me. I just stood in the corner of the stage and watched him search.

Satisfied that no one was still here the deer finally turned off the lights and left, muttering something about “the prankster who’s made everyone believe in ghosts.” I grinned at the new title given to me, then waited in the darkness for a few minutes before fumbling through the dark to the light switches. I had turned on the stage lights so many times that by now I knew exactly where it was from memory. 

“Tem, are you here?” I called out as I walked towards the storage room.

“Just a sec! I’m kinda wrapped in a old costume!” came his response. 

I laughed.

“Need any help?” I asked with a chuckle.

“Uh- nope! Got it!”

The alpaca walked out from the storage room, brushing off his school uniform. 

“Hey Simon, what’s up?” he asked.

“Not much. Have you given Els the letter yet?” I asked.

He shrugged, slightly embarrassed. If there was one thing I knew about him by now, it was that he was timid. 

“The time’s not right yet.”

I groaned. He said that every time.

“You’re killing me with the suspense Tem,” I said with a sigh. He grinned.

“I can’t help it. I want it to be perfect!”

 “Alright then, what’s your idea of the perfect time?” I asked as we walked to a bench and sat down next to one of the large windows. The moonlight was shining in, 

“It’s a night like tonight,” he said, “Outside with the cherry blossoms, and both of us sitting on a park bench.”

“Sounds like the end of a romantic movie.”

“It sounds cliché, I know, but Els thinks it's beautiful. I agree with her. It really can be magical sometimes.”

I chuckled.

“Speaking of Els and the letter, where is it anyway? Do you carry it on you always?”

“Oh, yesterday I put it into the locker here in the change room. Legosi took a bit of interest in it.”

“He’s pretty quiet, isn’t he?”

“Who, Legosi? Yeah he’s fine with small talk, but he always avoids confrontations and too much attention. He’s kinda weird that way.”

“Right, because you being friends with the ‘ghost’ isn’t weird at all,” I pointed out.

Tem laughed.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. In my opinion I think Legosi’s better than Bill.”

Now we were both laughing. 

“What about Shelia, Riz, and Aoba?” I asked, referencing the other carnivores I saw Tem talk to, “Shelia is so lively, Aoba seems to always try to help others. Riz is basically a big happy teddy bear.”

“To me they’re all tied for second place for favorite carnivores.”

“Same for me. They seem nice.”

“Yeah…”

We turned and watched the moon for awhile, then talked for another hour about the play the club was doing.

“So they both die at the end then?” I asked.

“I think so. The Adler doesn’t want to live without the love of his life, so he also choses to move on with her,” explained Tem.

“Huh. Personally, I’m more of a musical person.”

“We don’t do many in the club. In fact, I’m pretty sure most of the plays we do are tragedies like Alder.”

“Doesn’t it get a little repetitive?”

“They do a good job at mixing up certain roles and plot points, so it works out. Besides, half the fun is being with other club members.”

I yawned. Tem looked down at his watch.

“It’s 12:30. I should probably go. I have a test in three days.”

“Aw. I guess you’re right. I need to go wash my clothes in the shower anyway.”

“I’m amazed that you’re so well adjusted to living like that.”

“It’s just what I have to do. Not many other choices,” I replied with a laugh.

“Speaking of choices, do you eat enough?”

“What do you mean?”

“Every time I see you in the mirror you look slightly skinnier. I’m just abit concerned.”

“I’m not able to eat a whole lot. My friend tries to make sure I eat, but the portions are really small.”

Tem thought for a moment.

“You know, I can start bring food out at night if you want.”

“Thanks for the offer, Tem, but that wouldn’t be right.”

“Neither is starving,” he said pointedly. I gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“You’re a good friend. Thank you.”

“Oh, it’s not a problem,” he said as he got up and walked towards the window that was always open, “I’ll try to come back tomorrow night, but I made some plans with another friend of mine.”

“Alright,” I said as I boosted him up to the opening, “I’ll see ya later then. Bye!”

“See ya!” he said as he climbed out the window and jumped down into the bushes below.

“I know you can’t see me, but I’m waving right now!” I called out.

I heard him laugh.

“So am I!” he called back. I listened to his footsteps walk away. I sighed, then turned back towards the stage platform. I didn’t see it. 

Instead I was face to face with Legosi.

Chapter Text

“Gah!” I exclaimed as I fell backwards. The wolf took a step back in surprise, then reached out. Maybe he thought the thumping noise was me starting to run.

“Please don’t go!” he said quickly and held up his other hand. He was holding something in it.

“I can’t when I’m lying down here,” I said as I started to get up. He was still reaching out with his free hand, so I grabbed it to pull myself up. He flinched.

“Sorry, I guess that feels odd to not be able to see what’s touching you,” I said awkwardly. 

“Oh, um, it’s fine. Can I call you Simon?” Legosi asked.

“Simon is fine.”

There were a few moments of silence. The wolf looked like he was thinking.

“I heard you say you were hungry. So, um, here.”

He held up a small white container.

“It's not much, but it's all I had on me,” he said. I slowly took it from him and opened it. An… egg sandwich? My stomach growled. I guess he had overheard me and Tem talk.

“Thank you for this,” I said to him. He nodded.

“I heard you mention not having a lot to eat,” he explained as I ate. It probably looked funny to watch a sandwich float up into the air and disappear as bites were taken from it.

 Within a few minutes it was gone.

“I know I’ve already said this, but thank you for the food. I haven’t eaten very much since I got here.”

“It’s fine. Can I ask you a few things?”

“Sure, I guess. Mind if I ask you something first?”

“Go ahead.”

“How much did you hear?” I asked him.

“You mean between you and Tem? Almost everything. I didn’t want to eavesdrop, but my hearing’s really good.”

“I guess it would be,” I replied.

“And I heard you mention eating and showering.”

“So I assume you’ve figured out I’m not a ghost like the rumours say?”

“I guess so.”

Looks like I could add another name to the list of those who knew I wasn’t a ghost.

“Can we go over to the mirrors?”

“Why the mirrors? Is something important about them?” I heard him ask. 

“Kinda. I think it’s better to talk when you can see what you’re talking to.” I replied. 

“Wait, you have a reflection? Why didn’t you show yourself to everyone? Then Louis would-”

I turned to face him.

“It’s not that easy for me to just do that,” I said quietly. 

“Sorry. I’m just confused about the why part.”

We were in front of the mirrors now.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine, but just a heads up. I look really different,” I told him.

“I doubt you look-” he began, then stopped when I walked in front of the mirror. “I guess you could call it that. Why are you dressed like that?”

“I’m surprised you question my clothes and not my face,” I said. 

He shrugged.

“I didn’t want to be rude,” he replied.

“How kind of you,” I said sarcastically. He let out a nervous chuckle but nothing else.

We stood there in silence. 

“So what are you then?” he asked after a few minutes.

“Promise you won’t tell anyone?”

“But you told Tem-”

“I know, but he made the same promise.”

He thought for a moment. 

“Alright, I promise.”

“Great. This’ll take awhile, but I guess I should start at the beginning. What do you know about the theories of wormholes and different universes?”

The wolf raised an eyebrow.

Chapter Text

They talked for the next few hours. The more Simon explained everything, the more Legosi understood why he never tried to make himself known to everyone. He was stuck in an unfamiliar world with things he had never seen before. It would be enough to scare anyone.

“So why did you stick around, Legosi?” asked Simon.

“Louis wanted me to try to catch you I guess. He doesn’t like it when things are out of his control.”

“So I’ve seen. I’ve kinda been watching everyone during practices. You know, their behaviors and personalities. That sounds weird I guess.”

“It’s fine. What about the songs you sing? Everyone who hears them at night say that they sound so sad. Is that all the music they have where you’re from?” the wolf asked.

“I like to sing older songs. Most of them are from the late thirties to the late fifties. It let’s me put more emotion into it. It’s kinda a coping mechanism for when I’m sad or nervous.”

“Well,” said Legosi, “It really catches the attention of whoever hears it. It's so mysterious.”

“Thanks. Music expresses a lot of things. It connects everyone.”

“Speaking of connections, why Tem?”

The reflection shrugged. 

“Remember when you tried to talk to me and I left after saying my name?”

“Of course I do,” the wolf replied. How could he forget that experience?

“Well later that night Tem caught me singing. I guess he accidently got locked in when they closed for the night.”

Legosi nodded.

“Anyhow, he introduced himself and we ended up talking. Now every few nights for the past few weeks he hides in here and talks to me after everyone’s gone.”

“He’s your only friend then?”

“Well, there’s another one who helps me. I probably wouldn’t be doing very well if it wasn’t for her.”

“So you have two friends?”

“I didn’t have many where I was from, so it doesn’t affect me much,” replied Simon. He sounded… so sad. 

Legosi thought for a moment.

“Could… I mean if you want… can I be one of your friends?”

Simons reflection grinned.

“I’d like that. Can we start over with the introductions? Our first one on the catwalk that day wasn’t the best.”

Legosi smiled. 

“Sure. I’m Legosi.”

He held out his hand and felt Simon take it. A glance at the mirror revealed that a smiling Simon was indeed shaking his hand.

“I’m Simon, it’s nice to meet you.”

Chapter Text

I had four hours left of the night after Legosi left, meaning I would have enough time to get my clothes cleaned. It had taken me a few attempts to figure out how to best scrub the dirt off of them but by now I had a decent system set up. 

Washing was the easy but weird part. I’d turn on a shower in the change room, then lock and close every door I could. My scarf was handy for tying the two handles of the sliding doors that led into the showers shut. I’m uncomfortable to be naked, whether someone is present or not. It makes me feel so exposed and odd, plus then everyone would see the other scars, so I had always been more of a multiple layers type of person, no matter the weather. After making sure the no one can get in I began to strip down.

The soap from the sink is an ok substitute for detergent. My pocketknife was too dull to do much cutting, but I found that by scraping at stains and massaging the darken areas with soap I could keep my clothes from looking filthy. 

Drying the clothes was a bit more difficult.

After I had finished washing them I wrung them out and got dressed again. I sighed as I felt the cold damp clothes weigh heavy on my shoulders. I was exhausted now. At least when I got back to Haru’s garden I could sleep in the shed. 

I walked out of the changerooms and made my way across the practice area to the open window. It was still dark out and very few animals would be up yet, so walking through the courtyard wasn’t as nerve-wracking as it usually was. A few minutes later I was at the garden door feeling in my pocket for the spare key Haru had given me. The door unlocked with a satisfying click and I entered the garden before closing and relocking the door.

I hung up my clothes to dry outside and quickly covered myself with a blanket. I probably looked like a white sheet ghost with it draped over me, but at least it covered me. The bed inside the shed was comfortable enough, and Haru cleaned it a few times a week. I didn’t even want to know what she was washing off of it when I was gone. 

I crawled in and fell asleep almost immediately. 

Hours passed. My dreams turned into nightmares. Blood, darkness, crying. It was all there. Sense of dread and sadness washed over me, sending jolts of fear through my body. "Simon?" Was a voice calling from the void? "Simon!" The darkness looked so suffocating, yet very welcoming. I just wanted over with. I took a step towards it, then another-

“Simon! Simon! Wake up!”

I jolted upright and looked around wildly. The white sheet was still wrapped around me, but in a way that suggested I had been tossing and turning. It was also soaked with sweat.

‘I never left,’ came a whispered voice. I recognized it even if I hadn’t heard it in well over a year. The final echo of my nightmare was cut short, but it had made it clear it was back. 

“Are you ok? I came in and you were mumbling something,” said Haru from where she stood at the bed side, “and the bed around you is soaked in sweat!”

“Sorry Haru. I had a bit of a nightmare I guess,” I said as calmly as I could.

“Do you get them often?”

“…”

“Simon?”

“Yeah, for like five years I’d get them almost every night. They stopped around a year and a half ago, but I guess they’re back now.”

“What are they about?”

“It’s nothing important. Do you need any help in the garden?”

I got out of bed with the sheet wrapped around me and made my way outside to where my clothes hung. They were dry now.

“Hey, wait!” said Haru from behind me, “It didn’t seem like nothing!”

“I’m fine, really,” I replied, “Can I get changed in the shed?"

“Stop trying to change the topic. What was the dream about?”

“I said it was nothing!” I snapped a little too harshly.

‘It’s not nothing,’ rang a voice from my head. It was the bad voice, that I was certain of. I hadn’t heard it in such a long time. I blurted out the first thing that entered my mind. 

“SHUT UP!”

I yelled at it out loud. Haru looked at me like I was crazy. I didn’t mean to-

Haru turned and began to walk away.

Shit.

I grabbed my clothes from where they hung. 

“I’m sorry Haru! I wasn’t talking to you!”

“Oh really,” she snorted as she turned around, “Then who were you talking to?” 

 She was mad now, and it was my fault for hurting someone. I was a screw up again. I felt that familiar helplessness and anger.

“I just- It’s nothing, alright? I don’t talk about them!”

‘Tell her,’ the voice whispered.

“Simon, who is them?” she asked suddenly.

I closed the shed door quickly and locked it. I heard Haru try to pull it open.

“Simon? Simon! Open up the door! What did you mean?”

‘Tell her,’ the voice whispered again. I shut my eyes and tried to concentrate on ignoring it.

“Simon! Open the-”

The voice continued to whisper. How long had it been? Twenty seconds or two minutes? Why was this happening now? It had been months since it had bothered me, and now-

‘Do it,’ the voice urged once more.

Nothing mattered anymore. I didn’t care. What had happened? Last night had been so nice, and now everything was terrible again. I closed my eyes as Haru continued hitting the door.

I dressed as fast as I could before opening it. Haru tumbled inside.

“What’s your problem-” she began. I cut her off.

“It’s hard to talk about.” I said blankly.

Haru blinked.

“I’m sorry. Every time I want to talk to someone, I suddenly feel scared. Sometimes I even get sick to think about telling it to someone. Right now there’s a voice screaming in me to keep talking while the other voice in me is screaming to shut up. The best thing I can do is say that I have problems, but so does everyone else. I’ll be fine.”

Haru took a step back.

“I- I don’t know how to respond to that,” she said flatly.

“Neither do I.”

We stood in silence for a few seconds.

“What are the nightmares about?”

I was quiet.

“Please,” she whispered.

 I took a breath. I could do this. I had always hidden everything deep down, burying them like the seeds of the flowers in the garden back in my world. The only difference was that flowers get to grow into something beautiful, while those feelings grew into a monster that haunted me.

“I lost my parents when I was twelve. It... it was a car accident. My face got pretty cut up from the windshield, and... well my parents..."

“Oh... I’m so sorry. I didn’t know-” apologized Haru. She stopped when I kept talking. I didn’t mean to cut her off, but I didn’t think I could stop now anyway. The train had left the station.

“I was bullied because of how I looked. I was good at a lot of things, but singing was the only thing that would get me noticed in a way that didn’t involve being bullied. My foster family did what they could, but I still ended up having some problems. Mentally, I mean.”

“I- That’s- I’m,” stuttered Haru. I didn’t even really hear her.

‘Keep going,’ urged the voice. For the first time in my life I actually listened to it immediately instead of trying to fight it first. 

“I tried to kill myself once you know. All it did was add to my scars. By high school I was an outcast filled with dark thoughts. Gardening and singing were the best ways to manage my mental health, along with reading and listening to music. It let me escape reality.”

I felt something tickle my cheeks and reached up a hand. It came away wet. I hadn’t even realized I was crying. My voice was still without emotion, still perfectly blank and monotone. I tried to dry my eyes on my scarf, but the tears continued to fall anyway.

“It helped me a lot. The voices stopped, and so did the nightmares. I have a voice now that I call my survival voice. When I’m in shock or something bad happens it gives me advice or ideas on what to do. It did when I first came here and met you.”

Haru was silent now. She looked almost ashamed for asking me to do this to myself. I think I saw tears in her eyes.

“And now, because no one can see me unless they see my reflection, I’m kinda safe from being bullied for how I look. No one stares at me and whispers here. I have a chance at a fresh start. No one here knows about what I’ve been through, but now I’m here, telling you this. So now I guess you know all my trauma. Sorry if-”

I choked up suddenly. Now I felt it. It cascated over me all at once. Pain, frustration, self hatred, anger, sadness. They all mixed together into one, and now I wasn’t just crying silently. 
I wailed loudly and sat down clumsily. My breathing was ragged, heavy, and choked off with sobs. I felt angry at looking so helpless now. I just wanted to-

Haru kneeled down in the doorway and hugged me suddenly.

I felt something…I felt an emotion I had rarely felt as strongly as I did now. It felt like a weight was off of my shoulders, like everything was out. I felt like the heaviness in me was now slowly leaving. It didn’t make me feel empty though. I felt… relief? And happiness? I was still crying. How long would this last? Was I letting it all out? Would it stay away? 

“Haru? Haru are you alright? What’s going on?” called a voice from outside the garden door.

We looked up towards the door leading to the garden. Haru looked horrified.

“It’s Louis! Oh, how am I going explain this?” she said as she let go and stood up.

I got up and gave her a quick nod before running inside the shed and closing the door and the curtains. Hopefully that would make it harder for him to hear me. 

“Just a moment Louis!” I heard Haru call out. 

I took a breath, then tried to focus on being quieter. It was a little ironic that I could compose myself so quickly. Bottling up feelings meant being able to recover quickly when you did get overwhelmed by emotions. My sobbing grew quieter, then cut off entirely. I kept a hand over my mouth in case it decided to come back.

I heard the garden door open. 

“Are you ok, Haru? I heard someone crying!”

“I’m fine Louis. No one was up here. Maybe you misheard?”

“I doubt that. Is someone here?”

Haru tried to lie, but it was already falling apart. The deer was walking towards the shed. I glanced around, trying to think. I had to hide, but there was no way Haru could explain that. There was a sheet on the bed, and a pair of garden gloves on the chair. My foot hit something, and I looked down at the pair of shoes that stuck out from under the bed. I looked under it and saw the crumpled shapes of a school uniform. One of Haru’s… friends… must of left them behind.

An idea came to my head. I kicked off my own boots.

“No one’s in the shed, Louis!”

“Who are you trying to lie to, Haru? I just want to make sure they’re ok!”

I heard the deer fumble with the lock.

“Hello? I’m Louis. I heard you crying, and I want to make sure you’re ok. Can you unlock the door?” he said loudly outside the shed. 

The rest of my invisible clothes came off.

“Hello?” the deer outside said. He tried to pull open the door again.

I just needed a few more seconds and- got it! My clothes may of been invisible, but other clothes weren't! I prayed it would work.

“Just a moment. I’m sorry about that! I was hoping I would have some privacy to cry!” I called out and opened the door.

Chapter Text

Haru blinked. Why has Simon called out to Louis? Now the deer knew for certain someone was in the shed! He was going to be found out!

The door opened and for a moment her heart stopped. Had he lost his mind-

Her thoughts were cut short when she saw what stood in the doorway. 

There was someone standing at the door, dressed in a school uniform and wearing a sheet like a shawl that covered their face. They wore gloves on their hands and a pair of black dress shoes. Louis gazed up in order to try to see the figures face. Haru held her breath. Was it really Simon? It had to be, who else could it be under there? Would Louis see through the disguise? 

“Sorry for the sheet, but I don’t want anyone to see my face. I hope you understand,” said the figure. It was definably Simon. The voice was still rough, but it had authority in it. The deer looked surprised.

“There isn’t any shame in it,” assured the deer, “I won’t tell anyone-”

“Thank you, but I’ll pass.”

“Of course, I would be embarrassed as well,” said Louis with a nod, “Are you alright then?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for your concern, but I just wanted some privacy away from prying eyes.”

“I see,” said the red deer semi suspiciously. Haru jumped into the conversation. 

“Sorry for lying, Louis, but I just felt bad. I hope you can forgive me,” she said quickly.

Louis turned from the figure and looked back at Haru, now slightly distracted from Simon.

“It’s fine, Haru. I’ll see you later.”

 He turned and walked back towards the garden door. He paused under it and turned back to face where she and Simon stood.

“You sound familiar… Have we met before?”

Haru watched as Simon straightened up slightly. If Louis recognized Simon’s voice they would be done for.

“Probably. Maybe you saw me in the halls a couple times.”

Louis nodded.

“Yes, I suppose that’s it.”

He walked forward a step, then hesitated slightly and glanced back again at her and Simon for a moment. He shook his head slightly and then disappeared out of view. 

Haru let out a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding. She heard Simon do the same.

She walked over top the garden door and closed it. The lock clicked.

“That was close,” said Simon. He took off the blanket shawl, revealing the space where his head should have been. It was unnerving to see someone look headless. 

She shook the thought from her head and nodded.

“Good thinking with the clothes. With your head covered you look almost totally normal.”

“Thanks. If it wasn’t for the uniform I’d be doomed.”

“The uniform… where was it?”

“Under the bed, why?”

Haru’s face went red.

“Takahoto must have forgot it a few nights ago…” she said quietly.

“Anyhow, I’m going change back into my other clothes. Do you want these under the bed again?”

If she could die of embarrassment she would have by now.

“Yes please. Thanks,” she mumbled.

Simon disappeared for a few minutes. His return was signalled by the door seemingly opening and closing on its own and the appearance of his reflection in the glass door window. With the close call a few minutes behind her now she suddenly remembered what had all happened before Louis had came to investigate. 

“So are you feeling better now?” she asked carefully. 

“I think so. I’ve needed to tell someone those things for years now. Thank you,” Simon replied.

“If there’s anything else you need to tell me, just let me know. I understand what it’s like to have things you don’t want to tell people,” she said as she looked down to rearrange a flower pot.

“There is one more thing I should tell you. I’m sorry in advance that I kinda hid it from you.”

“What is it?” she asked without looking up from the ground.

“I’ve been talking to two other students."

Haru’s head shot up before he was even finished talking.

“You’ve talked to others?” she exclaimed loudly, “Who?”

“I can’t say. They both agreed not to mention it to anyone else. They know that I talk to three students purposely. I guess one of them knows who the other student I talk to is, but that doesn’t really matter,” explained Simon.

“What if they-”

“They won’t. I know them pretty well now. I’ve never told them about my problems though. I try to keep the conversation on them and their own lives more than mine. I guess I like to help more than I like to get help, if that makes sense.”

She sighed as she realized there wasn’t anything she could do about it anyway. All this time he had been talking to those two other students, and nothing bad had happened yet, right? Maybe she really was worried about nothing. If she hadn’t heard anyone mention talking to a ghost, then that meant he had chosen the right two students to befriend. 

“Just be-”

“-be careful, I got it Haru. It just gets abit lonely not being able to do the little things, like greet people and see others looking directly at you instead of your reflection.”

“I’ve never minded being ignored. It’s better than being talked about.”

Simons reflection looked surprised.

“Do you want to talk about that?” he offered, “You helped me, so I’d like to repay the favor.”

Haru grinned.

“If you want to repay the favor you can start by helping me move some of those flower pots over there,” she said as she pointed to the line of pots against the wall.

“Sure. While we work you can tell me about it,” he replied.

She rolled her eyes. Of course Simon wouldn’t let it go that easy. She had dug for information from him, and now he wanted to do the same. She nodded.

“Alright, lets start and I’ll tell you about it.”

Simon clapped his hands together.

“Sounds good.”

The rest of the afternoon past, fuelled by her small venting of the frustrations of being a small rabbit. It felt odd to reveal so much. No one had ever asked her how she was besides her parents, and of course she couldn’t tell them the truth. Any friends she did have abandoned her when the rumours and gossip started. 

“It’s odd,” she said as they sat on a bench and watched the clouds.

“What is?” asked Simon.

“I think you’re the first person to listen to me without trying to do anything else.”

“…Anything else?”

“The point is, thank you for listening to me. Very few animals do.”

“It’s fine. You did the same for me. It’s getting late, so I’m going head to the drama auditorium.

“But you haven’t had any supper yet,” she said as she got up, “I’ll go bring it quick. You wait here, ok?”

“Huh, guess I forgot. I’ll wait here then,” replied Simon.

“Alright,” said the bunny as she headed for the door, “I’ll be back in ten minutes.”

“And I’ll be here.”

Chapter Text

Haru came back a bit later carrying a school tray with the supper choice. This time it was some garden rolls with steamed vegetables. We ate in silence, but that was fine. Haru looked like she was thinking again. I finished eating.

“I’m going go now,” I said, “Alright?”

“Ok, help me lock up for the night and I’ll see you tomorrow I guess,” She replied.

After a quick lock up, mainly consisting of closing up the shed and locking the garden door, I said goodbye to Haru before heading across the courtyard to the rehearsal hall. I didn’t see many students in the courtyard, but there was a small group leaving the drama auditorium. I watched as they said goodnight to each other and went their separate ways. Most of the group was composed of cast members, but I did see a few of the crew members mixed among them.

Tem came walking out the doors with a larger group of drama members. Most of them were familiar faces to me now. Legosi, who stood tall over most of the group, was easy to pick out in the students. I guess I wouldn’t be seeing him or Tem tonight after all. I sighed.

Oh well, that left me more time to sing and clean. I watched as he walked across the courtyard and went towards one of the classroom buildings. 

I sighed quietly and slipped in the door before glancing around. There were a couple members still there, but they must have let the practice out early. The few that remained were gathering up their things and heading towards the doors. 

Louis was the last one to leave, checking a few different areas before shaking his head and turning off the lights. It was a full moon tonight again, so his silhouette was outlined almost perfectly when he paused in the doorway as he left. He gave one last look behind him and walked out. The door shut behind him, and I heard the lock click. I waited.

After a few minutes I turned a few of the lights back on. One side of the room, the one with the windows, didn’t need any lights. The moonlight shone through the windows and onto the floor, illuminating everything on that side. It looked like something from a gothic movie.

I swept the floor, then moved some boxes back to the storage room. The night of the play was getting closer, I assumed, because more time was spent setting up and practicing compared to cleaning up after practice was done. I sang as I worked. There was a mix of modern and old. Judy Garland, The Arkell’s, Idina Menzel, Frank Sinatra, Haley Steinfeld. For an hour I threw my own little private concert. The only one there was me, but that was how I liked it. 

The windows were open slightly, letting in the night breeze. I wondered if any students could hear me singing. I guess I would find out tomorrow if anyone mentioned it in the courtyard. I began walking towards a bench to sit down and admire the moon.

Crinkle.

Thump.

My foot brushed against something lying on the ground near a bench.

 I glanced down and picked it up.

A backpack? One of the members must of left it behind. I looked inside quickly, hoping to see whose it was. There was a spare shirt… a water bottle… pencil case… some school books-

Oh, and a small notebook. I opened it up to see if the owner had written their name inside. There were a few journal entries, but most of it was drawings. Some were drawn on the pages, but a few were just loose papers stuffed into the book. One of these papers slid out onto the floor. It was a sketch of someone. Whoever this animal was, they were pretty good at drawing. I bent down to pick it up, then froze. 

The drawing… was of me? Definably. Who else wore a straw hat, plaid, and a scarf? My face was detailed, but yet something was missing. Whoever it was hadn’t drawn my scars. Under it was my first name, with quotation marks around it, and below that was a different name. The last name was something that I probably wouldn’t be able to pronounce, but I recognized the first name of the notebooks owner.

Tem.

He had drawn me? That was kinda cool. I had no idea he was an artist though. And this sketch… did he draw it based on his memory of seeing me in the mirror? That was amazing! I wasn’t very good at drawing personally, although I could mange when it came to painting. 

I thought for a few more seconds before remembering where the sketchbook had come from. I turned back to the backpack.

Would he need the backpack for tomorrow? Probably. The drama room would be locked until tomorrow night, and judging by the school books inside he would need it for his classes in the morning. It was late enough now that I doubted anyone would be out. I could probably just walk out with the backpack. It would be visible, but if no one was out then that would probably be ok, right?

But I didn’t know where Tem was-

Wait, no. I saw where he was heading. If he was with a friend, then maybe they were just walking around the school. I could hide around a corner and slide the backpack in front of them without his friend having to see it floating. It would be creepy, but not as creepy as me carrying it right to Tem. If I didn’t see him I could always put the backpack back inside the drama room where it wouldn’t be stolen.

I slipped it over my shoulder and walked over to the windows. Good thing I was tall, otherwise I would never be able to reach it. I hopped and grabbed the window sill of the top window that was open, then climbed up and through it.

Thud.

I heard it as I jumped out the window. A box must have fallen from a shelf, or maybe the walls were settling. I never gave it a second thought. It didn’t matter anyway, and I had more important things to worry about, like keeping my face shielded as I fell into the bushes below the window. How Tem managed to not get impaled by all the branches that poked me was yet another amazing thing. I laughed out loud and started to walk towards where I had seen Tem go an hour or so before.

I hoped he would still be there. 

Chapter Text

“Tem?” I called as I walked down one of the empty hallways. I had already checked the first floor and hadn’t seen or heard anyone.

I sighed and climbed up the stairs to the second floor. Just like any other school, this one was creepier at night. At least it wasn’t too dark. Moonlight shone through the windows, illuminating everything. I walked along it, glancing around the other hallways that ran deeper into the school. Would Tem really still be here? The lights were all out and I didn’t hear anything-

“Let go- GAH!”

I stopped walking, trying to listen. Was it just me hearing things, or- 

There were footsteps coming from the third floor, right above me. Whoever it was, they were running. 

“Help! Someone!” came a cry.

The voice sounded familiar. Was it-

“No!” I heard it cried again.

I began running towards the voice. I had no doubt about it. That was Tem yelling.

“Tem?” I called back as I ran. Above me the running sounds continued.

“Simon? Simon! Help!”

“What’s wrong?”

“He’s after me!”

“He? Who is-”

The footsteps were coming down the stairs from the third floor, slapping on each step.

The shape of Tem appeared on the stairs above me, moving quickly down them while clutching his arm. He didn’t bother going down the last few and instead threw himself down them and on to the floor. He regained his balance and began to half run, half stagger away.

“Tem? Wha-”

“Run!”

The alpaca kept moving, turning slightly and gesturing wildly at me to follow. From the staircase came another set of sounds. Someone heavy was coming down the stairs. I could feel them shake. I stopped asking questions and chose instead to run after Tem. I caught up pretty quickly, suddenly noticing that he was bleeding from where he clutched his arm. Blood ran from a large claw mark on his upper and lower arm.

“Tem! Your arm!”

“We need to hide!”

He wasn’t even listening to me. It had to be really, really serious. I had never seen him like this before. Was someone trying to kill him? Everything seemed so peaceful in this school... but then again I had never seen the world outside of it. I shook the thoughts from my head. Hide. Where could we hide? We were still running down the main hall, passing lockers and side halls as we ran. The other voice in me chimed in. 

‘Don’t take the obvious way out. The doors are all locked anyway.’

“Down here Tem!” I said as I pulled him down one of the side hallways.

“What? Why-”

“Shhhh! He'll see us if we keep running down the main hall! He won't think you would stay here. He’ll think you ran down the other flight of stairs!” I whispered quickly. 

From somewhere behind us, down the main hall, I heard a growl and heavy footsteps thudding onto the ground. It would see us if we stayed in the side hallway.

“Try a classroom!” I said quietly as I slowed down enough to try turning the handles on a few door ways. One of them opened up, and we slid inside. I locked the door and slid down against it, out of sight from the window. Tem remained standing, his short stature keeping him well out of view.

The footsteps stopped at the side hall. Did it know? How?

‘His arm, idiot.’

‘Huh?’

‘Too late. Get a weapon.’

I realized what it meant. Of course it knew where we were. Animals could smell blood, and right now Tem was still bleeding. I heard the footsteps start down the side hall. It was coming towards our hiding place.

“Shit, Tem, get-”

There was another growl. 

‘Screw being quiet. It knows already. Get a weapon.’

I looked around desperately. My eyes scanned through the few objects I could see in the classroom.

Ruler, glass bottle, scissors, a broken desk in the corner, a globe-

‘Desk leg.’

‘What?’

‘Hurry. Snap it off.'

I ran over to the desk, glancing over it. One of the legs had been bent nearly off, probably by the weight of whoever sat down and broke it. I reached out and pulled against it.
The thin metal peeled off and curled at the top, leaving me with a table leg that wouldn’t be sharp enough to stab anything. It could work as something to hit with, though.

The footsteps stopped in front of the door. It was too dark to see who was on the other side, but whoever it was they wanted in. 

Thud.

Crack.

Splinter.

The door was flexing inwards. Tem scrambled away from it and over to where the desk leg floated, otherwise known as where I was standing.

“What are we going to do! We’re trapped!” He said in horror.

‘Window.’

I turned towards the windows… were they? Yes! They were! I ran over to one and slid it open. Outside the window was an ledge that ran across the whole outside wall.

“Hurry! We can move along the outside ledge!”

“Are you crazy? I can’t! I’ll fall!”

The door was struck inwards again. This time it bent.

“We need to!”

Tem looked from the door to the window, then to the desk leg I held. He nodded and stepped up to the window. Quickly he scrambled onto the window sill, then slide out carefully onto the ledge. He started inching his was towards the end, about a hundred feet to his left. Once we were there we could jump down onto the room of a smaller outbuilding, and then to the ground. It would be simple-

The door gave way and something rushed towards the open window. I turned and swung as hard as I could with the table leg. It hit the tall dark blur hard, causing him to take a step back. 

“Wha-” said a husky, growling voice.

I swung again. This time it was ready, and before I could carry through on the swing it grabbed the table leg, tearing it from my grasp.

“No!” I began, then reached forward to try to punch it. I struck its chest and I felt a bolt of pain flash through my fist. Without a weapon, it was useless.

I saw teeth gleam through the darkness, glistening in the moonlight. Without thinking, I had reached out and grabbed at it again, this time on the arm. The fur was warm. I realized at the last moment what would happen if I was purposely touching it, but it was too late. It swung the back of its hand in a full circle around it, trying to strike the invisible force that had been hitting it. 

I screamed as it struck me in the chest, cutting the noise off and sending me flying back a few feet onto my back. The breath was knocked out of me, and I laid on the floor withering and gasping to breathe again.

“Simon!” 

I turned my head towards the window. Tem was still making his way down the ledge. He must of heard me scream.

“Just go! He can’t hurt me!”

'Pay attention.'

Right. The attacker. Where was he now? I glanced over to the open window. The dark shape was leaned out, watching Tem inch his way across the ledge. It pulled its head back into the room, then ran out the door. I sighed in relief. Tem would be safe. He would make it down and be able to-

CRASH

I heard Tem yelp suddenly.

THUD

I bolted up right, then ran over to the window. The attacker hadn’t given up! He was trying to get into the next class room over to grab Tem!

I crawled out, then slowly stood up and began moving across the ledge towards Tem. My legs were longer, and I reached him rather quickly.

I glanced through the window to see how much more time we had. Would it just keep following us, breaking down each door until it could finally grab Tem through a window? We needed to get away from the windows then… but how? We were trapped on the ledge. I glanced around. Had no one heard anything? It all sounded so loud and deafening, but yet no one appeared to investigate.

We really were on our own.

THUD.

The door had given in. The shape was coming across the room and towards the window where Tem and I stood.

‘Jump,’ demanded my other voice. I knew what it meant, even if I didn't want to. 

I glanced down. To our side was a tree… maybe we could jump and land in its branches? 

“Simon!” said Tem in horror. I heard the door finally give way.

No time to think about that-

“Tem, grab my hand!”

He did without hesitation. I knew he wouldn’t willingly do what I was about to do.

“What are you-” he began.

I jumped off the ledge, aiming for the tree. 

Time seemed to slow. We were falling towards the tree. Tem was still holding onto my hand. Behind us I heard heavy footsteps and glass shattering. Shards flew outwards and fell with us. Then I felt something. We weren’t really falling now. Rather we were swinging downwards, as if we no longer had forward momentum. Tem was letting go of my hand. I turned my head slightly, trying to figure out why. 

The image of Tem, his hand still reaching out towards me, mouth open in surprise, was forever engraved into my mind. 

And so were the two clawed hands wrapped around his waist, pulling him back through the window and into the classroom. 

I opened my mouth. I think it was his name I screamed, or perhaps a desperate plea. What I do know is that I continued to fall, alone, towards the ground. I struck my head on a wayward tree branch, felt my head whiplash back, and then there was darkness. Cold, pulsating, lonely darkness.

Chapter Text

The first thing I became aware of was a pounding in my head. It felt sore. I noticed that my chest was as well, as if it had been compressed. That made sense I guess. I was lying face down under a tree. The night was nice and cool though. The leaves rustled gently. It was so peaceful. Why was I out here again? I had gone looking for Tem so I could return his backpack. Backpack? Where was it? I had it when I went into the school. Maybe I had given it to him already. Wait, no, I had dropped it in the classroom. Why? Tem wouldn’t-

Tem.

Tem!

I remembered everything.

I pushed myself up and rolled into a sitting position. It hurt to move, but I didn’t have time to just stay out here. I needed to help Tem. I tried to push myself up. It took a few tries, but I managed to support myself with the tree trunk and get up onto me feet. 

I needed to get back inside! But how? The window that was broke was on the second story of the building, and I couldn’t climb. My foot struck a large rock, and I stumbled over it. An idea fromed in my head as I bent down and picked it up, then juggled it in my hand. It was heavy. I glanced up towards one of the first-floor windows. 

‘Could I-’

‘Do it, hurry!’

I didn’t hesitate to throw the rock. It crashed through the window, shattering it and sending glass everywhere. Part of me felt bad for damaging so much school property.

No, there wasn’t time to worry about that.

I pushed myself up onto the window ledge and into the school. Under my feet the glass crunched.

“Tem?” I called out. Oh please let him be ok.

There was a trail of blood leading down the stairs. He must have managed to get out of the classroom and down to the first floor.

Please let him be ok.

More blood, lying in scattered droplets in the hallway.

He had to be ok.

The doors to a lecture hall were broken inwards. The trail led there.

This was a nightmare. How did this happen? Everything was fine… why wasn’t it anymore?

“Tem?” I called out again at the foot of the doors. I didn’t want to go inside.

He had to be ok.

I took a breath and walk into the room. It was dark at the back where I stood, but at the front the presentation screen was on. It cast a dim light over everything.

The floor was sticky under my feet.

He had to be ok.

I reached the front, then slowly followed the trail of blood and torn clothes towards a corner. I saw him.

“T-Tem?” I asked quietly. The thing in front of me didn't look like Tem anymore.

“S-S-imon?”

“I- O-Oh fuck! Tem! Hang on a second!”

I stumbled over myself as I reached the doors again. I needed to get help! I stopped and though for a moment. Who could I get? It was still dark, and there would be no one still up. I didn’t even have a phone. I glanced beside the dented doors.

The fire alarm! I could pull it and have help arrive! Fire stations didn’t sleep, right?

I pulled down on it. There was a satisfying crunch as the pull bar gave way and a bell began to ring. Above the doors a light flashed red. 

I ran back down to Tem.

He choked out a sob of pain and let his head fall back onto the floor. I kneeled down next to him. My mind went through the checklists from the National Lifeguard course.

No hazards? Check. 

He was breathing. Check. 

Pulse? Weak. 

Right now I needed to get the bleeding under control. There was a box of handkerchiefs underneath the lecture podium, and I grabbed them and began to apply pressure. Tem grunted, but his eyes remained closed.

The areas bleeding the worst needed attention first.

 I tied down the first few handkerchiefs over a large gash on his chest. It was spurting blood, and I knew that meant it was an artery bleeding then. That wasn’t good. Tem still had his eyes closed, and I struggled to keep him from falling asleep. 

“Stay awake! Tem! You need to stay awake!”

“C-Can you sing? I-I’m tired.”

I pressed down on the next wound, a large bite mark on his shoulder. It was dangerously close to his neck, but at least it wasn’t spurting blood. 

“I will later. Right now-”

“Y-You c-can’t with that a-annoying b-bell r-ringing.”

“That just means help is coming.”

I put more pressure onto the pile of bloodied fabric. Tem yelped weakly.

“S-Stop. I-It h-hurts.”

“I know, but I need to-”

He raised his head abit.

“I-I liked y-your s-singing. C-Can’t y-you s-sing r-right n-now? P-Please?”

“Just hold on, ok? When help gets here-”

Tem rolled his head back and forth in an attempt to shake it. 

“I-I’m t-tired. B-Bye, Simon. G-Goodnight.”

“What? No, don’t! Stay-”

He stopped moving his head and took a breath. He spasmed once, and I watched as his chest fell. It didn’t rise again.

“Tem?”

Nothing.

“Tem!”

I began CPR. The wounds bled again as I pushed down each pump, but I couldn’t worry about them until his heart was beating again.

I kept at it. One cycle, breaths, then another cycle.

Every time I tried to do the breaths his head would lull over slightly. It tasted like blood.

His wounds stopped bleeding. He didn’t have any blood left.

I stopped suddenly and stood up.

“Tem?”

There was no response. I backed away in horror, glancing down as I did. My hands, jacket, and jeans were covered in blood. Was he... He couldn't be... but he was... dead.

For a moment I felt something inside me. Sadness? Horror? Anger? I’m not sure. It was gone within a moment anyway. 

I wasn’t crying. Why wasn’t I crying? He was one of the only friends I’ve ever had, and I didn’t feel anything.

It made me sick. 

Why couldn’t I cry? I wanted to, but my eyes remained dry. I just stood there, staring at him.

I had failed to help him. It wasn’t the first time I had failed to help someone, and it certainly wasn’t the first time I had been around death. Was that why I couldn’t cry? Was that why I didn’t feel anything? Had I become desensitized to death from the years of bullying and the passing of my own parents? My parents… I missed them. Would I miss Tem as well? I decided I would. He was a good friend. 

No sooner did those thoughts crossed my mind that I finally felt it.

It was cold, and they tickled my skin as they moved.

 A few tears slid down my face, leaving a trail from my eyes to under my chin. I blinked and they stopped, and no matter how hard I tried to make myself cry again I couldn’t make them come back.

Just like I couldn’t make Tem come back.

I turned and ran out of the room, desperate to find somewhere that I didn’t see blood.

I had to find Haru, or Legosi, or even Louis. I needed to talk to someone. Maybe they could yell at me until I cried for real. Right now though I needed to feel clean. Maybe if I washed the blood away from me everything would be fine. My footsteps echoed loudly on the tile floors as I fled the building and ran towards the window on the drama club. I needed to climb in and get to the showers.

I needed to wash his blood off of me.

I needed to pretend everything was alright. 

It never would be alright. Never again.

Chapter Text

Hey! I'm still alive! I'm just struggling to think of a good way to have Simon try to explain things to Haru and/or Legosi.

I have two new chapters written, but I need to try to improve and fix them. I'm sorry for the wait!

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Chapter Text

Haru had known something was wrong when the fire alarms of one of the lecture halls went off at 2 AM. She had brushed it aside, of course, like many of her feelings, and because the student housing wasn’t connected to the building in question no one had been forced to wait outside. 

She had thought the odd feeling would be gone when a few firemen announced it was a false alarm, but that had ended when another one had shown up at the door shouting for someone to get an ambulance and follow him. That morning she felt unease when all students were told to return to their dorms and remain indoors. 

Her feelings grew worse when she saw the police cars arrive, and then a forensics team. They went to and from the lecture buildings, carrying various pieces of equipment. Something bad had happened, and the student body wasted no time in theorizing what had happened.

First it was that someone had killed themselves.

Then the story changed. There had been an attack, and that the police had caught the suspect and the victim would be ok.

Then the black body bag had been carried out and into a coroner’s van.

Now the rumor was that a student had been attacked and killed, perhaps by a carnivore, and the suspect was still at large. If it was someone in Cherryton, then she doubted they would ever find out who was responsible. The student body was simply too large to all be investigated.

If the rumor was true, though, then it was a first for Cherryton. 

And through all of this, part of her had worried about Simon. Was he ok? He was probably waiting for her at the garden. Was he worried as well? He would be able to see all the police cars and yellow tape. 

When they finally had allowed the students back out it was made clear that it would only be for essential things, such as getting lunch or supper. Speaking of which…

She placed some leftover rolls and soup into her bag. Simon hadn’t had breakfast, and considering it was late afternoon she had guess he would be starved. Would it look odd for a rabbit to be going out with a bulky schoolbag? For one of the hall supervisors it did. 

Fortunately the teacher could be easily convinced that watering the garden was of upmost importance, and that the bag was only bulky with gardening supplies that she had bought earlier. She had been let off with a warning and had quickly gotten away.

Haru moved quickly down the stairs and across the courtyard, pausing momentarily to gaze at the police tape. She felt an odd calm as she watched it ripple in the breeze. The sense of calm vanished when she had entered into the garden and called for Simon.

Whatever happened had slightly traumatized him. He wouldn’t stop trying to explain something, but he kept stuttering and fumbling over his words. She got out that he had been with someone named Tem, and that something bad had happened, but besides that it was difficult to understand anything else. However, because of the rumors it was easy to put two and two together, and she quickly realized that Simon had seen what happened. 

She tried to ask him questions but found that his responses were jumbled. Simon was in shock, and that meant she had to act fast.

“Simon, please! Calm down!” she said as she grabbed a glass of water from the shed counter. Behind her the babbling continued. In the reflection of the glass door she saw his face. It was bruised in a line across the cheek, passing to the side of his right eye and barely avoiding his nose. She winced. That head injury might account for the confused way Simon was talking in.

“I just wanted to-”

“You just wanted to give him his backpack," she said in a soothing voice, "You’re injured and in shock Simon. You keep repeating the same things over and over without coherency.”

She held out the water, then watched as it floated up. The water disappeared as Simon drank.

“Just take a few minutes to think, ok? And stay seated in the bed. I have a makeup mirror in my bag,” she said as she rooted around everything in her purse, "And I'm going use it to check that bruise all over your face."

There was a noise of agreement from Simon. She sat down on the chair beside the bed, then got to work examining the injury. It didn't look like anything was broken, but that bruise would stick around for at least a few days. She wondered if it would swell. If it did then she would need to get some ice. The minutes ticked by.

Finally Simon was coherent enough to talk about what he had seen. His voice was slightly slurred and he lost concentration as he spoke at certain points, but at least it was much more understandable. The more he explained, however, the more Haru realized most of the information was useless. He had been too busy trying to help Tem, and it probably hadn’t crossed his mind to try to ID the attacker. How would she tell him that they couldn’t tell anything he said to the police? She’d figure that out later. Right now she had to be there for Simon.

“Better?” she asked after he finished talking.

“I think so,” he replied before pausing for a moment. “You believe me, right? That it wasn’t me?”

“I believe you.”

There was a pause.

“Why?” he asked.

It took her by surprise. What did she say? She knew Simon well enough to know that he couldn’t have done it, but how would she explain that to him?

“Your appearance, for one,” she said as she gestured towards his reflection in the window, “You don’t have claws, or fangs. Plus the bruise on your face is in the shape of a tree branch.”

“But-”

“Let me finish. The main reason I know it wasn’t you is because you’re you, Simon. I’ve seen you talk and sing to the flowers. I’ve seen you apologize to a bug for accidently stepping on it. I’ve listened to you talk about your feelings. Some animals are capable of taking a life, Simon. You are not one of them.”

“Thank you,” said Simon in a choked whisper.

“Now I think you should rest. Don’t fall asleep though, you might have a concussion from that fall,” she replied. Growing up with siblings meant that she was no stranger to the danger of a concussion. 

“I think I do too,” came the response. A quick reflection check showed Simon was swaying where he sat. He laid down and groaned. She heard his stomach rumble and suddenly remembered the leftovers she had in her purse. It didn't look like Simon should be eating right now, though, so she merely pointed out to him that there was some dinner rolls and broth sitting on the chair next to him if he felt hungry.

She spent the rest of the afternoon making sure he stayed lying in bed, talking occasionally to make sure he stayed awake. Simon didn’t need much comforting about Tem. Admittedly, that was odd, but he was Simon. He didn’t like to show his feelings, let alone talk about them. 

A few hours past while she gardened, calling out at random intervals and listening for Simon to respond. 

“Simon? Are you still doing good?” she called behind her as she weeded a planter.

“Why does everyone I get close to die?”

She stopped weeding. Where did that come from? What did she say? There wasn’t much she could think of.

“Oh,” she said carefully, “That’s not true.”

Was that all she could say? What kind of support was that? She waited for Simon to continue on, but there was only silence. Maybe he was done talking then. It was almost supper, meaning she should probably get Simon something to eat. She had change in her pocket today, meaning she could get some more calorie dense snacks from a vending machine. 

“I’m going go get supper, alright?” she said as she got up and dusted herself off.

“I-”

The voice cut off with a choked sob.

She hated to do this, but things like this were above what she could offer.

“I’ll be back in a bit, ok?”

Some more muffled crying was the only response.

She sighed and walked out the door of the garden. She hated herself for doing this, but what else could she do? She could talk with him after, while they ate, right? 

She went down the stairs and walked across the courtyard, heading towards the cafeteria. 

She would have to. For once in her life someone needed actual help from her. Before it had always seemed to be the other way around. She had a choice now, a choice to help rather than being helped, and she wouldn’t let it be wasted. She hoped Simon would forgive her for walking out like that.

Chapter Text

I didn’t stay. I hoped Haru would forgive me for leaving without saying anything, but I didn’t even feel hungry. I just wanted to walk away from it all.

‘It’s the shock,’ warned the voice.

I ignored it. Whatever meaning those words had didn’t reach me. The stairs were quickly trekked, and within a minute I was in the courtyard. Very few animals were out of their dorms. I listened to what a lynx was saying to a small group near me. It looked like he was arguing with some kind of dog.

“I’m telling you, my dad knows one of the cops. He said they’re confident someone saw it happen and tried to help. The body had bandages-”

“It could have just been whoever killed the poor guy. Besides, cops lie sometimes.”

“Would the killer have pulled the fire alarm?”

“It was probably whoever died, in some sad attempt to save themselves.”

A male cheetah between the two animals spoke up.

“We shouldn’t talk about this. I think it’s disrespectful. It was probably-”

I stopped listening to them when my head began to ache. Every few seconds I felt a sharp pain between my temples. I stopped at one of the benches and took a seat, hoping the thudding in my head would go away. After a few minutes it slowed, then stopped. I let out a sigh of relief and leaned back onto the bench. It felt so… familiar. I glanced around, trying to figure out why. There were the trees there, and the fountain over there, so then-

A zebra moved to sit where I was, causing me to slide myself over. The action of it caused a spark in my mind, and I realized suddenly that I was sitting on the bench where I had first met Tem. 

How long ago had that been? Over a month and so, at least. It didn't feel like that long.

I let out another sigh and got up. The zebra glanced around, obviously having heard me, then looked back down at the phone she held in her hands when she failed to see my invisible form. In a way I wished someone would see me, and talk to me because they wanted too, not because they needed to.

Should I head back to the garden then? Haru enjoyed talking with me, right?

I didn’t want to go back yet. The garden, with its peaceful atmosphere and colorful flowers seemed so bright and cheery there, like everything was ok. When I pretended to be fine it had been fitting for me.

Right now though, I didn’t want to pretend. I didn’t want to wear a mask and act unbothered, or supress how I felt until it was bottled away forever, like a hundred other secrets and emotions I wasn’t ready to let out upon those whom wouldn't care or couldn't handle them anyway. I wanted to be sad, and that meant I should go to a place where I couldn’t escape Tems presence. 

I began walking towards the rehearsal hall, just like I had a hundred times before. The only difference now was that Tem would never be there to see me ever again. I felt a tear fall down my cheek as I moved, warm like Tem's blood had been.

Chapter Text

Els slowly made her way to the rehearsal hall. She had heard the rumours, listened to her friends talk about it without filter. She felt… well she didn’t know how she felt. 

She was sad, but at the same time that didn’t feel right. Why would she be sad? Tem wasn’t really someone she was very close to.

Was it shock that something had happened at a school deemed to be so safe and separated from the dangers of the city it stood in? That didn’t seem right either. 

Was it pity or sympathy that he had died? She let out a breath. She didn’t want to think about it. The mixed feelings she felt made her feel…confused.

But why? She didn’t even know him like a friend would know someone. All the encounters with him were usually in a hallway or at the auditorium and practice area, and half the time they didn’t even speak. She decided to ignore it and instead glanced around as she opened the door to the practice area. It looked like she would be one of the first ones here. The few other members here were cast members, meaning they stood off to the side getting their costumes and whatever else they needed ready for the rehearsals.

She walked over to the other side of the room, towards the windows. One of them was opened at the top slightly, so she decided that there was the perfect place to sit and think for a few more minutes. She was taking her schoolbag off of her shoulder when her foot brushed into something on the floor, right beside a wooden bench. She glanced down at what she had hit.

 A book? Odd, but not unusual. Some of the animals were very forgetful. The force of her foot hitting it had opened it up to one of its yellowed pages. There were a few drawings on it. It was best to leave it where it was. After all, it probably belonged to another drama member, and she didn’t want to pry into-

Tem.

She stopped and reread the name attached to a sketch of something. Was it really his? How had it gotten here? She picked it up quickly and looked around. No one had paid her any notice, so she didn’t hesitate to sit down and check it over. There was no doubt about it. The book was definably Tems. She flipped through the pages, her eyes darting around as they took in the detail on some of the drawings. A few were faces of drama members she recognized, a landscape or two, a portrait of her, the courtyar-

Wait, her?

She flipped back a page and looked again. It was definably her. She was posed at a desk, gazing out a window, an open book in front of her. It was drawn in a way that made her look like she was from a movie. She had never posed for anything like this… Had Tem drawn it from memory? He must have. The detail was… so perfect. The date beside the drawing caught her attention.

‘A year and a half ago? That… would have been around the time I came to Cherryton,’ she thought to herself. Wasn’t that also around the time she had first met Tem? She racked her head for an answer. It had to of been.

So Tem had seen a good drawing opportunity in how she was sitting. So what? That didn’t mean anything, right? She kept flipping through the pages. She didn’t stop to read the journal entries, but rather skimmed through looking at the rest of the sketches. There were more of her. It wasn’t enough to be creepy, but it was enough to make her feel sad he never told her-

Told her what? This didn’t mean anything. For all she knew Tem had just enjoyed drawing her. That was it! She was just easy to draw! She felt her heart sink slightly at that thought. Why? Why was she feeling these emotions? She scrunched her eyebrows and concentrated on the sketchbook again, doing her best to brush the feelings away. She was getting towards the end of the sketches, about three-quarters of the way through the book. She turned the page to the final drawing and gasped.

What was it? It was in some kind of gardener get up, that she could tell. It didn’t have a muzzle or snout though, and why was the hair and ears like that? Tem was obviously a good drawer, so how had he managed to make an animal look so… un-animal-like?  

At least the eyes look friendly, and on second glance so did the smile. The teeth were odd though, like a mix of flat and pointed. She glanced up briefly at the other animals. A few more had arrived, but other than that everything was- 

A flash of movement in the mirror caught her attention. Someone was up there, but when she looked directly at the catwalk she saw nothing. Perplexed, she glanced at the mirrors again and almost yelped. She caught herself just in time and instead just let out a strangled breath that she hoped no one had heard.

There was a face on the catwalk in the mirror, looking down at the animals practicing below. She looked down at the drawing in the book she held, then back up at the mirror. The face was gone, but she was certain that whoever she had seen was the same thing that Tem had drawn. It's face was a bit different, but it was close enough.

Had Tem seen it then? He must have. How else would he have sketched it. It... wait, was it the ghost? No one had ever come forward and said they had seen it, so they had no idea what it looked like. If that was true... then she was one of the first to see it! She noticed a word written under the sketch, and without realizing it she whispered it out loud to no one in particular.

“Simon.”

Chapter Text

I watched as the drama practice began. They had started way earlier tonight. Typically most would be gone by 10 PM, and the doors would lock at 11, but tonight I wouldn't be sure. 

By now almost all the members were here. The air of the whole room felt thick with uneasiness and tension. No one really talked, instead opting to form small groups to stand with silently. I scanned through them, looking for familiar faces.

I saw Els glancing up at the catwalk I was on. She must have been scared the killer was still around. That female squirrel was asking around for Legosi to help her crack walnuts, and it took me a few seconds to realize he wasn’t on the floor with the others. Instead he was on another catwalk in front of me, working on a light panel.

They were still forming groups. I felt that something wasn’t right, but I couldn’t figure out what. They seemed to just be sticking close to one another-

The drama club president, a pelican named Sanu, came through the doors.

“Is everyone here?” he called.

No answers.

“Gather round!” he continued. Instead the club members seemed to part. It seemed odd at first, but then I realized what they were doing. 

“Today’s a Wednesday, and I know that normally we wouldn’t meet today. However, I decided to have a meeting today for special reasons,” he explained before taking a breath. The room was still silent, and it was obvious that he hadn’t realized what was happening. He continued on.

 “You all probably know this, but this morning Tem was found-”

Finally he glanced around and stopped talking. He had seen what I had seen. The herbivores and the carnivores had separated into two different groups, standing at the opposite ends of the room.

“W-What’s wrong, guys?” asked Sanu. He was as uneasy as I was. Everyone here had been so close… and now it was like that trust was gone.

Ellen, the zebra on the dance team, was the first to speak up.

“Chief, Tem only knew the carnivores from this club, right?”

I knew where this was going. This would get ugly, but maybe I was just thinking of the worst possible-

“Now what’s that suppose to mean?” asked Bill defensibly. 

Oh course he would be the one to act like she had accused him directly… But I do suppose I understood where this was coming from. If what Ellen said about Tem only knowing the carnivores from this club was true, then it meant the killer was one of them…

They were shouting at each other now. I could barely make out half of what was said. Seemed like most of it was assumptions and insults anyway, but it was information nonetheless. 

“-Tem landed a good role for the play, and one of you were jealous-” 

“How can you even say that-”

“-playing the victim when you’re just as bad!”

This was getting out of hand. I glanced at the other catwalk. Legosi was leaning over watching the argument, his hand slowly reaching for a panel switch.

“-gonna bite me?”

“-Your blood isn’t worth getting on my fangs!”

Was Legosi going to- Yes, he was!

 The wolf pulled the switch down, cutting off the power and plunging the room into darkness. 

There were yelps and screams below, as well as questions.

“What happened!”

“Who turned off the lights?”

“What?”

I smiled, even though I couldn’t see anything.

The lights started up again as Legosi cleared his throat. Most of the animals were looking up at him now. With that little distraction oh his he now had everyone's attention.

“Oh, sorry,” I heard him say, “There was a problem with the lights. Please continue.”

“Legosi?” asked Bill, “You were friends with Tem, right? Do you know something we don’t?”

Huh. I never thought I would see the day that Bill would ask an almost logical question. I wanted to see how the wolf would respond, but there was a problem.

Legosi didn’t respond. Instead he faltered on the catwalk railing, hunched over like some kind of gargoyle. He wasn’t acting like the Legosi I had talked to at night.

Maybe he was nervous. Anyone would be, right? I thought I knew Legosi enough to know he wouldn’t hurt anyone… but now, seeing his reaction, I felt that maybe I had been wrong. 

No, I was overthinking again. As long as he had a good explanation-

“I think Tem had a lot of regrets. There were many things he still wanted to do,” he said slowly.

I winced. 

Why couldn’t he say something normal? Right now it sounded like he had… no, it couldn’t of been him, right? I was sure before, but now I couldn’t answer with total certainty. There were a few whispers and glances from other members. A flamingo turned to him.

“H-How could you possibly know that?”

I had thought that it couldn’t get worse, that Legosi couldn’t possibly look worse than now. Somehow he managed to do just that. With as much life as an out of batter animatronic he turned and seized a fistful of walnuts from the jar that squirrel was holding.

“Anyone would feel that way if they died suddenly,” he said as he crushed the walnuts in his hand, “Anyone would have regrets.”

I winced again, this time cringing as well. This was terrible.

“It’s cracked,” he said to the squirrel. She thanked him and scurried out of the way.

He started to walk away, then stopped and turned to Els.

“There’s one more thing I wanted to ask. Els, how do you feel about Tem’s death? Are you sad about it?”

I was a fool. Everything I thought I knew about that wolf was wrong. He had done it! Who else would act like that? The other animals would know then, right? If I could realize this then they must be able to as well! I took a breath to think. It wasn't right to assume it was Legosi. If anything, it meant I should watch him a bit more carefully.

I was so lost in thoughts I missed most of what Els had to say. Judging by how she took a step back and shielded half her body while placing a hand over her chest, I decided she was very terrified of the wolf. 

The rest of the meeting past quickly, but I don’t think that was the case with Els. She still looked uncomfortable, and I quickly realized why. Legosi was watching her. No matter where she moved in the room, the wolf kept his eyes on her.

I let out a sigh of relief when the meeting and practice ended. Most of the animals headed for the locker rooms. A few minutes passed before a new commotion happened. There were a few shouts coming from the male locker room, followed by Legosi quickly walk out of the room and into the night, hunched over his bookbag... almost like he was hiding something.

Most of the members were leaving now. They would be safe, right? Once they walked back to their dorms, they should be all good, but what if the killer tried to strike again? I didn't want to assume it was Legosi, but his actions tonight were extremely suspicious and way too coincidental. For all I knew any of the smaller animals in the club could be targets.

What could I do though? I couldn’t warn them, or try to share what I knew… but maybe I could just make sure any smaller animals that left in smaller groups made it back to their dorms ok. It wasn't much of a deterrent, but if I was there...maybe I could do something this time.

I shook the thoughts from my head and scanned through the crowd. Most of those still here were carnivores, and large ones at that. I doubted the killer would go after them over a smaller and weaker herbivore.

 Most of the herbivores were gone now thankfully, having left together in one large group, but there were two still remaining. Els stood near the door with a female lemur, talking quietly. I strained to listen.

“Did you really mean what you said in the locker room, Els?” asked the lemur.

“About how his stare was telling me I was next?”

“Yeah, that.”

“I did. Can you walk me to my dorm? I’m terrified to go alone.”

The lemur chuckled and held out her hand for Els to take. 

“Of course. Come on, lets get going before they lock up,” she said as they walked hand in hand out the door.

They were totally unaware that I was walking after them, following them out into the warm night, perfectly illuminated by the full moon yet again.

If anything was to happen tonight, I would be ready to help. This wouldn't happen ever again, not on my watch.

Chapter Text

I walked carefully behind the two, leaving about ten feet of distance between them and myself. While they seemed unbothered by their surroundings, I was gazing everywhere, looking for places where an animal might be hiding out of sight, lurking in wait for them, preparing to pounce and-

No. I shouldn’t think like that. If I did, then I would start seeing things, but there was nothing I could do to occupy myself. I’d just have to face whatever my mind tricked me with.

 I felt the anxiety in me build more and more, rising and falling in my chest. Twice I was sure I saw something watching from the dark, hidden behind tree, fangs reflecting in the moonlight. Each time I looked wildly towards that shape I realized it was just a bush, or a flower rack, or some other harmless item. I took a few quiet breaths to calm the paranoia. 

Maybe I could distract myself with whatever they were talking about. I didn’t want to eavesdrop, but that was difficult to avoid at this point.

“-ok to be cautious, but you can’t let it go to your head,” said the lemur. 

“Really?” asked Els nervously.

The lemur nodded.

“Yeah.”

“Ok," said Els as she thought for a moment before continuing, "Now that I think of it, Legosi has no real reason to want to eat me, and he was always weird. Maybe I really am getting worked up over nothing.”

Well, at least Els would probably be able to sleep tonight. I couldn’t say the same thing for me, though.

The lemur stopped at the building that no doubt housed her dorm.

“I’ll see you tomorrow!” she said cheerfully to Els, “If you’re still feeling scared, you’re free to come to my room! Us lemurs are very sociable.”

Els giggled and waved.

“Thanks! I’ll see you tomorrow!”

The lemur disappeared into the doorway of her building, leaving Els outside to walk back to where she resided. At least she wasn’t alone, even if she didn’t know that. She began to walk again, her face etched in thought. A minute passed, the night quiet except for the odd rustle of the cherry-blossom covered trees.

Suddenly she stopped, glancing down at her wrist, then opening her book back to rummage through it.

“Oh, my watch!” she said to no one in particular, unaware that I was standing a few feet to the side of her, “I must have left it in the practice room!”

She turned and began walking back in the direction she had came from. I felt a new wave of anxiety. Did this mean I would have to escort her there and back again? Down the courtyard and past the trees and archways where a killer could be hiding? I’d have to be even more diligent now. 

Wait… what if the killer had taken the watch to get her alone?

I groaned mentally at that thought. Why did I have to over think things? It was obvious she had left it there herself, and yet here I was worried it was some kind of complex set up. Typical of me though, so at least I almost expected it. I grinned at that little bit self loathing, then turned my attention back to Els. I followed after her again, trying to keep my footsteps as silent as possible as I waked over the cobblestone path. A minute or so passed, and the drama building was in sight. The door wouldn’t be locked yet at least. We were passing a bench and street lamp sitting under some of the cherry trees when the sheep stopped walking.

She glanced down at her schoolbag, checked the time on her flip phone, and then shrugged.

“Thirty minutes until they lock up. I guess the watch can wait for a few minutes…” she said quietly to herself as she took a seat on the bench and started to rummage through the schoolbag. Quickly she found what she was looking for and pulled… a book out? What could possibly be in that book that was more important than getting inside?

I shook my head and silently sat down next to her, glancing at the book she was holding. It looked oddly familiar.

She opened it up and began flipping through the pages until she came to one that caught her attention and stopped. I glanced down at it and supressed a gasp. She had Tem’s sketch book! But even worse than that was she was looking at the sketch of me! 

How’d she get it? It was in Tem’s backpack! I had figured it had probably been taken as evidence by the police-

I suddenly remembered the night of Tem’s… passing. I was climbing out the window of the drama room, and there had been that thud noise… Was it the sketchbook falling from the backpack? It must have been! Els must of found it earlier and realized the importance of it… But what was she going to do with it-

A branch snapped behind us. Even though she couldn’t see me, Els still managed to turn at the same time I did.

The shadowy figure of Legosi stood there among the cherry blossoms, staring directly at Els. The sheep stumbled from her seat on the bench, snapping the sketchbook closed at the same time and desperately raising her schoolbag to her shoulder. I simply stood where I was, too shocked to move. I had been wrong. Legosi had been the one who did it! He had killed Tem, and now he was about to do the same to Els. 

The wolf continued to stare.

“L-Legosi?” she asked nervously. She was practically shaking.

He didn’t respond. 

She took a step back, then another, before starting to turn to run. I snapped out of my thoughts as Legosi took a step towards her.

‘Rehearsal hall is closest, and the door isn’t locked yet,’ said the voice quickly, ‘Stall him!’

I didn’t need to be told twice. 

“Run, Els! Get to the rehearsal hall!” I said quickly as I ran at Legosi. By the look on his face he hadn’t expected me to be here. I ran right into him with my shoulder, sending him backwards. My face struck his chest and I felt the bruises on my face burn on impact. I turned back and saw Els running for the rehearsal hall doors. Her head was still watching behind her though, a look of intrigue and curiosity mixed with horror.

The wolf groaned and got up. He shook his head and began to run towards Els. I was still on my hands and knees trying to get up, and in desperation I reached out and grabbed his legs as he passed. He fell down again.

Els was almost up to the doors, but she was still looking behind her. It must have looked odd to see a wolf trying to fight off something no one could see.

Speaking of Legosi…

He spun around under me and tossed me off, then stood up and dusted himself off. I groaned and pushed myself up. I was covered in dust now too, and that meant my outline was probably visible now. How was he this strong? He didn’t look that muscular-

The wolf raised his hands up in surrender.

“Simon, wait! This isn’t what it looks like!”

I heard the door slam in the distance. At least Els had gotten away.

“Oh really? Because just now it looked like you were about to eat Els.”

“I wasn’t!” protested Legosi, “I need to give her Tem’s letter!”

I stopped. 

“Tem told you about his letter?”

The wolf paused before answering.

“He’s mentioned it,” he replied hesitantly. 

I thought for a moment.

“Is that why you acted like that today?”

“Acted like what?”

My face crumpled like Kermit’s.

“Really? How could-” I began, then stopped. What was the point in telling him? I’m sure Els would do that for me. “-Never mind. Where is the letter?”

“In my pocket, see?” he said as he fished the envelope out of his pocket. 

I felt myself die internally of embarrassment. I had overreacted and now Els was probably hyperventilating inside the rehearsal hall.

“I-Uh, I may have made a slight error in judgement,” I said hesitantly. 

Legosi shrugged. 

“A lot of animals do. I should probably give this to her.”

“Can I help?”

He glanced at me.

“Oh. Sure, I guess? But I’m not sure how.”

“I’ll think of something. Come on, she’s probably really freaked out.”

“You think? I wasn’t trying to be scary.”

“…”

“What? Was I?”

“Kind of?” I said as I brushed the dust and dirt off of me. The last thing I wanted to do was get seen by anyone else.

“Oh…”

We began to walk towards the rehearsal hall. 

Chapter Text

Els slammed the doors behind her and put a hand over her mouth, trying to quiet her heavy breathing. The events that had just happened were on replay in her mind. 

She was certain someone had yelled at her to run, but she hadn’t seen anyone around besides Legosi. Had he tripped when he tried to attack? She didn’t think wolves were that clumsy, and the way he had been rolling around was peculiar as well… almost like he was fighting with someone. 

She shook the useless thoughts from her head. Now definably wasn’t the time to worry about something like that. The rehearsal hall only had one way in, meaning she was trapped.

Going back outside wasn’t an option, but neither was just standing here. She needed to try to keep the wolf out! She turned to face the doors, trying desperately to find a way to keep them locked.

Louis was supposed to be the last one here, but he had left early to study. He’d be back at 11 to lock up, but she didn’t have that long. She fiddled with the door handles and let out a silent curse.

Unlike most doors in the academy, there wasn’t a lock on the inside of the rehearsal hall door, meaning her only hope was to hide and hope the wolf didn’t find her. 

Is this how Tem felt? Scared and alone, trying to hide from something that knew exactly where he was? She didn’t want to think like that. If she did then she would end up just like Tem-

No. She wouldn’t die like he had. She’d fight! She’d do it for herself, and for Tem! If that wolf had killed him then she would avenge him as well as she could.

She took a breath to calm herself. First she needed a weapon… or better yet, help to arrive. She dumped the contents of her school bag onto the floor, scattering things everywhere. Her hands pushed aside useless school things as she began to search through them.

“Scissors…” she mumbled to herself as she felt around, “Scissors… Scissors…Aha! Scissors!”

She grabbed them, then began to look for her cell phone. Her hand closed around it and she flipped it open, only for the low battery symbol to flash across the screen before going dark. There would be no calling the police.

Help wasn’t coming then. It would be her and Le- no, she couldn’t say his name anymore, not after what he had done. It would be her verse the murderer!

The door began to open, revealing the shadowy figure of the grey wolf. Holding the scissors out in front of her she began backing up towards the stage.

“Put down the scissors Els, and we can talk.”

“D-Don’t move!” she said as threateningly as she could. It came out badly voice cracked and she winced at how weak it sounded.

The wolf continued to stare, then turned towards the light switches.

“Sorry about this, Els.”

“S-Stop! Don’t-”

Too late. With one flip of his hand the wolf had shut off all the lights except for a few on the stage.

If she stayed in the dark she was done for, that she knew, but if she could reach the stage then she would at least have a chance!

She began to back up slowly, making her way towards the stage.

“Els, please, put down the scissors and I can explain, ok?” called the wolf from somewhere in the dark.

She almost wanted to listen to him. His voice was calm and relaxing, so reassuring, so… so…. so obviously a trick to calm her down!

“Is this what you did to Tem?” She yelled out, “Did you calm him with your words before you ate him? Have you always pretended to be nice?"

"What? No, Els, just-"

"You always acted so friendly, but I bet you always just saw us as food for when you got hungry! How dare you! I-”

She had reached the steps leading up onto the stage. Slowly she backed her way up them, trying not to trip.

Legosi’s voice called out from the dark void in front of her.

“You have it all wrong, Els! I’m not going hurt you!”

“Stay back! I’m warning you-”

The back of her shoe hooked on the top step and she fell back. Her life flashed before her eyes. This was it then. She had tripped, and now the wolf would pounce on and devour her. It was so unfair. She hadn’t even had the chance to use her weapon. Still, part of her felt proud to of yelled at the grey wolf, to have shown him that she had a fire in her. She hadn’t submitted to him, nor had she accepted her fate. Instead she had been ready to put up a fight-

Arms pushed on her back from behind, preventing her from falling any further. This was it. The wolf had somehow gotten behind her. She hoped death would be-

Whoever had caught her raised her forward until she had her balance again, then let go. She turned to confront whoever it was, but there was no one there.

“Huh? Who-”

“Legosi, turn on the lights. Just give it to her before she falls in the dark,” said a voice she didn’t quite recognize. Was there two killers? But why not just-

The voice had come from her left, but there wasn't anyone-

The lights came back on. The wolf was still standing at the light switches, but was now fishing through his pocket. He pulled an envelope out and began to walk towards her. Hesitantly she took a step back. Was this a trick to get her closer, or was it really just a big misunderstanding?

“This is for you, Els,” explained Legosi as he held it out towards her.

She looked down at it.

“…What is this?” she asked as she flipped the letter around and read the names. Her eyes turned their attention to the heart sticker sealing it shut.  She suddenly realized.

“Oh… is this-”

“It’s a love letter. Tem wasn’t able to give it to you.”

“Wait… you mean you… came here to give this to me?”

She began to open it slowly.

There was a small smacking sound and Legosi jolted to the side, rubbing his upper arm. 

“Oh, right,” he said, “Tem wanted you to give that to you on a bench under the falling cherry blossoms. Want to go find a bench to sit on?”

She was still staring at the letter, a look of confliction on her face.

She took a breath. The wolf leaned forward as if tense to hear her answer.

“Yes,” she relied as she began to walk out of the rehearsal hall, the wolf beside her. 

If her eyes hadn't been so focused on the envelope in front of her, then perhaps she would have noticed the smiling reflection in the mirror.

Chapter Text

The night had a refreshing coolness to it. Els felt it every time the warm breeze faltered. With every small movement the trees behind her would shed a few of their pretty pink blossoms, and she would watch the slowly float down. One of them landed on the letter.

She had read through it, pouring over every word. So Tem… he had loved her. The confession written on the letter was so powerful. He had poured his heart into it before signing it with love. Despite this, part of her felt scared that maybe Tem didn't really mean what he had wrote, that it was just empty promises and hollow feelings... But the words sounded so true and hopeful...

She wished there was someone she could ask, someone who Tem had talked about her with, but there was no one. Legosi was the only one besides Tem who knew about the letter, and it was obvious he only knew about it from watching Tem hide it in his locker everyday. 

She read through the letter again, trying desperately to convince herself that Tem had meant every word. Her eyes landed on the final two words written in the bottom corner of the letter.

Love, Tem…

She'd never know if he really meant it.

If only she had known him before Cherryton… maybe then it would have been different. 

“Sorry… I don’t think I should have told you-” began Legosi, sensing Els's distress. Els finished his sentence.

“-but you couldn’t keep it to yourself, right?”

“Right.”

There was a pause. She watched a few blossoms land on the letter in her hand. In the golden moonlight it looked so beautiful.

“Look, I thought if everyone knew then they’d see Tem in a bad light… So I wanted to be alone with you to give the letter to you in private.”

“You’re so awkward… But you’re so nice. You scared me a lot, but I’m grateful.”

“I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The wolf began to get up, but she grabbed his arm. 

“I have something to ask you, too.”

“Oh… Ok.”

The wolf sat back down, placing his hands against the bench seat as he did.

“Legosi, do you believe in ghosts?”

“Is this about everything happening in the drama club-”

A water droplet landed on his hand. For a moment he thought it was raining and looked up in surprise, then realized the droplet had fallen from Els’s eye.

“Huh? Are you alright?”

‘I hope she's not too upset,' the wolf thought to himself. He didn’t know how to handle things like this-

“Do you think Tem would stick around?”

“Stick around?” he repeated hesitantly. What did she mean by that?

“I mean stay here… as a ghost.”

Oh no. What did he say to that?

“I, uh, I think Tem would move on, but watch over you.”

The way he said it sounded more like a question than an answer, but what else could he say?

“Maybe… I hope he found peace,” Els replied as she wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. 

There was a pause. What could he do now? Try to comfort her… or try to change the subject?

“As for your question, I think I do,” he said as he glanced up at the blossoms.

“Huh?”

“You asked if I believe in ghosts.”

“Oh, right, so do I. I think Tem did too.”

“Why do you say that?”

She didn’t answer. Instead she began to rummage through her bag, looking for something among the textbooks. 

“Here it is,” she said as she pulled out a small book, “I think it’s Tem’s journal. I found it in the rehearsal hall earlier.”

“You found it?” asked Legosi as he leaned over to look at the pages, “Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

The sheep didn’t respond. Instead she slowly flipped through the pages, lost in thought.

He waited a few seconds, then ask a different question, this time louder.

“So why do you believe in ghosts?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry. I guess it’s because of everything that happened at the club. Legosi, you’ve seen a lot of things that have happened there. Can I tell you something?”

“What is it?”

“Tonight, when I fell going up the steps, someone caught me. I also heard a voice.”

“A voice?”

“Someone shouted at me to run while we were outside, then they shouted at you to turn on the lights.”

Shit, he had forgotten about that. How would he explain it? Maybe he could convince her she was hearing things. 

“I didn’t hear anyone shout,” he lied, “And I turned on the lights because I heard you fall.”

“What? You’re lying! I know what I heard!”

“You were scared and confused. That probably-”

“I may have been scared,” Els replied harshly, “but I wasn’t confused, Legosi. After all things that have happened in that rehearsal hall, all the strange singing, cleaning, Mina’s close call, Kibi being handed boxes by nothing, and Louis hitting something that wasn’t there, you expect me to believe you didn’t hear that voice?”

The wolf sighed.

“Alright, I heard it. I just- It’s complicated.”

Els gave him a strange look, then glanced back down at the sketchbook. She began flipping through it again. A face caught the wolf’s attention.

“He drew Simon pretty good,” he muttered quietly. It never crossed his mind that he had made a large mistake.

Els slammed the book closed suddenly, Legosi jolted, startled by the noise.

“You know Simon!” she exclaimed loudly.

The wolf began to panic.

“Wha-What? I didn’t say anything. Well, I mean I did, but I, uh, read the name from the paper!”

“Liar! That sketch didn’t have a name! The other sketch did, but not the one I showed you!”

“Other sketch?” said the wolf pryingly.

“Don’t ignore the question!”

Legosi hung his head down.

“I may have heard the name when I snuck in at night…”

“You snuck in?”

“Tem did too!”

Oops-

“Tem snuck in!?!?”

“…Kinda?”

“At the same time?”

“No, different days.”

“And how would you know that?”

“Si- I mean Tem told me.”

He never knew Els could give such a cold stare, like she was trying to tell if he was telling the truth or not. Would she believe it? He was a terrible liar, and he doubted he was hiding it well right now. After more tense moments Els’s face softened and she let out a sigh. Legosi felt his shoulders drop in relief. 

“Thanks again for giving me his letter, and I’m sorry for being scared of you.”

“I’m used to it,” replied the wolf.

“I said some things about you too, and I’m sorry for saying them…but I’ll make sure to tell everyone that they weren’t true. You’re very nice, Legosi, and I’m sorry I doubted that.”

“You don’t have to. I’ve always kinda been an outcast, so I doubt it would make much of a difference.”

The sheep bit her lip. Why was he so difficult? It didn’t matter. She would tell everyone who would listen that they were wrong about the wolf, and then maybe she would feel better for what she had said about him earlier.

Now was probably a good time to leave. The longer she talked with the wolf the worse she felt for jumping to assumptions.

“I should probably get going,” she said as she raised her wrist to check the time. The watch wasn’t there.

“Oh, shoot, I never got my watch from the rehearsal hall. I’m going to go grab it.”

The wolf got up as she did.

“I’ll walk you back to your dorm after.”

“Oh, thanks,” she said as they both began to walk towards the rehearsal hall.

That was a close one, and Legosi was happy he had managed to keep Simon a secret-

SIMON!

Where was he? Still in the rehearsal hall or silently walking beside them? He listened but didn’t hear any footsteps near them… so that meant-

“Legosi, do you hear that?” asked Els as she suddenly stopped outside the door.

“Huh? Hear what?” he replied, confused.

“Shhh! Listen! I think the ghost is singing again! It’s the same voice too! I told you I heard him!”

She placed her ear against the door, then beckoned for the wolf to do the same. Curiosity got the better of him and he followed her example. The result was immediate. It was obviously and undeniably Simon.

“-There was magic abroad in the airrrrrrrr-”

Why would Simon be singing right now?

He remembered suddenly. Simon had no idea that he and Els would come back! He probably assumed Els would leave for her dorm after she got the letter, not return to the rehearsal hall! If he was caught by Els, would she be ok with it?  He wracked his mind, trying to think of a way to distract the sheep.

“There were angels dining in the Ritz-”

Els was slowly pushing open the door! Could things get any worse-

“What are you two doing here?”

Es and him spun around at the same time. Louis the Red-deer stood behind them, one hand on his hip and the other raised up. The keys for the lock were dangling off his finger. The wolf almost choked in surprise. He could still hear the singing, quieter now that he wasn’t against the door, but still there nonetheless. 

How did he explain this! Could he warn Simon! This wasn’t-

“Oh, Louis, I was just grabbing my watch!” shouted Els loudly.

Legosi heard the singing stop immediately. Had Els done that on purpose to warn Simon? It didn’t make much sense, but why else would she have done it? 

“Why’d you shout that so loud?” the deer asked in confusion and annoyance.

Els faked a yawn. 

“Sorry, I get loud when I’m tired. My bad.”

There was no doubt about it now. She most definably did it to warn Simon.

“Oh… I see. Well, go grab your watch. I don’t want to wait around here very long.”

“Thank you, Louis. Legosi, will you help me look for it?”

“Huh? Oh, sorry. Sure,” replied the wolf.

With a quick nod Els grabbed his arm and dragged him through the doors, away from the ears and eyes of the red-deer outside.

“Why’d you do that,” he asked once he was sure Louis wouldn’t hear. He needed to know if what he suspected was true.

“Louis would have scared the ghost away,” she replied as she walked towards one of the benches. There wasn’t any point in trying to hid it anymore. He felt the panic build in him, demanding him to explain himself.

“Els, I kinda lied-”

“Don’t bother, Legosi, I figured that out,” she said before giggling, “You were so nervous answering my questions.”

“Oh… yeah. Sorry...”

"Do you think I could talk with him?" the sheep asked suddenly. 

"What? I- Uh-"

"You said Tem talked with the ghost. I want to know if Tem ever mentioned me. Please, Legosi, I need to know if what he wrote in the letter was the truth."

"He did, Els, I'm sure of it."

"But you don't know that. Tem snuck in and met the ghost though, right?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Maybe he mentioned me. I need the closure, Legosi. I need to know if he really loved me!"

How could he say no to that? He sighed and walked ahead of her, looking around the room for any sign of Simon.

“He’s probably already gone, Els. I’m sorry, but-”

He heard Els gasp loudly and turned to her. She was turned to her left, eye’s wide open and left hand raised up.

“Els? What are you-”

The words died in his throat when he realized why she had her hand raised. Her watch was floating a few inches above it, obviously held by Simon. It dropped down into her palm with a quiet tap.

“Hello,” whispered Simon, "I'm Simon."

"Hi," Els whispered back, "So are you-"

"The ghost? Yes. You're Els, right? I see you at the rehearsals and practices. Tem talked about you a lot. I'm... sorry to hear about him."

"He did? So he really did mean everything he wrote in the letter?"

"Everything, and more. He wanted to give it to you so badly, but never could. He really did love you."

There was a sniffling sound, no doubt coming from Els. She had raised her sleeve to wipe her eyes.

"Thank you... It means a lot to hear that."

“Come on! Hurry up in there!” called Louis.

“You deserve to know, Els. I think you two should get going now though,” suggested Simon, “I think that impatient deer is about to break down the doors.”

Both he and Els nodded, then turned to walk out the door. Els paused.

“Wait, before I go can see what you look like?”

“I... Yes. Just don’t freak out, ok?”

“I won’t!” came Els’s enthusiastic reply. 

"And promise you won't tell anyone about meeting me?"

"Cross my heart."

“Ok then, look in one of the mirrors on the wall.”

Legosi gave a small smile when Els turned and saw the reflection.

“You look just like Tem’s sketches…” she muttered quietly.

“Speaking of those, can I see the sketch he made of me again?”

“Again?” asked Els.

“Legosi?” called Louis from outside the door, “Els? If you don’t hurry, I’ll come in and drag you out myself. You two need to get back to your dorms!”

The reflection glanced towards the doors and shrugged.

“Guess I’ll have to wait to see the sketch. It was nice to actually introduce myself to you, Els. Nice to talk to you again as well, Legosi. Goodnight, and be careful!”
Footsteps began to walk away from them.

Els took a step towards their direction, but Legosi placed a hand on her shoulder.

“We have to go,” he said gently.

“Oh, right,” replied Els before raising her voice slightly, hoping the ghost would hear her, “Thank you Simon. I know now that Tem really did mean everything he wrote.”

They began walking towards the doors as they opened, revealing Louis standing there with his hand still on his hip.

“Hmph. Took the both of you long enough.”

The deer waited until they had stepped out the door, then turned off the lights and followed them out. Els turned to him.

“Sorry Louis,” she said quickly, “I should go.”

The deer rolled his eyes.

“It’s dark out, so I’ll walk you back myself,” he said to Els as he locked the door. He turned to Legosi. 

“You, wolf, I assume you’ll be fine to walk back alone, right?”

“Huh? Oh, yes Louis.”

“Good. Let’s go then, Els.”

The sheep nodded, then waved goodbye to the wolf as she and Louis began to walk towards the herbivore dorms, leaving him under one of the exterior lights.

 Legosi glanced up at the night sky once more, then at the darkened windows of the building. With a sigh he turned his back to the rehearsal hall and walking back towards his own dorm. Halfway across the courtyard he glanced back and smiled when he saw that some of the lights were on again. The sound of singing drifted across the night air, seemingly picking up where Simon had been interrupted.

“And a nightingale sang in Berkley Squarrrrrrreeeeeee…”

Chapter Text

I was alone now, totally alone. It was just me, my thoughts, and the burning and turbulent feelings that washed through my chest and stuck me hard enough to double me over. Anger, guilt, grief, and a complete numbness? Every few seconds I'd feel numb and fine, then be struck by the other emotions again. I had felt these things before, after the accident, and I had hoped I’d never feel them again.

Who was I kidding? Everything hated me, so why wouldn’t it try to torment me. I might be in a new place, a new and different universe, but that didn’t change the fact that I was still me. 

It had been nice to meet Els properly, to introduce myself and provide some comfort. Behind that though, behind that smiling mask, I was on the verge of breaking down. I wanted to apologize, to beg her to forgive me for not saving Tem. It really should have been me. Tem should have been the one to confirm to her that his written words were the truth, not some useless ghost. Instead though, I had put on a façade and bunched away everything I felt. In my chest I could feel a burning heat.

It should have been me.

I had tried to sing something happy, then continued after Els, Louis, and Legosi had left. I was on the final verse.

“And a nightingale sang in Berkley Squarrrrrrreeeeeee…”

I paused. Maybe now-

It didn’t work. Instead, I felt even worst after that. What was wrong with me, standing here singing like nothing had happened? I didn’t even deserve to be standing here.
It should have been me.

I- No. I had a purpose. I was useful! I…

I hated myself. 

Everything felt hot. Why was I hot? I knelt down on both my knees. The ground was cold… cool, hard wooden floorboards. I laid down on them, trying to make the heat in my face and chest go away.

I read something like this in a book once… what was it? “The Grapes of Wrath?” Yes, that was it. The heat was the sins burning in the characters.

What was my sin?

Uselessness?

Guilt?

Anger?

I couldn’t even decide. Typical of me. 

More anger, grinding and frustrating, entered my mind.

I should really just wait until tomorrow, then go and see Haru. Then maybe I could express everything I felt properly, like the way an old therapist had suggested… But I didn’t want to burden or worry her. 

Conceal, don’t feel. I had related to Elsa a lot. No parents, unable to express herself, and always hiding her feelings. She was like me… an outcast, trying to do the right thing but still screwing up. Why couldn’t I find a happy ending like she did.

Why was I thinking of that? I should be thinking of Tem, and my failures, and everything else I screwed up. I shouldn’t be happy. It was just like all the other kids at my school had said. I deserved this, and more. 

There were tears streaming down my face now, silent and cold, tickling my cheek bones, then my cheeks, then below my jaw.

My stomach grumbled. I ignored it. Tem would never eat again, so why should I complain about not eating?

Another new thing to bottle up and bury… except I couldn’t bury it. There wasn’t anymore room. In fact, it felt like everything was rising at once. I needed to let it all out.

I couldn’t keep it in anymore. 

Conceal, don’t feel!

I couldn’t. I had to-

I screamed loudly suddenly, then didn’t stop. The longer I screamed the louder it got, like everything was spilling out. I felt angry at myself again. I needed to hit something. I had to!

There was a bag of bunched up old papers next to me. It didn't stand a chance as I started to hit it. Over and over, raining down with my fists. I didn't care if these weren't the proper punches I had been taught to use, I just needed to get the pent up rage out.

Five seconds.

I couldn’t stop the screaming and punching.

Ten.

My throat was burning. The bag had split open, spilling papers everywhere.

Fifteen-

My voice cracked, ending the scream, even though I was still trying. The final bit of it came out cracked and ragged. It was more of an exhale than a scream. My punches slowed down, then stopped. 

My throat hurt terribly. I wouldn’t be able to sing for a day now, that was for sure. I was still crying too. If I was visible I would have stopped and composed myself before anyone saw me. I was invisible though, so what was the point? I would suffer alone again, just like I always had.

I stayed curled up on the floor of the rehearsal hall for the rest of the night, lulling in and out of sleep, crying silently among the scattered papers. What a mess. I'll have to clean it up in the morning. In fact, I'd clean it all up. I’d put on a smile and act fine in the morning, and no one would ever notice or know. Funny isn’t it, how in a new universe, with a fresh start, I can still be the same as I was in the old one.

But who cared about me, anyway? I deserved this.

Chapter Text

Haru sighed to herself from inside the stall. Her school uniform hung above her, slowly drying in the hot and slightly humid bathroom environment.

She should have just gone back to her dorm after supper, instead of worrying about where Simon was.

Simon.

She had last seen him the night before, when she had left to get his supper, but when she came back he had disappeared. That wouldn’t have been a problem usually, since at this point it just meant he’d be back in the morning. Because of that, she had left the snacks from the vending machine on the table in the shed, along with a bottled vitamin drink. As for the meal from the cafeteria, she had decided that it would go bad unless she ate it herself. Before she left the garden for the night, she had scribbled down an apology for leaving and set it next to the vending machine items.

Her worrying had started the next morning when she had stopped to see if Simon was back. The snacks and drink were untouched, and the bed contained no tell-tale signs of being used. Still she had managed to calm herself and head off to class, repeating over and over in her head that Simon was simply delayed and would definably be back in the afternoon.

Next came the rumours. 

She had heard a couple whispers about her for a few weeks now, but it seemed like today it had exploded. Everyone knew about what she did in the garden shed, or as it was now called, the “flower love shack.”

Even worse was the misconception behind the rumours. 

Yes, she slept around with many male students, and yes, she had slept with Mizuchi’s boyfriend on multiple occasions. However, the part that Mizuchi and her cronies neglected to mention when telling the student body about her… private life… was that Mizuchi’s boyfriend had been the one to make the first move. Haru had even reminded him that he already had a girlfriend, but he had told her it didn’t matter. If only she could have seen the look on his face when he found out about her other… clients. 

It wasn’t her fault if guys came to her, and she had no problems with it either. When she… did it, there was always the feeling of strength. She was in charge, strong, not weak, and with no need for rescuing. 

Still, it did sting a bit to be denied a place to sit in the cafeteria, but as usual she tried to think of something positive. Her mind managed to find two pieces of good news.

One: At least no one knew about her and Louis. If that ever got out it would be disastrous for the deer, and she doubted she would ever forgive herself for ruining his life.

Two: Supper just so happened to be one of her favorite meals, carrots and beans boiled in milk. It reminded her of home, which despite some bitter memories was still nice to think about. 

 It didn’t really matter that she had to eat outside. It was a lovely evening, and the smell of flowers was strong on the warm breezes.

Below her was a small group of students talking. She didn’t usually eavesdrop, but a few other snippets of their conversation caught her attention.

“-what? It didn’t sing last night?” asked a crocodile skeptically.

“-it’s true. Usually it’s singing I hear, but last night it was screaming!” replied a gazelle excitably.

“-I think the ghost was mad-” added a female hippo.

Now she was worried. Simon screaming? He must have been very upset… or angry… or even in pain! What if he had done something to himself! He had mentioned a previous… attempt… so what if he had tried again? She decided that she had to find him tonight.

She had finished off her plate and gotten up, but when she turned around she had received a push to the chest that caused her to fall back into her previous sitting position.
Mizuchi and her two cronies loomed over her.

They had argued, Haru had gained the upper hand in it, then promptly received a bucket of dirty water to her school uniform. After a few more harsh words and a slap from Mizuchi, the dwarf rabbit was left alone in a puddle.

Some animals may have expected her to break down into tears after this, but not her. She was stronger and better than that. Instead she checked her dress and confirmed that it was indeed a little too see through to be worn in the courtyard. Because of this she had opted to sneak into a washroom, hang up the wet piece of clothing, and wait in the stall for it to dry.

It would take at least a few hours to dry, she passed the time hymning to herself. Lucky for her the night classes were usually held in another wing of the academy, meaning she was unbothered and alone for the next few hours… which brought her to the present.

She tugged the dress down from where it hung, then checked it in her hands. It was damp, but dry enough to look as if it hadn’t been soaked. She combed down her fur in the mirror, got dressed, then left her washroom refuge. That was one problem solved… now if only she could Simon.

She’d have to get out of this building first… then walk across the courtyard and to the rehearsal hall. She began walking down the hall way, following the signs that pointed towards the stairs. A shudder ran down her spine when she passed the upstairs classrooms where Tem had originally been attacked. The door to one of the rooms was dented, as was the one a few feet down from it. Yellow police tape was draped across both doors. The police were still investigating, and a lone officer guarding the area looked curiously at her as she passed. A morbid question crossed her mind, about how much the clean up would be. She decided that it would cost more to clean the lecture wing, where Tem had ended up finally being cornered and… devoured…
She made it to the stairs and paused.

The killer was still out there.

The rabbit threw a glance over her shoulder at the police officer. She shouldn’t stay out. Besides, with the curfew beginning in twenty minutes it would be silly to try to find Simon. He would be fine for one more night, right?

She could ask the officer to escort her back to her dorm. It was the safest and most reasonable thing to do-

No. Simon would look for her, so she’d do the same for Simon. If he wasn’t at the rehearsal hall then she would head back to her dorm for the night. It would take five minutes. As long as she was more alert, nothing would go wrong.

Haru took a breath to calm herself and went down the stairs, then turned left. A few more feet and- There! She was at the door leading outside. She pushed it open, then quietly shut it behind her.

It had cooled down quite a bit, creating a thin layer of fog. She cursed silently. It was just her luck that the visibility wouldn’t be the best on the one night she decided to venture outside while a killer was on the loose. The rabbit gulped and shook the thoughts from her mind. Now wasn’t the time to get scared.

She began walking.

Her feet made almost not sounds as she moved, although there was an occasional crunch of gravel and dirt. Slowly she made her way down the path, then turned. In front of her was one of the entrances to the courtyard. This one ran past the steps and façade of the actual auditorium, then to the rehearsal hall.

She took a breath and walked out into the open area. During the day the courtyard was such a pretty place, but at night it looked like something from a horror movie. The fountain was in the middle, and even if she couldn’t quite see it, the sounds of gurgling water gave away its location. She reached it and ran her hand along its edge. It was so smooth and-

She froze suddenly as some of the fog cleared. There was something on the steps of the auditorium. Was it a school bag? Or maybe a drama prop? She took a half step forward, then stopped again.

There were two glowing eyes peering at her, concentrated and deep. The alarm bells in her head began to ring now, and she felt her herbivore instincts kick in.

The thing on the steps didn’t move. She could see now it was a large animal, hunched and ready to… pounce. 

Was this the same animal that had killed Tem?

Time slowed down for her. She’d never make it to safety. It would be better to die with dignity instead of the humiliating realization that she was foolish to try to outrun it.

Still… she could feel something in her… an odd feeling. It told her that it wasn’t her time to die, and that she should try for it. It begged her to understand the importance of her life... and realize that her value didn’t just lie in sleeping with other students. 

It was a will to live… a hope to find her place in life… a desire to be more than what animals thought she was.

She turned suddenly, without even realizing, and began to run. It was her instincts making her move. She had no control of them, only an understanding to do as they instructed. 

There was the sound of the thing behind her jump from the steps it had been perched on. She could hear the air whooshing, then-

Arms wrapped around her, pulling her back into a warm body. Hands gripped her strongly, then applied weight. Her legs gave out, and she crumpled down onto her knees. Behind her the creature lowered itself as well, down onto one knee. There was something resting on her left shoulder. She guessed it was the creatures chin or snout, but she couldn’t turn her head to confirm this. One of the arms had covered her mouth and pulled her head back into a solid… shoulder? Or maybe it was its chest… it didn’t matter. She would be dead soon enough.

She felt claws apply pressure to her skin. She closed her eyes and waited.

Nothing happened. Slowly her eyes reopened.

She was still alive, for now, but she had failed to escape. Death via devouring was certain. How would they find her? Would anything be left? She said a quick prayer that the thing holding her would just swallow her whole.

At least then no one would know what had happened, and there would be no post-mortem mockery from Muzuchi.

The arms tightened again.

She had finally realized that her life had real value, yet she would never know what it was. She’d never get what she wanted. She’d never find her purpose… but this animal that gripped her… He had found his…

There was a low growl from the animal behind her, deep and primal. She realized he was speaking.

“I’ll eat you… I’LL EAT YOU!”

The claws suddenly tightened around her arm. It stung, and then she felt her forearm get hot.

What was hot? She suddenly realized it was her blood.

She was going to die. She was really going to die-

“HEY! HEY! LEND ME A HAND!”

Someone was calling out to them. Had they seen the attack? Doubtful, the fog was too thick. Maybe they didn’t realize that this animal was about to-
The arms and hands loosened suddenly in response to whoever was shouting.

Now was her chance!

Instincts kicked in, and suddenly she was free from the large, burning hot body that had been holding her. She felt the hand that was holding her forearm let go as she lurched forward, then stinging as the claws gave her a parting gift.

Haru hardly even noticed the pain. She was too busy thinking for more important matters.

One: She was going to live!

Two: She’d have to find Simon tomorrow. 

She ran in a perfect form, without stumbling, back towards her dorm. 

She reached her dorm building and slammed the door behind her, then continued to run up the flights of stairs. She ran so fast she didn’t see the hall monitor turn the corner. She didn’t even stop when they collided. The shouts from the old baboon were lost in the air rushing past her ears as she made it to her door. It was open, then slammed shut, within seconds. With her back still leaning against the door, Haru slid down onto the floor and panted heavily. 

“Oh, you’re back!” called her room-mate, Sally, from the kitchen. “Its been such a boring night. Anything exciting happen?”

Haru wasn’t listening. She got up, then hid her arm behind her in case Sally saw it, and darted into the bathroom. Her hands shook as she grabbed some bandage rolls from the cabinet and finally examined the injured arm.

There were three rugged claw marks across her forearm, staining her white fur with blood. Har winced at the sight, then slowly began to wash the wounds out, making sure that there wasn't any hair or debris stuck inside, then bandaged her arm tightly.

She shut her eyes for a few moments, hoping that when she opened them the bandages and wounds would be gone, vanished like a bad dream.

They were still there when her eyes opened again.

The rabbit gulped. It had happened, and yet she was still alive. How would she explain this to Simon when she finally found him?

The answer to that question alluded her. 

Chapter Text

Louis was falling. In front of him Zoe was sprawled out, pushing himself up as he realized Louis had pulled him away from the edge of the stage at the cost of the red deer’s own balance. His script that he had been so focused on lay a few feet away.

His mind ran through a list of ifs.

If Zoe had been more careful.

If Zoe would have never tripped over his own feet.

If Zoe wouldn’t have lost his balance and fell towards the edge of the stage.

The deer closed his eyes so he wouldn’t have to see the dumb look of shock on the goat’s face. Now he would suffer for the stupidity and clumsiness of a useless goat. At least the red deer knew how to handle the pain. He’d be able to keep it hidden and find the determination to push through.

Zoe, on the other hand… he looked like the type that would whine, and if Zoe couldn’t play Tem’s part… it would mean that other junior member, Tao, would have to.

Louis shuddered at the thought. 

He would rather break an ankle than have to ask Tao to play the part. If he did have to ask that black panther, then he would probably have to apologize for everything he had told Tao during the practice a few hours ago. No… He refused to do that. He had a reputation to uphold. He would be fine. The fall wouldn't be that bad-

His tie tightened around his neck, pulling him forward. There was the sound of a stem tearing. The deer bent in an awkward looking “V” shape, arms going in circles at his sides as his feet teetered on the edge of the stage, his head pulled forward, saved from the fall by… who?

He opened his eyes, expecting Zoe to be clinging to his tie, mouth open to apologize profusely. Instead he saw the goat still on the floor, staring in horror at his tie-

His tie?

HIS TIE!

It was pulled taunt in from of him, keeping him from losing his balance and falling. It had torn slightly as well, but that wasn’t really the problem for him. The real issue was the fact that he couldn’t see who, or what… was holding it… unless… unless it was the ghost?

He tried to speak, but found for the first time his words had failed him. 

Almost on cue a voice spoke. For a moment it almost sounded familiar, but he couldn’t quite figure out where he had heard it before.

“Are you ok? I’m sorry for ripping the tie, but you were going to-”

Zoe screamed, then suddenly scrambled back onto his feet. 

For a moment it seemed like the ghost was startled, as the tie suddenly slackened and the deer began to fall back once again. However, for the second time the tie was pulled taunt, saving him from what would have been a not-so-enjoyable fall.

By this time the poor goat had took off running towards the door, all the while yelling for Legosi to give him… a hand? What would the wolf be able to do? 

The goat reached the door, slamming it closed behind him.

Great. Now he was alone and at the mercy of the ghost, almost about to fall-

The deer suddenly remembered how he was teetering on the stage edge. He stumbled forward slightly, and the tie dropped back down against his chest as the unseen hands let it go.

“Oh dear, I think I frightened that goat, although I kinda expected him to faint.”

Louis didn’t answer. Suddenly he was angry. Now was his chance to confront the thing that went against everything he believed in.

“What are you?” He snapped at where the voice had come from, “Why are you haunting the drama club!?! You’re going to ruin everything!”

There was silence.

“I-I'm-"

He didn’t let the ghost answer, instead opting to strike out at where the voice was coming from. He took a step forward, his arm raised, and-

His dress shoe stepped onto the edge of one of the holes meant for floor lights. His ankle rolled, and for the third time tonight the red deer found himself falling. At least it wasn’t off a stage this time-

He heard a small crack and felt a bolt of pain travel up his leg and to his brain. He let out a sharp gasp and fell onto his bottom at the same time the ghost let out a quiet “Oof.”

Instinctively Louis began getting up.  A hand settled onto his shoulder.

“Don’t get up! You’ll hurt it more!”

The deer tried to swipe away the hand that kept him from rising, but his palm hit nothing. He leaned back into a sitting position, cursing himself for being weak. 

“What, are you going kill me?” he asked out loud with all the spite and mockery he could muster.

There was a sputtering noise a foot to his right.

“What! No! I just want to-”

Through the throbbing pain and the sudden anger, a new thought came to the deer. He had wondered about it briefly while placing flowers in front of the shrine for Tem, but he didn’t think he would ever get an answer… but now… now maybe he could!

“Did you kill Tem?”

The hand released his shoulder, and there was the sound of someone taking a few steps back.

“Why… why would you ask me that?”

It sounded like the ghost was on the verge of tears. It kinda surprised the red deer. He didn’t think ghost felt emotions like that… He needed to dig deeper. His mind began turning, connecting dots that he never realized were there.

“What? Did you see him one day and decide to make him into a ghost too? They say it was a carnivore from the drama club, but perhaps it was you, our own little lonely singing ghost.”

A choked sob was the only response, then total silence. He was in control again, taking charge to interrogate something that shouldn’t even exist. He needed to look more confident.

The deer tried to rise up, but a new wave of pain shot through his leg. He let himself back down and continued to talk. He suddenly remembered another piece of information. It was time to turn up the heat.

“I saw him leave through a window one night. I assumed he had just snuck in to get something he had forgotten, but now I wonder if he knew you. Did you trick him? Gain his trust so it would be easier to kill-”

Suddenly his tie was pulled off his neck. The deer flinched. This was it, he’d die now, killed by a ghost-

The thick script booklet Zoe had dropped floated up suddenly, then dropped onto his injured limb. He tried to pull his leg away but suddenly it felt as if someone had straddled it. His pant leg was rolled up in a firm but careful way, and he felt a hand put pressure on his ankle. There was a clicking noise as it was suddenly popped back into place. The deer grunted, then sighed in relief.

“I didn’t kill Tem.”

Louis stopped moving. He watched as the script was rolled around his foot and lower leg like a makeshift splint. 

“Me and Tem knew each other.” 

Next the tie was wrapped around it, then pulled tight. The deer hissed in pain. The ghost took no notice of this and continued.

“I tried to save him after I found him. He didn’t make it. I pulled the fire alarm and left.”

A knot formed on the tie as the ghost worked.

“I’ve cried for the past few nights because I failed to help him.”

Louis felt something wet fall onto his leg. He squinted, struggling to see what it was, then realized it was a tear drop. He looked up in time to catch a glimpse of the sides of a face, outlined with a small trail of tears. 

This was the ghost that he had hated for the past few months, the phantom figure that could ruin the club he had worked so hard to build up!

 
And yet… he felt terrible for making a ghost cry.

"Why are you helping me?" The deer asked hesitantly, "I just accused you of something terrible, and you still splinted my leg. Why?"

He heard the ghost take a breathe. 

"You needed help. If a person needs help, I believe that no matter what they've done to you, you should still help them. Also, you should go see a doctor. I think your ankle might be fractured."

Dang it. He had to do something… he had to… swallow his pride and apologize.

“I sorry, then," he said quietly. It was almost more painful for him to admit he was wrong than it was for him to hurt his leg. He shook off the feeling and continued. "I'm sorry for thinking you would. You... seem nice-”

Nice? Where had that come from? He tried to restart, but was interrupted when the door swung open. 

“Louis! We’re coming Louis!” called Zoe as he led a confused and oddly distracted looking Legosi towards the stage. 

The red deer turned his head to watch the two animals come running down the auditorium aisle, then looked back to where the ghost had been when he heard footsteps running away from him.

He sighed. The ghost was gone, but at least he had an answer for one of his questions. Now he needed an answer for the questions Zoe and Legosi would no doubt ask.

He focused his attention back onto the goat and wolf. Zoe was babbling excitably. 

“It was the ghost, Legosi! It was the ghost! It grabbed his tie when he saved me! Right Louis? Righ-”

Louis thought for a moment. He couldn’t let anyone know about this. Not yet, anyway.

“It wasn’t anything, Zoe,” the red deer lied, “I stopped myself from falling. You must have been seeing things.”

“I- Huh? What do you mean? Look at your tie! It even has a rip-”

“From me pulling it off to tie my splint in place.”

“But-”

“Zoe,” whispered the deer slowly, “If you say any more on the matter, or mention this to anyone else, I will skewer you on my antlers.”

The goat went silent. For a moment there was a deep sadness and frustration in his eyes, but before Louis could get look closer it was gone.

Instead he glanced at Legosi, noticing how the wolf hadn’t seemed to have noticed anything Zoe had said.

“Legosi, give me your shoulder.”

The wolf didn’t show any sigh of hearing him. Louis sighed and spoke louder.

“Legosi? I need to use your shoulder.”

As if suddenly snapped from a trance, the grey wolf suddenly became aware of everything again.

“Huh, oh, yes,” Legosi replied awkwardly. He grabbed the deer’s arm and guided it onto his shoulder, then moved to the deer’s side to help him walk.

“Is everything alright?” questioned Louis curiously, “Did anything unusual happen?”

The wolf looked down for a moment.

“Uh, no,” he replied slowly, “Nothing at all.”

“Good. Practice is over. I’m ready for bed.”

Neither of the herbivores noticed the wolf discreetly wiping a small amount of blood from his claws and onto his pant leg, but someone else did.

From behind a curtain, Simon watched silently, tears still occasionally rolling down his face, as the three animals left.

Chapter Text

“Urk- Come on… just…ah- pull out!” I grunted. I was sweating now, and my knees were probably bruised from how long I had been leaning back and forth on them.

The dandelion, of course, didn’t even budge. It remained rooted in the middle of the garden, and no amount of pulling and raking could get its roots out. I gave up for the moment and got up, walking down the small path that cut through the flower box. A few moments later I reached the shed and stepped inside, hoping that maybe there was a small trowel I could use to-

My vision suddenly lit up, as if someone had turned on lamps all around me. I flinched and closed my eyes, but that didn’t do anything against the light.

I wasn’t sure what to call it. It wasn’t a flash, more like it had become brighter out, and I felt light-headed.

So… so lightheaded. Why did I feel like I was going to-

My legs gave out, and my arms flew out in an attempt to find something to lean on. I caught myself on the table and took a few breathes.The light started to disappear, and within a few seconds it was gone. I stood back up. Oddly enough, I felt fine.

That was new…

Maybe it was an iron deficiency, or just a side affect of not eating in two days. When I had gotten back to the garden this morning, I had found a few snack bars and a red vitamin drink sitting on the table inside the shed, but they didn’t fill me up very much. I glanced out the window at the small vegetable patch. It had come a long way since me and Haru had planted it, but another month would still be needed before it could be harvested.

From the outside came the sound of the garden door opening. I dusted myself off in case whoever had just came in decided to walk into the shed without knocking, then stood away from the glass door and waited.

It swung open.

“Simon? Are you here?”

I smiled and stepped out from the side.

“Hi Haru! What’s-”

I didn’t even finish my sentence. She ran forward with her arms out, beckoning me to hug her first. I hesitated, then leaned down to hug her. Her voice was quiet, yet full of regret when she spoke.

“Haru, what’s with the hug-”

“I’m sorry, Simon. You needed someone to talk to, and I ran out instead. I just got scared. I’m not used to other people’s emotions and trauma. I avoid it, actually…”

“Oh, it’s fine. I understand that not everyone wants to-”

“I did want to, Simon. I just couldn’t figure out how.”

“Honest Haru, I know you didn’t intend to. I’ve been left by people a lot, and I can tell you right now that the way you left wasn’t like how they always left.”

She nodded and stepped back, then rocked on her heels as she remembered something.

“You haven’t eaten! Here, just a second!” she said as she dug into her schoolbag. She pulled out a bottle of water and two plastic containers. “One of them is rice and curry sauce, and the other one is an egg sandwich,” she explained as she held them out to me, “Oh, and the water of course!”

I smiled and took the items from her.

“Thanks for these, Haru. You really didn’t have to.”

“What else would I do? Let you starve?”

We both began laughing. Haru raised her arm to cover her mouth, then groaned quietly and lowered it.  I glanced towards it. I had almost missed it on account of the bandage being white… but her forearm was bandaged!

“I didn’t know you were hurt!” I exclaimed as I set the food onto the table behind me.

“Huh? Oh, this? It’s fine, really. Just a scratch.”

“But what happened? Did you fall?”

She fidgeted and picked at the overlap of the bandage.

“I had an accident in the kitchen.”

“Well here, sit down,” I said as I gestured to the chair. She rolled her eyes.

“It’s not serious, Simon. I’ll be fine.”

“The way you put on the bandage is wrong though. It’ll rub against the cut and make it bleed.”

Haru hesitated.

“Well…It did bleed twice this morning, but I just figured it was from moving my arm too much.”

“I can fix that!”

“I don’t know…”

“Please? I’ll be careful.”

“Is it really bandaged wrong?”

“Yeah. You have it way too tight. Did you put any ointment on it?”

“Ointment? No. I couldn’t find any in my medicine cabinet.”

I opened up the drawer of the desk and pulled out the first aid kit that was kept inside.

“I think there’s ointment in this one,” I muttered while rummaging through it. My hand closed around a small metallic tube and pulled it out. I checked the label.

“Why’s it in Japanese?” I said as I walked back over to Haru.

She shrugged.

“A lot of labels and signs on campus are in Japanese. It’s the main language we’re taught, besides English of course.”

I though for a moment, then looked over at the water bottle. Its label was also written in Japanese, with a smaller English one below it.

“I guess I haven’t really noticed. I can’t believe I didn’t realize that, though.”

“It’s not like you’ve explored a lot,” replied Haru, “You’ve only really been to the rehearsal hall and courtyard.”

I nodded.

“I suppose. Anyway, lets take a look at that arm.”

Haru sighed and held her arm out. My fingers pulled out the pin that kept it tight, and I began to carefully remove the bandage. The first layer came off easily. The second layer under that was much more… blood soaked… and it was stuck to either the wound or her fur.

“Did you even clean this before you bandaged it?” I asked as I tried to gently pull the bandage away. Haru hissed slightly with each tug.

“I- Ow! I just wanted to go to bed- Ah! -and forget about it.”

I grabbed the bottle of water and poured some of the water onto where the bandage was stuck. The dried blood began to give way, and with a final tug I managed to get it off. The wound was bleeding again though.

“I’m going to wipe it down to get rid of… all that stuff,” I explained as I pulled out a gauze pad from the kit and began to dab the wound clean. The more I worked, the more the wound began to reveal itself. Three deep gashes… no, claw marks…

“Haru, I don’t want to pry, but who did this?” I asked quietly.

“I told you it was a kitchen accident. I cut my arm with a knife.”

“Three times?”

“Can we talk about something else?” she asked.

Most of the blood was gone now, and I put the ointment on, careful not to get any of her hair plastered down to the wound.

“Like what?”

“Like why you were gone for two days. I was worried you know.”

“Oh. I kinda fell asleep in the rehearsal hall.”

“For two nights and a day?”

“Well, I was awake one of those nights. I was making sure some herbivores were safe.”

“Is this because of Tem-” she began. I cut her off in an attempt to change the subject.

“I think that should do it for the ointment,” I mumbled, then grabbed a new roll of bandages and set to work. Haru watched in interest, having probably forgotten what she had asked me.

“Where’d you learn this stuff?” she asked as I finished putting the bandages on. It looked much better than before. It probably felt better too.

“Well, I didn’t have very many friends to hang out with, so I always read in the library. I learned a lot of things.”

Haru nodded, then curled her arm up and down a few times.

“It feels much better,” she said with a smile.

“Good. It’s not too deep, and whoever clawed you-”

“I said it was a kitchen accident!”

“Fine. Your kitchen accident doesn’t need stitches. You should be more careful. Tem’s killer is still out there Haru. You shouldn’t have gone out.”

She rolled her eyes.

“I wouldn’t have been out there at the drama auditorium if you hadn’t disappeared!” she shouted before wincing.

Whatever else I was going to add to my argument died on my lips.

She had been attacked because of me? This was all my fault then. I had almost killed another friend!

I took a step back. She could have ended up like Tem.

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to worry, or get hurt. Haru, I’m so sorry. You could have died because of me-”

That ashamed look was still on her face, like she regretted saying the truth.

“I didn’t mean it like that, Simon. And don’t pity me. Pity the screaming goat that got his attention more than I did.”

Well at least- wait… screaming goat? Did she mean Zoe? But if Zoe had gone to get Legosi, and Legosi was outside,

That meant that what Legosi wiped on his pants wasn’t mud like I assumed it to be…

It had been blood. Haru’s blood…

He had lied! He had managed to trick everyone!

“Wait, Haru, I think I-”

Knock Knock Knock!

Either this universe also hated me, or some student had terrible timing. I sighed as Haru turned away from me, walking out of the shed and into the garden.

“You should go. I wasn't suppose to have anyone over today. Well, besides a few members of the drama club coming for roses. That might be them, I suppose."

“Hang on! I know-”

“Shhhh! Go while the door is open,” whispered Haru.

I sighed. I’d tell her later, and then she could go to-

The garden door slide open, and out of habit I stood off to the side, waiting for whoever was outside to come in so I could slip out.

Kibi stepped inside. I smiled. At least it-

My face soured as Legosi stepped in behind the ant eater.

Legosi. The killer. Tem’s murderer.

I wanted to say something, maybe even push the wolf out the door and slam it shut, but I stayed where I was. It would be better to wait and see what happened.

‘You already know what can happen’ warned the voice in my head. I gulped.

I turned my attention back to the grey wolf. He was standing still, staring at Haru. My thoughts ran wild.

Did he recognize her? Did he plan to come here? What he would do? And most importantly, what would I do? Oh, this was bad!

“Do you need something?” Haru asked obliviously. Didn’t she recognize him? Maybe she did, but if that was the case she remained quiet. Getting no response, she continued on.

“Wow, We- I mean I usally don’t have visitors come to the gardening club.”

I watched the wolf carefully. He seemed to be thinking, scratching his head and leaning back. I wished I knew what was going on in his head-

“Oh!” exclaimed Kibi suddenly, causing me to jump slightly, “I just remembered! I’ve got some errands to take care of! Sorry, but I need to get going now!”

Errands? Wait, did he mean that he was leaving Legosi alone here? Shit!

It seemed that Legosi was equally horrified, whispering in both shock and desperation to Kibi. I’m certain I heard the anteater whisper back something about antshakes, but now wasn’t the time to think of that.

Kibi back out the door and began to close it. Haru took a step forward, curious about why the anteater was leaving so suddenly.

“I thought you came here to get flowers for the new student welcome event! Am I wrong?” she asked loudly.

“It’s just that I really need to take care of some errands!” Kibi answered as he closed the door a few more inches, “This friendly wolf knows everything you need to know!”

Legosi tried to say something to Kibi through the door crack, but all I heard was a flustered response before he slammed the door on the wolf.

Silence. I stood there watching the two of them. Legosi was still facing the door. One of his hands rested against it, as if he was silently regretting not leaving. He looked… so nervous. Was he scared of being recognized? Somehow I doubted that. He probably knew by Haru’s responses that she had no idea who he was.

Haru cleared her throat, causing the wolf to turn towards her. Once she had his attention she continued.

“Well, your friend’s gone.”

The grey wolf just watched her silently.

“And we’re alone.”

Chapter Text

I was sweating now.

I mean, technically I wasn’t supposed to even be here still. She had wanted me to leave, just like she made me do whenever a boy came here, but I couldn’t leave her alone with… him.

What was he? A murderer? An attacker? I wasn’t sure. Truth be told, I didn’t see how the Legosi I knew from drama could ever attack anyone. Sure he could be scary, and he was certainly intimidating for quite a few students, but he would never hurt anyone purposefully… right?

But Legosi had done just that. He had attacked Haru last night, that much I knew, then kept quiet about it.

Even now he was quiet, glancing around nervously and keeping a distance between himself and the rabbit, who talked mainly about the flowers she grew, as well as the history of the garden club. I already knew most of these things from the conversations we had whenever I helped her here, but hearing them again was almost enough to help me relax.

Meanwhile it seemed like Legosi was on the verge of running out. He fidgeted, avoided looking directly at her, and stuttered whenever he quietly replied to her. He had even jumped when she tucked his tail behind him.

Was he scared of her? Or… himself?

Maybe he just… lost control. That happened, right? Every so often when I was younger, I’d hear about a dog or bear that just suddenly went wild and attacked someone. There was always a reason though. Hormones, hunger, defense… the list went on and on. So what had made Legosi attack Haru?

Through all this Haru had continued to talk to the wolf. The minutes passed slowly for me as they moved some potted plants, then knelt down to plant a few sage plants. It looked so normal. To anyone else it would just be two students doing some gardening during their spare time. Of course, the conversation that Haru directed was a bit deeper than what most would consider normal, but Haru was… well, Haru. She told it as it was, bluntly honest but still wise.

A half hour passed, and I continued to think silently. I may have lost track of time.

THUD!

A door closing caught my attention, and I looked back up to see no one standing in the garden.

Oh shit! I had lost track of everything! How much time did I even spend thinking?

Did Legosi leave then? I hadn’t heard the entrance door close though…

So where were they? The only other place they could be was the shed-

She didn’t, did she? From where I stood I saw the curtains on the small wooden building close.

I gulped.

Haru had actually invited him into the shed. Had she not realized who that wolf was yet?

Within a few moments I had run over to the door. My mind began to throw panicked thoughts at me. What do I do? I could bang on the door, or throw myself through it… but then what? Tell her who the wolf was? Would she be angry at me for doing that? She might even hate me for that. 

If I did something, I might lose a friend. 

But if I didn't do anything... I might cost Haru her life...

Why did I have to be so terrible at decisions?!?

I took a breathe and tried to clear my head.

As long as I stayed close and made sure that Legosi didn’t attack her again, then it would be fine... right?

But with the doors closed, and curtains down, I had no way of seeing what was happening.

Maybe I could listen to them and make sure it didn’t sound bad.

My mind made up, I stood outside the shed, my ear against the glass door, trying to hear if anything bad was happening. The wind rustling through the garden, as well as the thick window doors, made this difficult. The words were all jumbled, and I couldn’t really make any of them out.

“…be rough…handle it.”

Huh? Be rough on what? A plant? Was she showing him how to take care of the roses the drama club needed? They hadn't even picked them yet though, so that didn't make sense.

I wished I could see through the windows at what was happening inside, but-

Suddenly the curtain did part slightly, as if moved by a breeze from inside. Instinctually I leaned forward to see inside the shed. Almost immediately I turned away, embarrassed and ready to perish.

The good news is that Haru seemed to be in more control than that wolf.

The bad news was that no amount of therapy would ever be able to make me forget the sight of an almost naked Haru pulling down the cornered wolfs pants and running her hand down his... lower stomach.

To be honest I had begun to suspect that this was what Haru did with all the male visitors. She always made me leave when they showed up, and that day Mizuchi had came into the garden hurling insults had only strengthened my suspicions. Still, seeing it actually happening wasn't worth realizing I had been right. Besides, it wasn’t my place to judge her.

But then… where did those boys and her… do it?

The realization that my bed was the only place where it could be done made me die slightly inside. That explained why Haru washed the sheets so often-

“NO, IT’S NOT OK!”

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked back through the gap again. It looked like Legosi had finally processed what was happening to him.

He was pulling up his belt and trying to create space between him and the rabbit who had trapped him against the wall. It was almost comical.  The curtains fell back down into place, and for the next few seconds I couldn't see anything happening inside again.

I leaned forward, then pulled back when the door was pulled open. Legosi stepped out, then looked behind himself nervously to address Haru.

“The bugs will bite you,” he said quickly in a choked manner, “So change quickly! I’m going go!”

He fumbled with the door handle and tried to pull it shut behind him-

“GAH!” he yelped suddenly. I jumped slightly in surprise, then realized he had closed the door on his tail by accident in his rush to leave.

 I watched as he groaned loudly and reached behind himself in an attempt to clutch and soothe his crushed tail. I almost felt bad for him, but if he hadn’t attacked Haru then maybe Karma would have been kinder to him.

Speaking of Haru…

I glanced inside to make sure she was ok. Oddly enough, it looked like the wolf had decided to cover her with a blanket from the bed, leaving her there with a blanket draped over her shoulders and a puzzled look on her face.

At least the wolf was in control. If he wasn’t, he would have attacked again, right?

I looked back over my shoulder, just in time to see the grey wolf running out of the garden. He tripped a few times on his way to the gate, then knocked over a pot. I watched as he tried to lean over and set it back upright without stopping first. All that did was create more noise as he struggled with it.

And then he was gone. I stared at the gate for a few moments before Haru’s voice got my attention.

“He…He left…”

I turned my attention back to the rabbit.

“Wait a second… He’s a large breed carnivore, right?”

I almost relied to her, then realized she was talking to herself. I clamped my mouth shut without having made a sound.

“I felt how strong his body was. A bunny tries to seduce him… and he runs away?”

She looked down at the blanket placed over her.

“And he covered me with a blanket…”

She laughed quietly to herself before finishing her final sentence.

“Wow, what a weirdo… I wonder if they’ll send someone else to get the roses.”

I silently smiled and turned away while she redressed herself. At least she was fine with everything-

"And Simon? I know you're there. Your shoes are caked in dust."

Instantly I looked down at my shoes. Just as she had said, the outline was visible. For the third time in an hour, I felt myself die a little inside as I tried to stutter out an explanation.

"I didn't see anything! Well, I did see it, or most of it, but-"

She cut me off with a sudden burst of laughter.

"Forget that! I figured you knew by now anyway! Anyhow, I meant did you see him close the door on himself? His poor tail!"

"I- You're not mad?"

"Not really," she said through a few more giggles, "but don't do that again. I prefer to not have anyone watching."

"Hey! I wasn't watching-"

The rabbit was already walking back into the shed. I followed her in and stood at the side of the door.

"Haru! I wasn't-"

"Wasn't what? Peeking?" she replied with a grin as she grabbed a rake from the wall.

I could feel myself blushing.

"Honest Haru, I wasn't- oh shoot!"

I tripped on the blanket she had dropped on the floor when she had gotten dressed again.

"Did you fall?"

"Yeah. I'm tangled up too. Just a second!"

"No can do. I have to go rake that one flowerbed before those weeds get any bigger!"

I struggled to get up. How could I get this tangled just by falling on top of a blanket?

"I'm kinda in the doorway- oof!"

I fell across it again.

"I'll just walk through you. I've done it before."

"It feels odd though. Can't you just help me up?"

"Nope! I consider that Karma for you not leaving. Now stop moving, I'm walking through you!"

Haru began to walk forward towards the door just as I finally untangled myself from that wretched sheet. I stood up in the doorway, accidently taking up most of it. It was too late to move out of the way though, so I decided to let Haru get her way and just-

She walked into me and bounced off.

"Huh? Did you touch me?" Haru asked, "I said I was walking through you!" 

"I didn't touch you... I wasn't even facing you!" I replied in confusion. That was the honest truth. If I hadn't been touching her, then she should have been able to walk right through me! That was how it had been since I got here, at least.

A thought crossed my mind.

"Haru, hit me."

"Hit you? Why?"

"I want to check something."

"Oh... ok then. Where should I hit you?"

"Wherever is fine. Just don't-"

She whacked me with the rake. Just like before, it struck me instead of gliding through me.

"Are you sure you're not grabbing any of it before it hits you?" asked Haru as she  began to lightly tap me a few more times with the rake. The realization of what this could mean had reached her as well. 

"No, I haven't. I... I'm solid. Am I visible?"

Haru shook her head.

"No, still invisible." she said slowly, "But... it's like you're not a ghost anymore. Instead you're... well..."

I finished the sentence for her.

"It's like I'm an invisible man."

"Exactly! But how?"

I glanced downwards, lost in thought for a few moments. What had I done today that could cause this? I had been weeding all day-

Weeding... There was a white flash while I was weeding, and I had felt dizzy after it! I thought it was just from not eating for two days, but what if it had been something else?

I looked back up at Haru.

"I think I might know!"

Chapter Text

“Are you sure you don’t want to go out, Els?” asked a rather ruffled chicken from where she stood perched in the door. Els shook her head.

“I’m fine, Tasha!” replied Els with a small smile, “You go and see Lina. I have a few things to do tonight, and if I don’t do them now, I won’t ever find the time.”

“You’re not going mope around over your boyfriend, are you?”

“I’m not moping, I swear. I have some… reading to do,” the sheep lied. The chicken rolled her eyes.

“Whatever. Next time though, I think you should come out with us. I’m just worried about you. No one thought you’d break up with your boyfriend like that-”

“It wasn’t working out.”

“Seriously Els, if you want to talk about it-”

“I’m fine, honest. Now go have some fun! I might even come join you guys later.”

Tasha didn’t look convinced at all. After a tense moment however, the chicken smiled, then left. Els sighed with relief when the door finally closed.

Settling down onto her bunk, Els closed the curtain behind her and turned on the reading light. Slowly she reached under pillow and pulled out the sketchbook.

Tem’s Journal.

She hadn’t opened it since a few nights ago when she met Simon.

She traced her fingers over the paper edges, then slowly opened it.

Was it ok to open something so personal that belonged to someone who died? Technically she had opened it to look at the sketches… so in a way there was no going back, right?

She flipped it open and began to read the entries from the last month.

The first entry contained some scratched-out drawings of various flowers. A few words were scrawled under one of the sketches.

Need to get the petals right.

She flipped to the next page and let out a small “Oh.”

It was a rough drawing of two animals, but despite this it was easy to tell who the two were.

Tao and Kibi.

Els traced her finger over the lines, taking care not to smudge the graphite image.

Their poses were so natural. Tem had probably drawn it while the two were talking, and without either of them even knowing.

She flipped the pages again, landing on a journal entry next. It was dated to just over two weeks ago.

Bill’s acting weird. I don’t know how, but he is. It’s not me, is it? I’ve never done anything to him. I don’t even really know him outside of the club. Maybe he’s upset I got the role he tried out for, and just can’t hide his frustrations as well. I should apologize, but if I’m wrong it’ll make everything really awkward.

Els stared at the words. Was it a coincidence… or had Tem unknowingly left clues about his killer through these entries of everyday life? She bit her lip in thought. If this journal held any useful information about his attacker… Should she do some investigating?

What if she looked around to obviously and was targeted next? The thought of being cornered in a lecture hall like Tem made her shiver.

He must have felt so scared, just like she was the night Legosi gave her the letter…

Maybe she should just go to the police. That was the most logical thing to do… but she was hesitant to do that. She had seen how the police handled the case. They had puttered along, asking questions to a few different animals, looking at a few different leads. For a few days it seemed as if perhaps they cared. Then suddenly they had left, concluded that the killer was unknown and the case had gone cold. Everyone had just accepted that and acted as if life was normal again.

 If she was in Tem’s place, she would have wanted someone to find whoever had done it. She would want to see justice served… not watch the investigation die down after a few days.

It was obvious someone in the drama club had done it, but yet the police barely even bothered to question them.

After a few more minutes of thinking, she decided that the police weren’t a suitable option. They couldn’t be trusted to care enough.

Taking a breath, Els closed the journal and got out of her bunk. Walking over to her desk, the sheep sat down and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, then reopened the journal and set it beside her.

At the top of the piece of paper she wrote a single word;

Suspects.

For the next few hours, Els combed through the journal, slowly collecting a list of names. Some were only mentioned once or twice in the journal. Others, like Bill, were mentioned numerous times before the final entry. 

Then there was the final name. It had been mentioned only once, in a large entry that probably had information added to for a few weeks or so judging by the different combination of pencils and pens used to write it.

She added it to the list, if only to prove that no one was exempt from being a suspect.

Simon.

Tomorrow she would go find him.

Chapter Text

I was laying flat on a bed. I tried to force my eyes open, but I couldn’t. Everything was dark, like a shadow cocoon hovering all around me.

A few voices rang out from the thick blackness, distorted at first, then clearer.

“It’s not our fault! Besides, we’re too busy for someone like him!”

“Usually the child goes with someone closer…”

“It’s not about the money. Sure we feel bad, but there’s no way!”

“Look at us, we aren’t as young as we used to be. We feel terrible, but we can’t take him…”

“He might not ever be normal again! We don’t have the resources to look after someone in ongoing care!”

I tried to scream at them to stop, that I was still here and listening to all their excuses. No words came out of my mouth, and the arguments from unseen faces continued. I was scared suddenly, and now it felt like there was a weight on my chest. I didn’t want to be left alone!

“There’s no way it can be us. I’m sorry, but that’s final.”

“I don’t have the energy to deal with another child. Maybe we should consider… other options.”

“In this case, it might be best for the Child Services to get involved.”

I woke up with a jolt and sat upright. My breathing felt painfully ragged, and my eyes were blurred with tears.

Why me? Why did it have to happen?

I hated them for leaving me, and I hate myself for thinking like that.

Deep breath. I was fine. I've always been fine, even when I wasn't. Just stay that way, and no one would feel burdened or weirded out. I had already told Haru too much about the accident, and it had made a lot of things awkward and uncomfortable for a few days.

Never again.

After a few minutes of calming down, I wiped off my face, got up, and began to get dressed. My hands were still shaky, and twice I fumbled in trying to do up the buttons on my shirt.

There was a knock at the glass door, followed by the unmistakable voice of Haru.

“Simon? Are you up? I’m outside, so I hope your dressed!”

She sounded excited. I took one last deep breath and put on a smile.

“I’m dressed, Haru. You’re good to come in!” I replied as I turned and began to make the bed.

The glass door opened, followed by the curtains. Haru entered holding a basket.

“Ok, so I had an idea a while ago, but it took a while to plan out.”

I looked up as I straightened out the sheets.

“Oh, cool! What's the idea for what?”

Haru grinned.

“It’s to help you be able to walk around the school, get food… and interact with others!”

I stopped folding the blankets and stared at her. Was she... serious?

“Like, actually interact?" I asked, "Without them being freaked out? That’s not possible!”

Haru’s grin grew even more.

“It will be! Look!” she said as she held up the basket. I glanced inside, trying to make sense of the things inside.

Wires, tape, gloves, bandages, blind glasses, a school uniform… I couldn’t see how any of those things would help.

“I’m not seeing the connection between these objects, Haru. What’s the plan with these?”

“You’re going to be Simon, a new transfer student. You got burned pretty bad in a fire, so you’re always in bandages!” she exclaimed, still grinning.

I stared blankly at her, then sat down.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy?”

“I am, really, and it’s a genius plan, but I don’t think it’ll work. I’m not registered here. I have no classes. What if students get suspicious? And there’s teachers who won’t know me-”

Haru just laughed.

“You won’t have to worry about that! I hooked up with this computer guy a few times like three months ago, so he owed me a favor. Luckily for us, he’s really good at making fake passes and school documents.”

“Wait-”

“So yesterday I went and got him to make a few small changes to the school’s database. He also made this!”

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small white card, then held it out. I took it and turned it around in my hands.

A student ID, complete with a photo of a bandaged face in sunglasses. You couldn’t even tell what animal was under it all. Haru continued to explain. 

“The picture is just an edited one, so it looks a bit different. Anyway, you can always say that you got new glasses and stuff.”

“Haru, I can’t-”

“You can, and you will! Trust me, it’ll work.”

“But I don’t have any animal features on my face. Won’t they think it’s odd I don’t have a snout?”

Haru reached into the basket and brough out the wire and tape.

“It’ll take a bit of effort, but I think I have a solution to that problem!”

Chapter Text

“And that’s all the basics to customs and how the school works. It’s just a run through, but it’ll help you at least blend in. Any questions?”

“Just one,” said Simon as he felt his bandaged face, “Are you sure this looks normal?”

Haru took a step back and tilted her head, admiring her handiwork. She had spent the last few hours putting together the disguise and lecturing Simon on how students behaved and interacted. Now most of Simon’s upper body, including his chest, arms, neck, and head, were completely covered in the many rolls of bandages she had brought. His hands were covered with a white pair of cotton gloves, while the shoes and long songs she brought covered his lower legs. A students uniform concealed everything else.

“It looks better than normal!” she replied as she held up a mirror, “Take a look!”

Slowly, gloved hands reached out to take the mirror. Simon raised it up, examining his face.

“Woah…”

“Pretty good, right?”

“I… How’d you make the snout look like that?”

“A few twists and curls. It looks pretty realistic.”

“I’ll say. But what if it falls off, or someone pushes on it? Chicken wire will bend. There’s a lot of risks, Haru.”

“It’s on tight,” she reassured him, “Plus no one would dare try to hit you on the snout, either. It’s a really sensitive area for animals.”

“Ok, but what about the ears and tail?”

“Feel the top of your head.”

Simon felt the top, then stopped to feel the two lumps positioned one on each side of his head.

“Woah, how’d you do that?”

“Just some wadding under the bandages. It looks like they’re stubs, so you can tell people you lost your ears and tail in the fire.”

Simon set the mirror down and turned to her. She continued on with more explanations. Knowing Simon, he would need them.

“You won’t be able to eat with the bandages on, but you’ll be able to take food from the cafeteria to the garden. They require the student ID, so make sure you have it handy.”

“What about classes? I don’t actually have any, right?”

Haru sighed and turned to the table. She grabbed a pen and quickly scribbled down a small list, then reread it before handing it to Simon.

“This is a list of the basic classes. You’re 17, so you’re a junior.”

“You mean grade 11? That’s what we call juniors where I’m from.”

She rolled her eyes. Simon still had a lot to learn. He hadn’t even known about the mix of Japanese and English used in the city until recently. There was a lot he would discover, and she hoped he would be able to work his way around it.

“Mentioning that might help with the transfer student backstory, but if you don’t want attention, just say junior.”

“Alright. Should I just walk in as the bell goes? Or wait until lunch to appear?”

“There’s an assembly today for Louis and the drama club. An honor award, I think. Anyway, everyone will be there this morning, so you’ll be able to walk through the halls without being noticed too much.”

“An honor award? So Louis’ quite the figure here I’m guessing.”

Haru sighed, thinking of the name.

Louis.

He had everything ahead of him. On the outside he was perfect, but when he was on top of her in that bed, she saw something else in his eyes. A desperation to not be so good, a hint of victory for doing something so scandalizing and frowned upon. It was almost like he was trapped, maybe even insecure in some way. She couldn’t really explain something like that to Simon, so instead she settled with a much simpler reply.

“He is.”

“And you like him I’m guessing? He comes around a bit.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it, choosing instead to flatten down a ridge of on of the bandages covering most of Simon’s upper body. She had promised the deer she'd never mention their encounters to anyone.

“Haru? Are you there?" asked Simon as her waved a hand in front of her. She snapped back to attention.

“Hm? Oh, can you fix up your uniform? I want to make sure nothing that isn’t bandaged shows when you bend.”

Simon stood up, straightening out the school uniform and moving his arms and legs a bit.

“Good?” he asked.

“Perfect, actually. That uniform fits pretty well.”

“Where’d you even get this? Don’t tell me you stole it from someone.”

She put one hand on her hip and fanned herself with the other, pretending to be mysterious.

“I have my ways.”

They both shared a small laugh. Somewhere on the campus came the ringing of a bell.

“That’s the five-minute warning,” explained Haru as she walked out the door of the shed, “It means we should hurry. You remember everything I told you, right?”

“I do. Won’t it look odd that I can talk, yet my snout doesn’t move?”

“Trust me, they won’t. Now we have to go, ok? Everyone will be heading to the auditorium to see Louis accept the award.”

She grabbed his hand and started to pull him along. He followed, but still protested.

“I don’t think this is good Haru. What if-”

“We won’t know until we try it, so let’s go!”

She pulled his arm harder, causing Simon to all but double over in an effort to be low enough to hold her hand.

“I don’t even know what species to say I am!”

They ran out the garden gate and turned.

“Didn’t you check the card?” Haru replied, “You’re an Ursus americanus!”

She led him down the hall, then took the stairs to the ground floor .

“A bear? Why a bear?”

“Because you’re so tall! Plus most of the black bears we have here are also transfer students! The rest of your information is on the student card.”

She pulled him across the empty courtyard. It looked like almost everyone was at the auditorium hall by now. Finally they came to a stop in front of a large stone building. A sigh in both English and Japanese identified it as housing both the ‘Cherryton Academy Student Library’ and ‘Classrooms 25-40.’

“You have to go in here. The library is down the hall to the left.” She explained, “I’m heading to the award ceremony now, so I’ll see you later!”

“Wait, how am I suppose to-”

She was already running the opposite direction, towards for the auditorium.

“You’ll figure it out!” she called over her shoulder as she ran. Outside the auditorium she paused and glanced back, just in time to see a glimpse of Simon’s white bandages disappear into the building.

Hopefully this would work. If not, well... She didn't want to think about what might happen if her plan failed.

Chapter Text

Down the hall… to the left…

I walked down the hallway. Like the other ones I had seen, it was wide and tall, with lockers on both sides. Every so often was a door, or a water fountain, or some potted plants and pictures. There was also a noticeable lack of students.

I reached an intersection in the hallways.

Left.

I kept walking, then stopped. That was a dead end down there, so maybe Haru had meant right.

I turned and began to walk back the direction I had came from.

“Hey, watch it!”

I froze, looking around for whoever had spoke.

“Down here, you dimbo!”

I glanced down. A mouse stared back, tightly clutching some books.

“I-I’m sorry!” I sputtered as I couched done in an attempt to see him better, “Are you alright? I didn’t realize anyone was in the hall, and-”

“Whatever,” interrupted the mouse as he gave me a cold shoulder and walked away, “large-breeds like you always say that.”

I stood there, watching him go. Not the best interaction to have, but it was one I had been used to when I was in school. Besides, he was right. It had been my fault. No point dwelling on it any further-

“Are you lost too?”

Suddenly aware that I had been standing in the middle of a hallway lost in thought, I turned. There was a dog- no, a wolf? Yes, definably a wolf. She was shorter than Legosi, and had brown fur instead of grey, but the thing that stood out most were her eyes. I had never seen eyes that looked purple.

“Hello?”

Oh, right, I was probably staring. I cleared my throat.

“Oh, yes, I guess I am. Do you know where the library is?” I asked.

“I’m looking for it as well,” she explained, “I thought maybe it was over here.”

“I just came from that way,” I replied, “and it’s a dead end. I think maybe it’s the other way.”

She nodded, and we both began to walk the opposite direction.

“You’re very tall,” she mentioned randomly.

“Hm? Yeah, I guess.”

A few seconds of awkward silence.

“I’m a grey wolf, what about you?”

I took a quick breath. Well, here goes nothing. I hoped Haru's work on the wire snout would be convincing.

“I’m a black bear. I just came from Canada.”

“Oh, that’s why you’re so tall,” she said cheerfully, “So many bandages I couldn’t tell.”

“Thanks, I guess?” I replied awkwardly.

A moment later she winced, turning her head towards me.

“That sounded mean,” she said as her voice rose an octave in panic, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it in a bad way!”

“It’s fine,” I replied casually, “I’ve heard worst.”

“Oh… right.”

We were almost down the other hall now, and finally the library door came into view. I paused at the door before entering.

“I’m, uh, Simon, by the way. I’m a junior here.”

The wolf smiled back.

“I’m Juno, a sophomore,” she replied, “Thanks for the help. It was nice to meet you!”

“Same to you.”

We both entered the library and went two different directions, Juno heading for the library desk, and myself heading for the best hiding spot I could find. After a few minutes of walking I reached a back corner, partly hidden behind some book shelfs. There were two chairs and a table as well, so that at least meant I wouldn’t have to stand and browse until lunch.

Speaking of browsing… How similar was this world compared to the one I had come from? Maybe even in such a different world, the same pop-culture and historical figures still existed… albiet with animals instead of humans. I began scanning though some of the selves, looking for any titles that looked familiar.

A Transparent Blue… Kafla on the shore… The diving pool… The Waiting Years… When Marnie was there… Snow Country…

Wait. Marnie? I knew that one very, very well. If there were any differences, I would spot them pretty quickly.

I grabbed it from the shelf and scanned through it. Sure enough, even with animal characters, the plot was the same. I set the book down on the table and smiled at its illustrated cover. I was 13 when I first read it, and almost immediately I had connected to the main character of Anna. So many similarities…

Well, if there was one book that was the same, there had to be more I was familiar with. I began searching though the library, walking from shelf to shelf. What started as just one book on the table quickly grew to ten.

So this world wasn’t so different from my own after all…

The final book I found was a large and heavy one that looked promising in showing any differences.

It was entitled “A Brief History of the World,” although by the thickness of it I doubted it would be a brief read as the title suggested. Oh well, I had time.

With a final glance around, I flipped it open and began to read quietly.

Chapter Text

The award ceremony had gone well. Louis held such a power and confidence in his voice, captivating everyone who heard his speech in a way Legosi could only dream of. There weren’t many herbivores who could that.

He sighed as he put his books down in the library. Yesterday he had come here to try to understand why the white rabbit had done what she did. His searches gave him no results, and he had just accepted that maybe there wasn’t a straightforward answer for how he felt.

He wanted to see her again, but he didn’t know why. His tail wagged whenever he thought of her, so it had to be happiness, right? But why happiness? What did that bunny have to make him feel happy?

He didn’t know.

Unable to even try to focus on his homework, he groaned and took a drink from his water bottle. A book was set down next to him, and he glanced over at the book’s reader. They were tall, and covered in bandages. He looked away, embarrassed to have stared at whoever it was and hoping they hadn’t noticed the surprise etched on his face.

“Mind if I sit here?” asked the bandaged student and he beckoned to an empty seat.

The wolf froze. Was that…

Slowly he looked up, staring at the unfamiliar face. 

“Well?” asked the figure. Unfamiliar face maybe, but a very familiar voice.

Legosi jumped out of his seat in surprise.

“Simon?” he yelped loudy, causing a few surrounding animals to direct their gaze at the strange sight of a wolf and bandaged animal.

“Shhh! Don’t be so loud!” hissed the human as he sat down next to where the wolf had been sitting.

 Legosi followed his lead and sat back down.

“What are you doing?

“I’m… well, I guess I’m not sure what I’m doing yet,” explained Simon, “But I do need to talk to you. I need your help, Legosi.”

The wolf took a breath, then grabbed his water bottle again. Help? 

“Oh? Uh, with what?” he asked as he took a sip.

“Becoming a member of the drama club.”

The wolf choked on the water in his mouth, then coughed. Again, it seemed like everyone in the library stopped what they were doing to stare at the two of them.

“Are you ok?” asked Simon.

“Join? As in become a member?” he whispered back hesitantly, “There’s no way they’ll let you.”

“That’s why I need you to come with me and talk to Louis. I can’t do this without your help.”

“I, uh, I’m not sure that’s the best idea.”

“Are you refusing then?”

The wolf cringed.

“It’s complicated,” he explained.

Simon sighed, then leaned towards him slightly.

“It’s to find who killed Tem. Please, Legosi, you’re the only carnivore here that I can trust.”

The wolf gulped.

“You want to find who killed Tem?”

“Yes.”

“And you trust me?”

“I do.”

Legosi looked down nervously. Simon only trusted him because he didn’t know about the white rabbit. If he knew, then he’d never talk to him again! What could he do? He could say no, make up an excuse about why it would never work… but then Simon might still try…

“It’s too risky,” he said slowly, struggling to find the right words, “and I don’t think I’ll be much help.”

Simon was silent, and the wolf cringed as he waited for a response.

“…Ok.”

Ok? He was ok with that?

“Huh?”

“I’ll figure something else out. Thanks anyway.”

“You’re not mad? I thought-”

“By the way,” said Simon as he leaned in closer, “Hurt that rabbit again, and I’ll... uh, ruin you or something.”

Legosi froze. Rabbit, as in the white one? Simon knew about the rabbit? How did he know? He was with Louis in the auditorium when it happened, wasn’t he?

“How do you-”

Too late, Simon was already walking away, heading for the exit. Desperately he got up and shoved his homework into his backpack, then grabbed his water bottle. Simon had left his book sitting on the table, and he quickly grabbed that too as he followed after Simon.

“Hey, wait up!” he called, no longer caring if people glanced up to stare. He followed Simon out of the library and caught up to him, looking over his shoulder to make sure no one could hear.

Simon remained silent as they walked.

“How do you know about that?” Legosi asked after a few tense seconds. Simon just kept walking.

“She’s a friend.”

“Look, Simon, I didn’t mean to.”

“You didn’t mean to claw open the arm of a student?”

The wolf winced, then glanced around.

“I can explain, but not out in the open. Can we go somewhere… more private?” he asked as he looked around. There was a bathroom up ahead. Hopefully no one was in it.

“Then where should-” began Simon. In an instant, the wolf grabbed his hand and pulled him into the bathroom.

“Hey!” yelped Simon as the door slammed shut. Legosi took a moment to look around. Thankfully the room was empty. He turned back to look at Simon, who stood there with his arms crossed. He began to explain.

“Carnivores like me… have instincts. It’s taboo to mention them, and most try to keep them suppressed and buried. That’s what I did.”

“Instincts?”

“To eat meat… to be a predator.”

Simon uncrossed his arms.

“You mean meat as in…”

“Yeah, that.”

“Oh…”

There was an uncomfortable pause.

“Carnivores like me are dangerous. It’s why I’ve always… avoided so many things. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

“I didn’t… realize it was like that. I'm sorry..."

Legosi turned away from him and stared into the mirror.

“Do you still trust me to help? Because sometimes I can't even trust myself.”

In the reflection, he saw Simon took a breath.

“I have a confession. It’s about the world I came from.”

Legosi felt his ears perk as he turned to look at Simon, who stood there pulling at a bandage nervously.

“The animals there… aren’t like the one’s here. They're... different.”

“Huh? How are they different?”

“If I had my phone, I could show you pictures. Maybe you’d understand then.”

“So what happens to them?" asked Legosi, already feeling like he knew where this was going.

 Simon paused for a moment.

“Humans don’t have instincts like the ones you described. But… we do eat meat. Believce me, please, the animals eaten aren’t like the one’s here! The place I came from was so different… They aren’t…”

Simon’s voice tapered off into silence as he looked down.

 Legosi cleared his throat.

“Did you eat meat then?”

“When I was younger, yes. The foster family I went to when I was 12 were vegetarian. I haven’t eaten meat since the day I arrived at their door.”

“Foster family?”

Simon looked back up.

“I never mentioned that, did I?”

“Uh, no, I guess not,” mumbled Legosi. He never would have expected that Simon was… alone like that.

 Just like he was.

“Anyhow, we’re off topic. The point is I’ve done something terrible in my past, and so have you. I’m trying to make it right.”

“By finding Tem’s killer?”

Simon nodded.

“I’m heading over to the rehearsal hall soon. I’ll ask Louis when he gets there to unlock the door.”

“Ask him...? Just like that?” responded Legosi, slightly surprised. Louis hated when people showed up without knocking or asking beforehand.

“Unless you have a better idea.”

“Why not just investigate while invisible, instead of… you know…” he motioned to Simon’s bandaged form.

“I have to. I need to get closer to the members, and I can’t do that as a ghost,” came the reply as Simon walked past him and opened the bathroom door, “so I have to try.”

Legosi watched guiltily as Simon took a step out into the hall. A idea came to him.

“Simon, wait. Let me talk to Louis first,” he said as he rubbed his neck, “I might be able to… maybe I mean… convince him to help.”

“You don’t have to-”

“No, I mean I want to help.”

Simon stood in the doorway, facing him.

“I know you can’t tell, but I’m smiling right now,” he said.

Legosi just smiled back.

Chapter Text

Louis sat, kneeling before a small table in his dressing room. On it sat the Adler skull and hat, part of his costume for the play. His own makeshift shrine, representing everything he worked so hard for.

The strength he craved, the ability to be feared… to be above any carnivore.

Right now he didn’t feel very strong. He had just taken some painkillers for his leg, which was tucked behind him, bandaged and sore.

Really sore.

It hurt to walk. A two nights ago, during a rehearsal, Sanu had noticed.

What had he said? It was something along the lines of Louis’ movements being stiff. He had even been worried that the deer was pushing himself too far. He had convinced the pelican that he was fine, but since that close call he had refused to even try to be careful. This performance required his all, and he refused to show weakness just because of an injured leg.

He would fight it, even if his herbivore body wasn’t made to do so. He hated that part about himself. He was meant to be preyed on, just like every other herbivore. He took a breath.

“Excuse me…”

He turned in surprise at the animal who had just walked in.

That grey wolf. What his name? Legosi, right? Yeah, definably Legosi. He had just let himself in without knocking? Louis gave him a death stare, freezing him in the doorway.

“U-Um…” stuttered the wolf as Louis got up, “Are you feeling alright? Is there something wrong-”

“Nothings wrong!” the deer snapped back, “You’re suppose to knock before you enter here.”

“I’m sorry, I did knock but you didn’t answer, so I was worried.”

Louis rolled his eyes in annoyance and turned away from him to grab some papers from his desk.

“Do you need something?” he asked coldly, not bothering to turn around.

“I need to talk to you about… uh… about-”

“Well, spit it out. I don’t have all day, you know.”

From behind him, Louis heard the wolf take a breath. He turned around, intent on getting a better look at the wolf. He did so, and his eyes widened slightly in surprise. Legosi looked nervous… really nervous.

“It’s… um… about-”

Louis scoffed. Was the wolf that antisocial? Finally a sentence came out.

“I’m… in charge of your spotlight for tomorrow, so I need to confirm somethings.”

“Right…” replied Louis suspiciously. The wolf had been that nervous to talk to him about a stupid spotlight? He didn’t believe that.

Legosi began rattling on about the use of the spotlight for the final scene. He emphasized things with his hands, moving them back and forth in different small gestures. To be fair, it was a compelling argument about using a lingering fade-out, but Louis wasn’t paying attention to the words anymore.

Only the hands.

There were large, slender, perfect for grabbing and holding. His claws were long and shiny, and every movement of the hands caused them to glint. There was no doubt that they were sharp, too.

Now those were the hands of a carnivore. He was fixated on them.

“Goodness,” he said calmly, as if pacified by the way Legosi's hands moved, “Your body language is so assertive.”

The result was a look of surprise from Legosi. He stood up as he apologized.

“Oh, sorry,” he explained, “I’m always cutting my nails, but they just grow back the next day.”

He apologized? The big wolf, a true predator, had apologized for something he couldn’t control? Louis felt a wave of anger in his chest. He got up and moved towards Legosi.

“So you’re saying that you can’t go against your true nature…?”

The wolf took a step back towards the wall.

“…and you don’t like that…”

The deer reached out towards the wolf, who continued to back up until he was against the wall.

“…even though you can’t control it?”

Louis pushed him flat against the wall, pinning him there. The wolf was silent. He hadn’t even tried to push back. He was just… totally compliant.

Like a silly little herbivore.

He hated him for that.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” said Louis as he leaned closer to Legosi’s face. His hand moved from the wolfs chest to his neck, choking him slightly, “Why don’t you ever utilize your strength? You don’t need to restrain yourself.”

“What?” came a quiet and confused response.

Even when threatened he acted so… weak. Louis hated that.

“I want you to show me your fangs!”

That got a slightly louder reply from the wolf.

“What are you saying, Louis? It’s against the law for carnivores to bare their fangs at herbivores!”

Herbivore? Did this mutt just call him a herbivore? Louis felt more sparks of anger explode inside of him. He wasn’t a herbivore, he wasn’t weak, or helpless!

“Don’t you dare label me a herbivore!” the deer yelled as he pressed his hand against the wolfs snout. He began to slowly part Legosi’s jaw, brushing his hand against the sharp teeth. As he did, he spoke.

 “I hate that reserved personality of yours… Large breed carnivores like you irritate me the most. Drop the act! Be serious for once!

The wolf, of course, couldn’t respond. Louis had his hand in his mouth far enough to prevent him from speaking. The teeth… large, powerful, poised above his hand… suddenly he knew of a way to see the real side of this wolf.

“Bite me, Legosi! Bite me!”  

The wolf struggled, then slowly put down a bit of pressure. Louis felt a tooth start to dig in and then-

“LET GO!”

The words… were so filled with… something. What emotion? Louis couldn’t quite place it. It didn’t matter anyway. The words held enough power and authority for the deer to loosen his grasp

Legosi raised his arm, striking the deer’s hand from his mouth, then stumbled and crouched a few feet away.

He coughed. Louis just stood there, watching. What had he done? Had he really just assaulted a member? What if the wolf told someone-

“…I have to be reserved. My strength as a wolf… it’s a liability to me.”

Maybe… Maybe it wasn’t his fault that he was so quiet… maybe it was the world they lived in…

“B-But you’re different.”

That snapped him from his thoughts.

“For you, that same strength is an asset. Everyone thinks that you’re strong for the right reasons… and that’s what they want to see tomorrow.”

Louis watched as the wolf turned to leave.

“I really didn’t want to hear that from you.”

Legosi just stared at him, his face monotone. Louis continued.

“And I want to know what you really wanted to talk to me about.”

“Huh?”

“You didn’t come hear to talk about spotlights, did you?”

“I, uh, well-”

The door opened suddeny.

“He’s right,” came a voice, “He was going ask you about me.”

 Louis turned as someone he didn’t recognize came in. They were tall… and covered in bandages. Someone else was right behind them, holding some papers. Was it… Els?

“And who are you?” asked the deer in confusion.

“Really? Have you forgotten already? We’ve met at least three times now.”

The deer looked him up and down. The bandaged figure sighed.

“Whatever. How’s your leg? Did you go to the doctor like I told you to?”

Those words hit him like a bolt of lightning, and he stumbled backwards.

“No! You’re… You’re that thing?” he sputtered.

“Louis,” said Els, “Take it easy. We need some help.”

The deer turned to the small sheep.

“You’re in on this?”

“So am I,” said Legosi quickly.

The deer looked around, realizing he was blocked off from the door. Maybe he could stall them and run out later. In the meanwhile…

He’d stay composed, find out what ever he could, and raise the alarm later. With that in mind, Louis took a breath and settled down into a chair.

“Seeing as I’m trapped in here, I'll hear what you have to say. Oh, and I want some answers, so take a seat.”

The three animals looked around, then slowly took a seat across from the deer. Louis noticed that Legosi stayed near the door, presumably to block it.

“You know Legosi and Els, I think, and I know who you are, but I don’t think you know my name. It’s Simon.”

The deer just nodded. Simon... what an odd name. Well, the ghost was polite so far… but probably evil. All ghosts were, even if they helped sometimes, weren't they?

It intrigued him.

“So… Simon… why are you here?”

“That’s… a long story.”

Louis raised his writ to check his watch.

“I have time.”

Chapter Text

I took in a breath. My fingers found an edge of a bandage, and I tugged at it nervously. I had so much to explain. Where did I start? From the beginning? Maybe… but what if it took too long? I didn’t want to-

“I’m waiting,” said Louis gruffly. I glanced back up at him. He sat in front of me, leaned back with his legs crossed. The pose made him look… uninterested.

“I need help,” I said quickly. Louis tilted his head slightly.

“With?”

“Getting on the drama team.”

“Not happening,” came Louis’ blunt reply.

“But Louis-” began Els. He raised a hand to quiet her and continued.

“Even if I could, I wouldn’t be able to. We have members that have to review new recruits, and I can’t just ask them to take in a new mysterious member without having their story.”

“Story?”

The deer rolled his eyes.

“Information about you. We like to have… unique backstories for our members,” he explained as he shot a look towards Legosi. The wolf turned away to ignore his gaze.

“That’s not true!” exclaimed Els, “I’m in this club, but nothing unique has ever happened to me-”

“Yes, it has,” countered Louis, “Don’t deny things.”

“I’m not denying-”

Louis cut her off.

“We’re off topic,” he said as he turned his attention back to me. “As you can see, I’m just a small part in scouting out fresh members. I can’t help you.”

“Couldn’t you get the other ones to meet with me then? Please, I need to be part of this club!”

“Oh? And why is that?”

I paused. Once again my fingers found a bandage edge and pulled at it in an attempt to calm the anxiety I felt. Well, here goes nothing.

“I need to get into the club so I can find out who killed Tem.”

Louis blinked.

“And… how do you plan on doing that?”

I bit my lip.

“I’m not sure yet.”

The deer pressed on anyway.

“Do you have any experience with detective work? Do you even have any suspects?”

I turned to Els and nodded.

“We do!” affirmed Els as she began rooting through her book bag. She pulled a small paper out and held it out for Louis to take.

“What’s this?” asked the deer as he read through it.

“Suspects. We know it was a carnivore, and thanks to Simon we can remove the female carnivore members.”

“Yes, you have the females crossed out. Why is that Els?”

Els glanced at me. I took that as my cue.

“Tem told me that ‘He had gone crazy,’ and that ‘he’ was after him. The killer was a male friend of Tem’s,” I said quietly.

Louis stared at me.

“You… You were with him when he was attacked?” questioned Louis, “I thought you said you found him after the attack.”

“I found him before, and we got separated when I fell out a window-”

“So that’s how the windows got broken. The police said Tem was trying to attract attention-”

I let my head drop. My eyes were starting to sting.

“No, we were trying to escape. I thought maybe we could walk along the outside ledge and jump down into a tree or bush or something. It… grabbed Tem when we jumped, and I fell and hit my head. When I woke up… it was too late.”

There was a silence. I rubbed my eyes quick, hoping no tears had come out. Fortunately, the area around my eyes were still dry.

“And the desk?”                                                                                            

“I tried to hit the killer to buy Tem time. I thought… maybe I could save him. I’m sorry…”

“Sorry?”

“Yes.”

The deer sighed and brought a hand up to his brows.

“I think I know your motive now. So you want to try to find forgiveness by finding the killer, is that it?”

That was indeed it, but what if I said that and he still refused.

“I want justice.”

“Answer my question. Yes or no.”

My teeth sunk into my lip for the second time in five minutes.

“Yes.”

Louis leaned back into his seat again, glancing between the three of us in front of him. A minute of silence followed as the deer thought.

“I hope you know that I still can’t help you…”

My heart sank. What could I do now? I guess I could still be invisible and follow around members, but I’d never be able to get close to them-

“… but maybe if you tell me more about yourself, and Tem, I can convince the other scouts to let you on.”

I looked up at him, excited. Els and Legosi also perked up.

“I’ll do anything. What do you need to know?”

“Let’s start with the basics. What’s your story?”

“Story? You mean why I’m here?”

The deer nodded. I thought he would say something and waited for him to do so, but he remained silent.

“Well… where do you want me to start?” I asked.

“You’re the one telling the story, not me,” came Louis’ response.

“Oh… right,” I replied. Ok, I guess the beginning it would be.

“I’m not from this place, whatever this world is. I come from an alternate universe.”

“Oh, really? Can you prove this?”

“I heard you’re really smart, so you must know what most animals look like.”

“That’s an assumption… but yes, I do.”

“Do you know of any animals that look like this?” I asked as I began unwrapping the bandages that covered my face. Legosi caught on to what I was doing.

“Here, let me help-” he began as he reached out to unroll the ones on my head. I flinched slightly away. I didn’t feel comfortable having anything taken off of me by someone else.

“No, no, I got this,” I said quickly, “but thanks anyway. You can get a mirror though!”

“Oh, I have one in my bag!” mentioned Els as she began rooting through her bag.

Finally I managed to get my face clear of the fake muzzle and bandage wrapping. I took in a breath of the much fresher air.

Louis stared. The bandages remained around my neck, but without the face coverings, I looked headless.

“Ok, so you’re invisible,” scoffed Louis, “That doesn’t mean you’re from another universe. You could just be a ghost or spirit in denial.”

Els rolled her eyes as she held up the mirror, making sure it showed my face. I saw Louis’ eyes widen for a moment, full of surprise at how I looked, then return to normal. I was sure he’d ask about the scars that covered my face and neck, but instead the deer remained silent. His eyes were busy examining my refelection.

"Do you have a tail?"

"No, my species don't have tails. We don't really have many animal characteristics."

"Ok. Why is your fur only at the top of your head?"

"Humans don't have a large coat of fur to cover ourselves. We have hair on our bodies, but most of it's on our head."

The deer nodded. He certainly knew how to keep a serious face. 

“Spirits can shapeshift,” was all he said when Els lowered the mirror.

“That’s true,” the female sheep replied, “but only into things that exist. This is something that has never been described in any artwork or book I’ve ever seen. Admit it, Louis, he doesn’t look like he’s from this world.”

For the first time since we began talking, Louis finally looked more… into the conversation. That dismissive pose he had sat in was gone, and he was leaned forward, looking more and more intrigued.

“Fine, so maybe he’s not a spirit or ghost. But do you really buy that story of an alternate universe?”

“I’m telling the truth! One moment I was walking in my garden, the next there was this giant flash of light, and it felt like everything was spinning. Suddenly I was in a different garden, in a different world.”

Louis shook his head.

“I still don’t believe you…”

Now it was my turn to shake my head. I buried my face in my hands to let out a frustrated breath.

“…but I’m willing to ignore that for now. We’re starting a makeshift interview now.”

I straightened out to look at him.

“Huh?”

“An interview. Go on, tell the rest of your story.”

“Rest… you mean the part about Tem?”

Louis shook his head.

“No, not any of that, at least not yet. Tell me your story, before you came here.”

“But don’t you want-”

“What I want is your back story. Nothing else matters right now.”

I bit down on my lip again. It felt much more tender now. It must be bruised.

“I’m not very comfortable talking about it.”

“Then get comfortable. Every member had to go through the same thing.”

“Are there any from foster families?”

“A few.”

“And they share this with you?”

“Usually they share it in front of four or five of us. You’re lucky it’s just going to be me interviewing.”

For some reason hearing that comforted me. I nodded.

“I was born into a pretty normal family. My mom was a school teacher, and my dad was a writer. They were kinda distant from their own parents and siblings, but I never really questioned it.”

I paused for a moment to take a breath.

“When I was 12, we went on a drive along a mountain road. We had this older looking station wagon my dad loved to use for trips, and the windows were large. I liked to lay in the back and let the sunlight hit me,” I said as I smiled at the memory. That small smile disappeared as I continued. “We were coming around a corner the same time another truck was heading the opposite way. The police said he was distracted and crossed over into the other lane.”

From the corner of my eye I saw Legosi look down to fidget with his hands. He must hate hearing about this kind of stuff. I didn’t really blame him. Afterall, I usually avoided talking about it too.

“We hit it in a way that flipped us. The station wagon was older, and it didn’t have safety glass like the newer ones do. I wasn’t wearing my seatbelt, either. I got cut up pretty badly when the windows shattered, and because it was a mountain road we went over the side and rolled down an embankment.”

“But you survived”

“I guess I did. People say it was luck. As we flipped I got thrown out a window and rolled into a bunch of brush. The rest of the car kept rolling down. It had smashed itself flat by the time it stopped.”

“And your parents?”

I shook my head.

“They said my parents passed in the initial impact and didn’t have to live through the rolling and crushing. The driver of the truck that hit us also died.”

“I see. So the flying glass… is that why your face is-”

“All scarred over? Yeah. I was unconscious when they found me tangled in the brush, and then for a week after the accident. They fixed what they could, but it left lines and divots all over me.”

“I didn’t mean to point it out so bluntly-”

“It’s fine. I’ve heard worst. After the accident the kids at school bullied me. They didn’t want anything to do with me, actually. Maybe they thought I was bad luck, or that I was ugly. Doesn’t really matter I guess. I was the outcast, so I just stayed in the library and read whenever I could. It was an escape from everything that hurt. There’s a bit more, but nothing important.”

“Elaborate on that.”

I looked away, suddenly feeling ashamed. Isn’t that how everyone felt for having tried… it?

“I, um… I went into a dark time when I was 14. I hadn’t really been to a therapist, and I had a lot of things bottled up. The foster family I had been sent to were good people, and I didn’t want to burden them with all my problems at school and in my head.”

“So you tried to end it, I assume.”

I nodded.

“Eventually the therapy helped. After three months of visiting twice a week, I was better. School still was terrible, but I learned to manage my feelings by gardening as a hobby. All the reading I did helped too I think.”

Louis nodded, his face still straight. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, and for most of the conversation I couldn’t even tell how he was feeling.

“Well, story-wise I’d say you’re unique enough to be part of the club. Do you have any talents?”

“I guess singing. Whenever I sung at school, it seemed like the kids got nicer. That kindness only lasted an hour at most, though.”

“Mhm. Mind giving a demonstration?”

“What?”

“Go on, sing.”

“But what about-”

“Oh, wait. Put the bandages and everything back on.”

“Huh?”

He wanted me to sing here? And with the bandages on? Why even? Would he mock me, or did he actually decide that I might make a good addition to the club?

Hastily I put the bandages and muzzle on, relying on Els and Legosi to make sure they were tucked tight and covered everything. Louis just watched.

“Does it look ok again?” I asked through the coverings.

“And what type of animal are you suppose to be, anyway?” asked Louis.

“A bear that survived a housefire, I guess, since I don't have a tail or large ears.”

“So that'll explain the bandages and lack of tail and ears. You thought of that yourself?”

I almost mentioned Haru, but my brain caught it before I said anything. Louis knew Haru, and I didn’t feel comfortable mentioning that yet. The deer seemed like the type to use blackmail, and that was the last thing I needed.

“I had a little help.”

Another awkward silence passed as Els and Legosi finished adjusting the bandages.

“And there!” said Els as she took a step back to admire her handiwork, “That looks good, right Legosi?”

“Oh, uh, yeah, I think so.”

“Now that your covering’s in place, go ahead and sing for me.”

“You’re sure you want to hear me-”

“I asked, didn’t I? Of course I’m sure.”

“Alright… any requests?”

Louis rolled his eyes.

“Just sing already.”

I wished he would have given me time to chose a song beforehand, but I guess he wanted to see my improvising. My brain selected the easiest one it knew, and without wasting another second I began to sing.

“Beneath its snowy mantle cold and clean, the unborn grass lies waiting for its coat to turn to green…”

Chapter Text

Sanu surveyed the animals gathered in front of him. Everyone was here, except Legosi, Els, and of course-

“Louis is never late!”

“Where is he? Practice was supposed to start five minutes ago!”

“He’s in his office, I think.”

“Maybe something happened and he got delayed?”

“What if he’s dead!”

This simply wouldn’t do. Sanu stepped up in front, then turned to face the crowd.

“Now, now, everyone1 That’s enough!” said the pelican loudly, “Has anyone seen any of the three we’re missing?”

Ellen raised up her hand.

“Yes, Ellen?”

“Me and Els got here first, and Legosi was with someone else outside the office door. A new member maybe-”

The room burst back into chatter over this new information, drowning out whatever else the zebra had been about to say.

“A new member? Already?”

“Which grade?”

“Are they cute?”

“What’s his species-”

This time the pelican had to yell slightly louder in order to get the group to quiet down.

“Everyone, let Ellen finish please!”

The talking died down, until just a few whispers remained. Ellen glared at those around her, then continued.

“As I was saying, Legosi went into the office, and then the other student came over and asked if he could talk with Els. She seemed pretty excited… like really excited. They both went in a few minutes later. None of them have left yet.”

A few of the members asked some questions as Ellen tried to keep up with her answers. Not that it bothered her, of course. She loved the attention.

“What’s he look like? The new one I mean.”

“I couldn’t tell. He’s covered head to foot in bandages.”

“Whoa. Like, actual ones?”

“Duh. There’s not such thing as fake bandages.”

“You said it was a he?”

“He sounded like a guy.”

“Why does he have them on?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t get a chance to ask!”

“He must be a new member if Louis was willing to be late for practice. I wonder what they’re talking about-”

Suddenly there was another voice in the air, mostly drowned out by other chatter. Bill was the first one to hear it.

“Shhh! I hear something!” he exclaimed.

“What? I don’t-” began Kibi.

“Because you’re not a cat. Now shut up!” reprimanded the tiger.

“It’s someone singing?” said Shelia as her ears perked up, although by the way she said it, it was more of a question than a statement.

With the total silence that followed, every member could now hear the voice coming from the office, and the more they concentrated, the more words they could make out to. Slowly the group made their way forward towards the door.

“The snowbird sings the song he always sings, and speaks to me of flowers that will bloom again in spring.”

“It’s definably a guy,” whispered Fudge.

“Why’s he singing a song like that though?” asked Mina.

“Like what?” said Dom.

The giraffe turned to him.

“So feminine.”

Before the peacock could argue, both he and Mina were shushed roughly by the members around them.

“When I was young my heart was young then too, and anything that it would tell me that’s the thing that I would do.”

“What’s that song called?” whispered Kai.

“Why don’t you ask zoogle?” responded Tao.

Those around them slowly turned their eyes towards Kai’s phone screen as he typed in whatever lyrics were audible could hear.

“But now I feel such an emptiness within, for the thing that I want most in life’s the thing that I can’t win.”

“It says no results,” he whispered after hitting search.

“You didn’t type it in right then,” Dom replied, “You put entirely different lyrics.”

“I did it right. Look-”

The Mongoose shoved his phone into Dom’s face. Rather quickly the peacock picked up on his mistakes.

“Kai, he said ‘The thing I want most in life’s the thing I can’t win,’ not ‘Things I want the most in life, things up in the wind!”

“…Oh.”

Sheila rolled her eyes.

“Let me type it. I can hear better.”

“You won’t hear a thing if you keep talking,” Ellen whispered harshly. Regardless, Kai still handed the leopard his phone. Her ears perked again, moving in an attempt to make out even the softest noises. Eventually she managed to type out a few of the lyrics into the search bar and hit go.

“Whoa,” she muttered as the results loaded.

“Whoa what? Sheila?”

“That song’s from Canada.”

“Canada?”

“Yeah, and it’s old. 70’s I think?”

“Who sung it?”

“Some moose named Anne Murray-”

The door suddenly opened, startling those outside of it. They backed up to make some room for the two exiting animals.

Els and Legosi stood just outside the doorway. Behind them, Louis and someone else, bandaged just like Ellen had said, were visible sitting down. Seeing the group from the corner of his eye, Louis stood up and walked to the silently staring group.

“I’m busy interviewing. Legosi and Els have instructions from me, so listen to them for now. Sanu is in charge for this practice, so do as he says.”

Before any questions could be asked, the deer gave a final nod to the wolf and sheep, then closed the door on them. The moment the door shut, Legosi and Els were mobbed.

“Who’s the new guy?”

“What happened in there?”

“Did Louis-”

Sanu sighed.

“Everyone!” he yelled out, “Once again, I ask you quiet down! Let the two give their instructions, and get back to rehearsals!”

“But what about-”

“No buts! We don’t have time to waste. We’ll find out by tomorrow anyway, or whenever Louis announces it!”

There were a few groans and mutters, but other than that, everyone agreed. The pelican turned to the wolf and sheep, still standing side-by-side.

“Legosi, Els, mind telling us what Louis wanted us to do?”

“Oh- uh, yeah…” began Legosi. He and Els began to explain what Louis had asked them to say.

With a final curious glance at the office door, the other members silently turned their attention over to the two impromptu leaders for this nights rehearsal.

Chapter Text

“Now that we’re alone,” said Louis as he walked back over to his chair and took a seat, “I have a few more questions. You’ll answer them, right?”

I nodded and looked down to pick at a bandage.

“Good. First one. How do you feel about your parents dying?”

My head snapped up to him as I broke out into those cold sweats. They’re kind that you get when you really don’t want to do something, but get forced to anyway. They make you feel itchy and sick. My vocal response was instantaneous.

“Excuse me?”

“You said they died. How do you feel about that?”

Why would he ask me something like that? I had expected it to be about what my world was like, or even what happened to Tem, not…. this!

“I’m… not comfortable discussing that.”

“I’d just like to know how you feel. It was obvious you didn’t like discussing it when Legosi and Els were in the room, so perhaps you can… enlighten me now?”

“I already told you what I… tried to do. You basically made me say it right in front of Els and Legosi, so I don’t see why you sent them out after I had told you about my… attempt.”

“Smart, aren’t you? Maybe I have a reason to ask, maybe I don’t.”

“What’s that suppose to mean?”

I waited for him to answer, maybe even explain further, but he didn’t. He just remained sitting there, watching me. I felt like he was dissecting me, prying as far as he could to bring something out of me.

A minute passed.

Then two.

Then five.

Ten minutes now…

He just sat watching me, waiting for me to spill everything I had kept in earlier. His eyes weren’t like a deers… more of a hawk, narrow and ready to strike. Finally, he spoke again.

“I’m waiting, Simon.”

Maybe I could get out of this by offering just a tip of it.

“Obviously I feel sad, ok. Anyone would. Is that all?”

“Not quite. Why do you feel sad?”

“I don’t have to answer that.”

“You do, or you’re not on the drama club.”

Threats? Well, I had a leverage in that too!

“Then I’ll haunted the club and make everyone leave. No one would be in a club with a ghost.”

Louis just glared intensely. Maybe he wasn’t used to a taste of his own medicine-

“I’ll have Els and Legosi kicked off. I’ll spread every rumour I can, maybe even get them expelled.”

My face contorted in a mix of shock and disgust. He would do that… to his own members! I felt grateful I had never mentioned Haru.

“How could you even scoop that low?”

“I’m not scooping that low… yet. Answer my question.”

I leaned back in my chair suddenly… I felt so frustrated, and the feeling in my stomach wouldn’t go away.

“I feel angry, maybe, and a desperation to stop feeling the way I do.”

“There it is. You feel an anger!” exclaimed Louis as he leaned forward towards me, “And let me guess, a desire to prove yourself?”

I looked away. What he said… was almost true. I had wanted to… be more.

Without waiting for me to answer, the deer continued. His voice was quieter now, his tone almost… respectful in a way.

“Except in your case,” he said as he leaned back into his chair, “you couldn’t prove yourself… not when you were shunned by all your peers… but you still tried, didn’t you?”

I just nodded. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t have anything to say back.

“You read all those books so you could… maybe have an answer to whatever anyone asked you… you were kind to everyone, even if most didn’t return that kindness… because you knew how bad things could be. You even sang… because you wanted so badly to be known for something besides your past… and your looks. You wanted validation, an explanation of your purpose.”

I tried to say something back, but all that came out was a hoarse, verge of tears whisper.

“How do you know-”

My voice broke into a choking sound, the beginning of a sob.

“So what I said is true?” asked Louis.

I took a ragged breath.

“Yes…” I choked out whenever I thought I wouldn’t start crying, “I did… try to… do more for… people… to feel… normal.”

Louis smiled triumphantly and got up. Did he get pleasure from this? From digging deep into people and then reading their feelings outloud until they cried? He must be proud to of guessed almost everything I felt… to reduce me to the verge of tears…

But he hadn’t guessed it all, and I was grateful for that.

“Good. You aren’t crying, so I see that maybe you have some fight in you. However, I do think helping others constantly, even more than yourself, is a weakness… but I’ll let it slide for now.”

Another nod was the only thing I could respond with. I refused to cry.

Louis just held out his hand. I hesitantly took it and shook. This was what I had wanted, right? To join, befriend, and find Tem's killer. That was want I wanted... so why did it feel like I had just signed away my soul to this Sherlock of a red deer? How had he even managed to correctly guess that much? His voice broke me out of my thoughts before I could think any deeper into it.

“Welcome to the Cherryton Drama Club. Take a few minutes to compose yourself. You start right after that.”

Chapter Text

The drama club was half an hour into the rehearsal. Following Louis’ instructions that were given to Legosi and Els, Bill was standing in for Louis, allowing the other cast to do their lines and practice the fight scenes.

“I’d expect this kind of stuff maybe a week into the start of the club,” said Tao as he practiced a sword swipe on Bill, who was standing in for Louis, “but the night before our opening night? That’s dumb!”

“You’re just angry that I hit more powerful than that deer,” teased Bill as he swung hard towards him, causing the black panther to yelp and jump back.

“Watch it!” he exclaimed.

“Oh yeah?” countered Bill, “What’s wrong? Too much tiger power for a little cat like yourself?”

“Bastard-”

“Focus, you two!” shouted Sanu from where he stood off to the side. The two fights resumed working on their strikes, mumbling insults back and forth as quiet as they could.

The pelican sighed and turned towards Louis’ office door. What was up with all this? Typically deciding who would join the club was a group decision, but maybe the new recruit had been shy? But Louis wasn’t… the best choice if they were... That deer could be intense. Oh well, it would either work out, or it wouldn’t. Hopefully it would.

“Sanu, how’s the lighting look?” called Legosi from the catwalk. The pelican turned his attention back to the stage. The lighting looked just fine.

“It looks great!” he called back. From his perch the grey wolf nodded, then continued to fidget with the spotlight. Adjustments, maybe-

Clap! Clap! Clap!

“Your attention please, everyone!”

Everyone, including Sanu, stopped what they were doing and turned to face the voice. Louis stood a few feet outside his office door, glancing around to see if everyone had their attention on him. After a few moments, he continued.

“I apologize for being absent for this first bit of rehearsal, but this matter couldn’t wait. As you know, we were slightly low on members even before we… lost Tem-”

A few silent moments passed. Many of the members looked down, but in a way more nervous and uncomfortable than respectful. The red deer continued, unfazed.

“Anyway, with that in mind, I’ve found someone to help out. Because of the short notice, they are not assigned to any specific group within our club… think of them as a sort of… extra help?”

Whispers and murmurs began almost immediately, followed by a few hasty questions.

“Are they crew then?” questioned Shelia.

“We heard singing! Are they going to be a cast member?” yelled out Dom.

“Does that mean we can order them around?” asked Bill. Louis rolled his eyes. As he did, he noticed Legosi and Els standing together, towards the back. They were smiling, no doubt happy they had managed to succeed in the plan. They weren’t out of the woods yet though, and nor was that… thing, Simon. He still needed to pull his own weight here.

“That’s enough, everyone!” the red deer shouted out. The noise died down quickly. Good, at least now he could hear himself think. With a bit of dramatic flare, Louis held his hand out towards his office door, gesturing someone to step out and into sight of everyone.  “Please welcome the newest member of the Cherryton Drama Club, Simon Smith!”

All eyes fell onto the door, then to the movement within it, and finally to the figure that stepped out into view. The reaction was mixed, to say the least. Some, like Ellen, made no attempt to hide the fact they were staring, while others such as Mina and Sanu glanced once over the new member and looked away, trying not to seem rude. Bill was quick to make a whispered joke to a few animals near him.

“I wonder if they’d spin if I grabbed one of those bandages and yanked? You know, like a pullcord!”

There were some snickers, there were whispers, and there was evidently some ostracization in the works. Even now a few members took a few steps away from the unreadable and covered face. They weren't sure what to expect when they had first heard about the possible new member from Ellen earlier in the night, and even though they had heard that the new recruit wore bandages, nothing had prepared them for... this.

Apparently unfazed to most of what was being said, the figure bowed their head slightly in a sign of respect.

“Hello, it’s an honor to meet you all. I’m a new transfer student, and I suppose now a new member of this club. Thank you for this opportunity. As Louis said, my name is Simon.”

Chapter Text

No one said a word. That was fine, I suppose. I obviously didn’t fit in, so it wasn’t like this would be easy-

“Welcome!” shouted a voice from the back. I raised my head back up and smiled. Leave it to Els to serve as an icebreaker. “It’s nice to meet you, Simon! I’m Els!”

I caught a glimpse of her at the back of the crowd. She glanced at the grey wolf next to her and nudged him slightly. He looked down, then up in realization that she wanted him to provide an introduction as well.

“Oh, uh, welcome! I’m Legosi!”

“Thank you, it’s nice to meet you both as well!” I replied back, playing along with what they were doing. I had to be careful so no one realized I already knew those two.

Sanu, Shelia, and a few other followed with greetings immediately after, spurred into action by the sheep and wolf. Then came the muttered welcomes of the rest, some awkward, some forced, and some filled with distain over whatever they imagined was behind the bandages that concealed me.

Another clap from the red deer drew all the attention back to him.

“Alright, everyone, we’ve wasted too much time. We open tomorrow night, and we can’t have any mistakes! Back to work, everyone!”

The animals began to disperse, and although many still looked towards me and whispered things to the animals close to them. I waited to be told what they wanted me to do. Louis glanced towards me.

“Simon,” instructed Louis, “The storage room is a mess again, so why don’t you go clean it up abit.”

“Ok, I’ll go get that done. Thanks!”

I started to walk away, then stopped as Louis cleared his voice.

“One more thing,” the deer said quietly, mindful of the others still close by, “I think the props and set department are back there right now. Remember the list Els had?”

I nodded.

“One of the names on it is Dolph, a hippo. Start with him.”

“Of course. I’ll go take care of that right now,” I replied as if he had simply asked me to do another task. I didn’t want anyone who might be eavesdropping to hear anything suspicious.

“Good. Now go.”

Without another word, he turned and walked back to the stage. For a moment he wobbled, but then resumed walking normally. I shuddered. His leg was fractured, I knew that. Why he still insisted on walking on it… how he even managed to walk on it… was beyond me. The pain must be terrible.

Well, I had done everything I could about that. He didn’t want to go to the hospital, so I guess he would be fine. Maybe it didn’t bother him too much. I turned and walked around the stage, then up a small stairway to the back and peered into the room that held props, sets, and everything else a play needed. There was a group inside organizing some boxes in one of the back corners. Hopefully they wouldn’t mind my appearance.

I knocked on the frame of the doorway, letting them know I was there. They stopped what they were doing and turned towards the door.

“Hi! Louis sent me back here to help clean up,” I said.

An awkward moment passed as they stared back in silence. I took that time to do a once-over of Dolph. I had seen him during rehearsals before. Had he hung out with Tem? I didn’t think so, but whoever attacked us was large, and Dolph fit that part of the description.

The giraffe, Mina, was the first, and only, to respond.

“Oh, sorry,” she said in what sounded almost dazed, “Yes, we could use the help. Mind sweeping?”

“Of course!” I replied as I turned and reached behind the door to get the broom. Every time I had cleaned during the night, the broom was always in the same place, leaning in the corner that the door opened against. But this time…

“Oh, um, where is the broom? It’s not here.”

Dolph and Mina both glanced over glanced over.

“I think someone took it to sweep out the sound booth,” replied Dolph, “Do you know where that is?”

I did, but I had to make sure I pretended not to be familiar with the rehearsal hall’s layout.

“Um, I think it’s over there, right?” I said with a questioning tone as I pointed upward towards where the sound booth was.

“Yeah.”

“Awesome, thanks.”

I walked out to go grab it, heading down the stairs and walking towards a ladder that led up. The sound booth, like the lighting area Legosi worked on, was located up off the ground.  However, unlike the lighting area, which was on a catwalk, the sound booth was a small room that stood on a lower catwalk connected against the far wall, allowing those inside to see the stage and watch for the cues that told them when to use the sounds and music. The actual auditorium had the same thing. I reached the ladder and began to climb up. The sound crew was a group I wasn’t very familiar with. Riz was on it, that I knew, and then there was a badger, and that squirrel who always wanted someone to crack her walnuts open. I didn’t know their names yet, but I think the squirrel was called Kayoto.

I reached the top and grabbed a rail to pull myself up, then peered through the doorway into the sound booth. The lights were still off, and I didn’t see anyone.

“Hello?” I called out quietly, “Is the broom up here?”

No answer. The sound crew was usually up here working away, getting their audios to line up, every other night I was here, so where were they?

“Hello?” I called out again. It was a bit louder, but not by much. I didn’t want anyone to get distracted because of me.

Again, no response. I glanced around again, and walked into the booth. If no one was here, then I’m sure they wouldn’t miss the broom. As I searched, I studied the equipment around me. There was one of those boards with a bunch of switches, like the kind you see in recording studios. Next to it was some more controls, a laptop, and some stools for sitting. I had no idea how any of the sound stuff worked.

On the other wall there was an old desk with various things carved or written into its surface. Probably a junk desk they had given to the drama club instead of throwing out. I read a few of the words etched on it.

“Michuri was here.”

Next to it was a heart with the words “Taiga+Ryuji” written inside. Underneath that was a small sentence.

Saori says hi!

An arrow under it pointed at something written as a response, “Mayu says hi back!”

I wondered if they were previous members of the club, or if they were students who had sat there years ago. The stories they could probably tell. Maybe they had-

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something under the table. I bent down to pick it up, realizing what it was as I did.

The broom! It must have been leaning against the table and fallen under, and the thing I had saw was the handle!

“There you are,” I said to it as I picked it up and walked out of the booth, “Now I can get back to-”

“Hey!”

The voice came from the other side of the booth, and I definably was not ready to be startled. I was on edge a bit, and I hadn’t expected anyone to be here after I had already called out. They must have come up the other ladder on the opposite side of the booth.

I spun around and stepped back at the same time. Typically, this is a good idea. However, when you’re on a catwalk and behind you is the ladder going down, it’s not ideal. Where was I going with this? Oh yeah, I was going to-

FALL!

 My foot slipped on the edge and My attempt to counterbalance only swung me out further. My mind began to run through the facts. How far was the fall? Fifteen feet? No, twenty or so. I wasn’t in a good position for a fall backwards. I’d break my neck or something. I would die, definably. My hands let go of the broom, and it fell to the side of the catwalk.  Was I going to die? Without being able to-

Suddenly something had grabbed my arms and pulled hard. I was yanked back forward, away from the edge, towards-

The bear, Riz! I had seen him around a lot when I used to be the “ghost.” He was a brown bear, but even though he was taller than me, he was really nice. I had watched him help smaller herbivore members multiple times. He was more of a teddy bear than anything.

“Geez, sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you!” he exclaimed once I was away from the edge. I brought a hand up to my chest and let out a sign of relief.

“Thank you,” I said, “I’m sorry to scare you like that!”

“Scare me? I think I was the one that scared you! Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I’m sure, thanks.”

There was a pause as I glanced to my side. No one on the stage or dance floor had noticed I almost fell, so at least that saved me some embarrassment. The bear followed my gaze, then cleared his throat.

“I’m Riz, by the way.”

He stuck out his hand.

“Oh, um, I’m Simon. Nice to meet you,” I said as I reached out and shook it. Just like everyone else, I had to pretend I was just meeting them now.

“So why were you up here?”

“Um, the broom,” I said as I turned and picked it up from the catwalk floor, “I needed to borrow it, but no one was up here.”

“Oh, yeah, right. We were getting some audio files saved to a library computer, you know, in case anything happened.”

“Oh, that makes sense.”

Another pause. Was I that bad at small talk? Again, the brown bear tried to start another conversation.

“So what species are you? You’re pretty tall.”

“Oh, I’m… I’m a black bear. Hard to tell with all the bandages, I know, but the fire didn’t make me any prettier.”

Mentally I cringed. Great, I overshared again. Now he’d ask how, and why, and a bunch of other questions. I’d probably screw up my story and get exposed by him! Hopefully he wouldn’t-

“I’m sorry to hear that. I won’t tell anyone.”

Well, that response was a surprise. I looked up at him, but before I could answer two faces popped up on the other ladder. It was the badger and that squirrel.

“Riz?” called out the badger as he climbed up onto the catwalk, followed by the squirrel. “Are you up here-”

He stopped when he saw me.

“Oh, um, is that the new member?”

“Hi,” I said awkwardly in response, “I just needed to borrow the broom. Is that alright?”

“Go ahead. Oh, while you’re here, do you know our names? I don’t think we were properly introduced. I’m Mokichi.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said with a nod.

“I don’t think you met her either,” said Mokichi as he gestured to the squirrel. She waved.

My curiosity got the better of me. All this time she had just been “Walnut Girl” or “The squirrel” to me. It would be great to actually get a name. I decided to risk it and try to look observant.

“I think someone called you Kayoto, right?”

The squirrel blinked, then began trying to stifle a laugh.

“It’s Beth,” she said between giggles. 

Beth. Beth? Half of me wanted to die right there and then. The other half also wanted to die, but not in front of everyone. Maybe in a nice dark closet somewhere instead? Also, Beth??? That was her name?!? Why did I think it was Kayoto???

“Oh, sorry,” I sputtered in horror, “I must have heard wrong. It’s nice to meet you though, Beth.”

She opened her mouth to respond, but only a laugh came out. She nodded instead.

“Anyway, I need to go sweep, so… um, nice to meet all of you. Bye!”

Before any of them could respond, I all but threw myself down the ladder. Kayoto? Beth? How did I even manage to mix it up like that?

At least with the bandages no once could see how red my face was-

Well, actually even without bandages they wouldn’t see it. I was invisible. That struck me as odd. So far all my emotions had to be conveyed through my voice. I couldn’t gesture and use body language to show how I felt while invisible. No one could see my reactions, nor could they read my face. It felt weird to think like that. In a way, I was more of an object than a person when I was invisible. It felt… unnatural to think of myself like that.

No, focus. I didn’t want to be considered a daydreamer or airhead on the first rehearsal I was actually in. Shaking my head of those thoughts, I hurried back to the storage room and apologized for taking so long. The members of the props department just shrugged and continued what they were doing, occasionally staring at me when they thought I wasn't looking. 

I swept in silence.

Chapter Text

“Ugh, someone didn’t use the furniture pads for the night garden set piece!” groaned Mina as she examined the bottom of mural painted with a dark sky background. I glanced over, but continued to sweep. It wasn’t really my concern at the moment, and besides, wouldn’t suddenly acting so involved would be weird?

“What? Are you serious?” asked Dolph as he set down a box and took a look at the set background, “Didn’t we tell them to be careful with it?”

“We did, but guess what? They ruined it!”

That got my attention. Was it really that bad? I stopped sweeping and turned to see what they meant. My eyes took in the mural and worked their way down.

“Oh, my. That doesn’t look good,” I said when I saw it.

It looked fine until the bottom foot or so covering the left corner. Then there was a large chip missing, leaving a large part of the plywood the mural had been painted on exposed and visible.

Even Moro, who had so far been silent, spoke through blank face that she wore quite often. In fact, had I ever seen her smile? I couldn’t remember.

“I wonder how they managed to do that,” she wondered quietly.

“They’re all idiots,” replied Mina, “I told that dumb cat where they were, but obviously he didn’t care.”

“Can’t you paint over it?” I asked, hoping to lighten the situation. Mina scoffed.

“No, we can’t. If we do, it wouldn’t look right. With all the lighting angles it would be noticeable for the audience!”

I shrunk a little. So much for being useful here. Maybe they’d ask me to get some plaster or something though.

“Maybe we can glue the missing piece on and paint in the cracks,” Dolph pointed out. The giraffe nodded.

“That might work, but where’s the missing piece?”

“Who moved the set piece last?” I asked. Usually I would know, but I wasn’t here last night. Haru had told me to sleep because I’d be up early today. Thank goodness I had listened to her advice. 24 hours without sleep didn’t sound fun, especially now that I was swaddled with bandages.

“I think it was Bill…. yeah it was," answered Mina. Suddenly she jumped slightly, obviously having remembered something. "Shoot! Garbage was taken out last night too, so it’s probably thrown out by now."

I stopped for a moment to think. 

"Maybe we can fill in the area with plaster and repaint it," suggested Moro from her corner. Mina and Dolph glanced at her.

“I’ll grab the plaster I guess,” volunteered Dolph.

“You might not have to,” I said to no one in particular. It was loud enough to be noticeable, though.

"What do you mean?" asked Mina. I didn't answer.

What she said would be true… usually. If it was any other member then the trash would be gone, but this was Bill. I turned and began to walk out the door.

“Oh, you’re leaving?” said Moro, just loud enough to be audible.

“Bill doesn’t do trash,” I called as I kept walking, “He probably left the bags near the rear door for someone else to take out tonight.”

“Hey, how would you know that?” asked Dolph. I just pretended I didn’t hear him and left the room.

That was close.

I really needed to work on not accidently spilling info like that. What was wrong with me? I had never been very social before I came here. I was always silent, compliant, doing whatever could to just get through the days… and now suddenly I was actually oversharing? Voluntarily? I could probably thank Haru for that. After all, she had helped me during those… small breakdowns. I guess Louis kinda did the same with his prodding questions earlier, too.

But how had that changed me so much?

Was it possible the crying and letting it all out helped me? Was I finally coming out of my shell a bit? I doubted it. It didn’t seem possible without a therapist, or the medications they tried to give me a few times after the accident. So if it was because I had people to talk to now...

Was  this what it was like to be normal? To have friends that I could actually let my guard down around, to vent to and share feelings with? I never had friends like that in my old school. They all just avoided me, besides a few that greeted me in the mornings.

But that isolation and loneliness didn't exist here. It was ironic in a way. I was visible before I came here, yet the kids pretended I was invisible. Now I actually was invisible, in a different universe, and had friends. Actual friends. One's who listened to me without first hearing me sing. If I didn't need to sing to be positively noticed, then maybe, just maybe... I could be someone here... I could be me.

No, no… I shouldn’t jinx myself hoping for the best. I was just nervous. People overshare when they get nervous, and it was dumb of me to even think I was becoming more than what I was. How could I say that? Tem hadn’t been dead more than a week and I had actually had the nerve to think maybe I was getting better? I was a terrible person; I didn’t deserve to get bett-

“Hey! You’re the new kid, aren’t you?” called a voice.

I snapped out of my thoughts with a start, then looked around confused about my current location. Somehow I had absentmindedly walked right through the actors area on the left side of the stage, the part that’s hidden by the curtains, on my way towards the back door. I blinked and looked around for whoever called out. No one was there.

“Up here!” the voice called again. This time I realized the direction and looked up.

Kai looked down at me from where he was perched on a ladder. He was holding a box of light bulbs with one hand, and changing the bulb of a small light with the other. I stood there staring, surprised and slightly amused.

“Well?” he asked again. He started to climb down, and I realized he wanted an answer. Suddenly it was a struggle to find my voice.

“Yes, sorry!” I blurted out, “I’m just trying to get to the back door where Bill leaves the trash bags!”

“That’s a relief,” he said with as he looked me up and down, his face showing suspicion. “I’d be pissed if that deer gave my part to a newbie.”

“Oh… yeah,” I said awkwardly as I started to walk away. I needed to hurry, and I doubted Kai was going to talk about anything other that 'that deer.'

“Wait, wait, don’t you want to know which part I could have been in if Mr. Perfect-Horns-Louis hadn't been so dumb?”

I stopped again and turned. Kai was a bit of a bragger, but I had never really payed attention to what he bragged about. Now though, I was slightly curious.

“Which part could you have got?”

“I could have been Odie,” the mongoose replied as he leaned back to puff out his chest abit.

Odie… Why was that role familiar- Wait... wasn’t that… 

“Wasn’t that Tem’s part?” I asked, almost immediately after I realized. Kai looked surprised.

“So you heard about all that too. Yeah, it was.” He said bitterly. “It’s stupid they gave his role to Zoe instead of me. Kind of makes his death pointless, ya know?”

Made his death… pointless?

Pointless?

He put it so bluntly, I was sure I misheard him.

“Pointless?”

“Yeah, I think he died for nothing now-”

Immediately I reached a conclusion. Kai could be the killer, because who else would say something like that?

I opened up my mouth to say… well, I didn’t know what to say. What could I say? Accuse him, here and now, or try to get more info? I didn't get to chose either of those options. Someone called from the stage area, preventing me from saying anything else to him.

“Kai, did you fix the lights there? Legosi needs help with adjusting the spotlights on the catwalk.”

“When doesn’t that dumb mutt need help adjusting spotlights,” mumbled Kai as he turned away sharply and left, leaving me alone. So much for trying to get more answers from him. I sighed and kept walking.

Finally I got to the back door. Sure enough, there were trash bags sitting beside the door. It took less than a minute to find the large missing piece. It was under someone’s day old lunch.

Gross.

By the time I got back to where the prop and set members were, my hands still felt grimy, even though I had bandages on my hands when I pulled the piece out. At least I had it, though. This definably saved them some time. .

“Did you find it?” asked Mina as I entered the storage room. She was looking at the broken area. Moro stood next to her, holding a tub of glue. I nodded and lifted it up slightly to show her and the others.

“Yeah, it was in the trash, like I thought,” I explained as I held it out to them.

“That’s great!” said Moro. She took the piece from me and turned it over in her hands.

“Well?” asked Dolph, “Is it still good?”

“It’s intact!” replied the Rhino as she began putting the glue on.

“I’ll get the paint then,” said Mina as she turned and left the room, “I’ll be right back!”

Moro just nodded and pushed the piece down back into place. The glue filled in the cracks, leaving only a thin white line running along where the chip had been.

“There we are,” she said quietly.

“Great,” said Dolph. He turned back to me. “How’d you know Bill didn’t do trash though?”

Shoot. He hadn’t forgotten.

“Um… uh… well, I heard him mention it earlier, not taking out trash I mean. I just had a lucky guess in figuring out the piece would be in there,” I explained quickly. Dolph’s eye were suspicious for a moment, then softened.

“Huh, you’re pretty smart.”

“Really, I’m not,” I said with a nervous laugh.

Mina returned a few moments later with the paints, then sat down next to the mural. I watched curiously as she did. The way she sat was odd, her legs tucked under her. She sat further away from the painting too, then slowing craned her head until her neck was bent like a curve. Apparently satisfied with her position, she began to paint in the cracks in small strokes of her brush.

I started to sweep again, occasionally glancing over to watch her as she worked. Every couple brush strokes she’d move her head and neck, examining her work. A few feet to the left, then right, then backwards and up. I wondered if her neck ever got sore from moving it like that.

She noticed I was watching her after a few minutes.

“So… Simon,” she said in a slight awkwardness, “We heard you while you were in Louis’ office earlier. Do you, uh, sing a lot?”

“Yeah, it’s nothing really…” I said quietly as I set down the broom to move a box back onto the shelf. I didn’t want to talk too much about myself. Instead, I wanted to hear more about them. I had spent so long watching them, yet I knew very little besides their looks and behaviors. I decided to switch the topic.

 “You’re good at painting” I said randomly. The giraffe stopped what she was doing and glanced at me. She looked weirded out, uncomfortable maybe. I felt panicked and blurted out an apology in case she was upset.

“Sorry, I was kinda staring at you while you were fixing it. Did you paint all these murals?”

Her face softened a bit, and she turned back towards the newly applied paint in front of her.

“Oh, yeah. I painted all of them. They say my heads high enough for me to see all the details from different angles, and that’s why I’m good at it.”

“Cool. I’ve never been very good with my hands.”

“Oh, me neither,” injected Moro quietly, “I love my angel, but they get in my way and I can’t see very well.”

“Angel?” I said curiously.

“Her horn,” sighed Dolph.

“No, my angel.”

Dolph rolled his eyes at the rhino.

“Her horn. Moro thinks her horn is a guardian angel,” he said in a slightly mocking tone. I nodded. That was kinda sweet in a way. It probably brought her a lot of comfort.

“Dolph, leave it alone,” warned Mina, although she did nothing else to deescalate the tension.

“I’m just saying the facts,” replied Dolph, “It’s not an angel.”

“It is!”  insisted Moro yet again. Dolph turned to me.

“Well Simon, you're smart-"

"I'm really not-"

"You are. Anyway, is what Moro see's a guardian angel, or her stupid horn in the way of her eyesight?”

I paused for a moment, looking from the rhino who stood quietly, looking down at the ground, and then to the hippo who stood to my side with a smirk. I knew whose side I was one.

“You know, Dolph, there’s is no proof that says Moro’s horn isn’t a guardian angel.”

He snapped his head towards me.

“Are you serious? It’s a horn-”

“It’s something that comforts her, and makes her feel safer, isn’t that right, Moro?”

“Uh, yeah… it does,” she replied quietly. She wasn't looking at the ground anymore, and her eyes held a glint of something. Hope maybe?

“A guardian does the same thing, no matter the form they take-”

“But it’s-” he began. I ignored him.

“It's providing comfort and a feeling of safety, just like an angel does. To me, and to her, the horn is her guardian angel, so why tell her it’s not?”

Dolph opened his mouth to argue, but Mina cut him off.

“He’s right you know, Dolph. Don't be so rude."

With a defeated sigh, the hippo turned towards Moro and muttered out an apology.

“I’m sorry I said your… angel… wasn't real, and that it was just your horn.”

The rhino smiled, for the first time I could remember. She was still smiling when she accepted his apology. She continued to for five minutes after that as well. I was smiling too, even if no one could tell under the bandages that covered me.

Chapter Text

“Alright everyone, it’s getting late! Start cleaning up!” Sanu shouted from somewhere outside the staging area. I glanced over to Dolph, Mina, and Moro. We had just finished putting away the last few boxes. I was done sweeping, and the set pieces were ready to be used for tomorrow’s open night.

“Alright Simon,” explained Mina, “that means we just need to clean up the stage and the dancer’s area, and we can head back to our dorms. I’ll show you what we do with the props they used tonight too.”

I nodded.

“That sounds good, thank you.”

We headed out to where the other members were gathering, each one starting to put away floor mats, sets, and the wooden swords. I grabbed a broom and got to work.

To onlookers, it looked like I was sweeping. In reality, I was listening to conversations. I might get lucky and overhear an alibi… or confession.

The first few were duds. Sheila talking about her plans for next week with Els, Tao and a few others talking about a test two days from now, a flamingo whispering about how weird I looked in all the bandages, and finally, Bill comparing moving a mat to sex. Gross.

I was about to give up when finally some of the female dancers gave me something good with their gossip.

“Did you hear about Dolph? He got food poisoning last week!” said one of them, who I think was a ferret. I stayed near, sweeping in place, pretending to remove a stain on the floor.

“Ew. From where?” asked that lemur who had walked with Els that night Legosi gave her the letter.

“I heard it was that steamed bean dessert they kept putting out.”

“Wasn’t that like three weeks old?”

“Yeah. They probably didn’t want to waste it. I wonder why Dolph would even want to eat it though.”

At this point another dance member, this one a warthog, had jumped in.

“Wait, when was that? I think I had the same dish!”

“It was literally the same day that… you know who… died.”

“…Oh.”

There was a pause before the ferret continued.

“Apparently Dolph ate it during lunch, and ended up in the infirmary for the night that... it happened, and the following day.”

“That’s why he had looked sick at the practice the day after...  you know.”

I didn’t hear anything else they said. Instead, I continued sweeping, moving through the other groups of members, trying to pick up any other information. I didn’t hear anything else that related to suspects. Oh well, I had one more animal off the list of suspects. Now all I had to do was tell Louis. I scanned the crowd, but didn’t see him or his horns rising above anyone.

Maybe he was behind the stage area?

 Still holding my broom, I headed towards the back. I glanced around. The storage rooms were all empty. I peaked out from behind the curtains, looking out to the dance area. No sign of Louis at all. Come to think of it, I didn’t see Sanu, Shelia, or the other group directors either. Where were all of them? Were they-

Someone jumped on me from behind, then put me in a headlock.

My fake muzzle stayed in place, thankfully, but who knew if the animal that had me like this would touch it later. Whoever it was, they leaned enough to keep me hunched forward. I looked up as much as I could, trying to see who it was.

“Hey, newbie, what’s up?” said Bill, once I managed to move my head enough to see him.

My head moved too much, and the tiger tightened his grip. He was smiling, but in a bad way. His smile was the smile of a bully. I knew that look too well. When I was younger, some kids did the exact same thing. It always started with a headlock or a push, and it always escalated from there. I knew that despite being a different world, this experience would be no different than what I experienced in the place I came from.

Still, I tried to avoid what I knew was coming.

“Bill? Let go of me! This hurts!” I cried out.

“Hey, you guys, he knows my name already!”

Suddenly I realized there were more members around us, all male. A few faces stood out. Tao and Kai. They were all either laughing or making snide comments.

“What do you want?” I said, gasping after when Bill flexed abit. His grip really hurt. My head felt like it might break.

“Just wanted to give you a little welcome into the club, you know, like friends do!”

His grip tightened again around my head. The pain was suddenly all I could focus on.

“Stop, stop!” I begged, “This hurts! Quit!”

“Really?” said Bill in a mocking tone, “I thought you’d hardly feel it with all those bandages you have on. What are you hiding under them?”

I tried to explain what Haru told me to say.

“I was burned in a house- Ow, stop! I was burned in a house fire! Quit! You’re hurting me!”

That got some hesitation from the guys around us. They seemed to lose their excitement all at once, except Bill of course.

“Maybe we should go,” whispered someone behind me. A couple footsteps confirmed at least two of the animals had just left. That left me with Bill, Toa, an alligator, and Kai.

“Hey, Bill,” said Tao, slightly concerned now, “loosen your grip a bit maybe, I think you’re actually hurting-”

Bill didn’t let him finish.

“You guys think he has some awesome looking burns? I kinda want to see now…”

I panicked and began to fight again, trying to squirm my way free. He just tightened his grip again. My head throbbed now. Suddenly I felt a claw picking at a bandage. This couldn’t be happening! Why was I always a victim of something cruel? It was so unfair!

“No, you can’t look! Let go of me!”

“Just one peek, ok? One peek!”

“No, you’re hurting me! Leave me-”

I couldn’t let him take off any bandages! I needed to get away! I didn’t want to be a victim of these things again! I didn’t want to be the victim! I refused to be the victim of bullying again! This was my second chance, and it wouldn’t be blown because of a cocky tiger! I struggled again, not making any progress on getting out of his hands. If I couldn’t break free… maybe-

The broom! I was still holding the broom!

“Just let me see!” said Bill, his voice much more aggressive now. I felt him pull at a bandage again, this time harder. It tightened at the front of my face and pinched skin. Suddenly…

I felt anger. It was red, boiling hot anger, the kind that burns in your chest and makes you scream in frustration and hatred. I had felt this before, but it was always directed at myself, for everything I was, for everything I was at fault for. I was always the one who I took it out on…

This time though… it wasn’t towards my self… this anger was towards the tiger that had me in his grip.

“I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!” I screamed, bringing the broom up as hard as I could. It made contact, and I felt it strike soft flesh. Suddenly the broom felt lighter.

 There was a scream, and suddenly the headlock was loose. I broke away and fell onto the floor as Bill staggered back, clutching his face. Now was my chance! I got up and ran for the curtain opening. None of the guys there tried to stop me. Maybe they thought Bill was going too far, and didn’t want to get involved.

No one grabbed me as I escaped, still holding the broom at my side. I made it onto the stage, then went down the stairs and back onto the safety of the dance area. No one seemed to have noticed anything. Had they not heard me yelling?

It didn't matter, I had gotten away. I stopped and caught my breath, then carefully touched my head and face. It felt tender. 

Riz walked past me, carrying a speaker.

“Hey, Simon- Whoa, what happened to your broom?”

My broom? I looked down at it and paled. It was snapped clean in half from hitting Bill!

“Oh, uh, I tripped and accidently stepped on it!” I lied, “I’m so sorry. Should I go tell one of the directors?”

“I’d go see Sanu about it- Are you ok? You’re shaking, and your uniform’s a bit crumpled.

I straightened out my shirt and tried to compose myself.

“Yeah, I’m fine, honest. Just a bit scared by the fall, that’s all,” I explained as I glanced behind myself. Bill and the others were walking out of the back area. Bill had a bloody handkerchief to his nose. He was staring at me. I looked away.

Riz seemed to realize after I did that.

“Well, if that ‘fall’ happens again, let me know. Also, if I see Sanu, I’ll tell him to find you.”

I just nodded. Riz gave one final smile of reassurance and walked off. After that, I stayed near Legosi, who was putting away some extension cords. He didn’t seem to realize anything was wrong. We were just leaving the spotlight catwalk when Sanu approached. We hopped down from the ladder and went over to him.

“Simon, Riz told me you broke a broom. Is that correct?”

I bowed my head slightly.

“Yes, I apologize,” I said, “I was heading down the stairs and tumbled, and I stepped on the broom when it fell under me. I’m very sorry.”

“Oh, it’s fine,” the pelican explained, “It’s better the broom to have broke, instead of you!”

If only he knew how close I had come to being broke. Instead I nodded.

“Ha, I suppose so,” I said with a forced chuckle, “I’m still sorry about the broom though. Can I do anything to make it up for you?”

“Sing something for us!” came a voice from my right.

“Gah,” I yelped as I turned, startled, towards whoever just spoke. Kibi looked up at me from where he stood to my side, then at my hand, which I had raised to my chest in fright. He laughed.

“Didn’t you here me coming?” he asked

“N-No, you surprised me. I’m not used to how quiet everyone moves, I guess.”

“Oh, is it louder in Canada?” asked Sanu curiously.

“Uh, no,” I lied, “I’m just a bit skittish from, uh, well, because of the fire I was in when I was younger.”

Sanu blinked.

“I, ah, see. This won’t affect anything in the Drama club, right?”

“No, no, not at all. I just need to be more aware so no one… sneaks up on me like that.”

The pelican nodded. He tried to speak again, but Kibi drowned him out.

“So will you sing?” the anteater said, this time louder than before. This got a few other members attention, and suddenly everyone had heard I was going to sing. They crowded around. From the back I could see Bill. He looked ready to tear me apart. I stepped back, uncomfortable. What could I sing for everyone? I only really knew older songs, and the few new ones I did know weren’t exactly mainstream.

“I don’t know what to sing,” I tried to explain, “Sorry!”

“We can give you suggestions!” said an owl. I glanced to Sanu for help. He shrugged.

“I’m powerless here,” he whispered to me. Legosi gave the same response. I tried to explain again.

“I can’t tonight, sorry-”

“Why isn’t anyone cleaning up? Get back to work!” came a loud and powerful voice from the back. Suddenly the crowd dispersed, members returning to the final few clean-up duties. I sighed in relief.

“Thanks Louis,” I said.

“I didn’t do that for you. We don’t have time to fool around right now. Everyone has a part here, and everyone needs to fulfilled those said parts. You shouldn’t distract them like that.”

“Distract them? I didn’t-”

“Don’t waste time arguing. What part of what I said didn’t you understand?”

I glanced down.

“Sorry.”

“Anyway, I need to see you in my office,” the deer said as he gestured to me, then Legosi. “You too, wolf.”

Leaving Sanu, we went to Louis’ office. Louis wasn’t limping, but his walk wasn’t… right… either. How long did he plan to walk on a fractured leg? Els was already in the office when we got there, holding the list of suspects.

“So, Simon,” said Louis as he closed the door behind us, “What did you learn?”

“Like alibi’s?” I asked.

“Yes, what else would I care about?”

“Oh, right... Ok, so Dolph was in the infirmary the night… Tem died.”

“Is there evidence to support that?” asked Legosi.

“I’ll talk with a nurse tomorrow and see,” replied Louis, “Anything else?”

I nodded.

 “Kai really wanted Tem’s part. He was really angry he didn’t get it.”

Louis turned away, arms behind his back, obviously thinking.

“Kai was upset when he found out I cast Zoe, too, although he didn’t act very angry.”

“He barged in here and tried to hit you, Louis,” said Legosi awkwardly, “Remember?”

Louis scoffed.

“But he didn’t,” said the deer, “The only way he behaved was immaturely.”

Legosi lowered his head and went silent. Louis shot him a glance and rolled his eyes, but remained silent.

“Tomorrow is our first performance of the year. Simon, you won’t be near the stage.”

“Huh, why?” I asked.

“Because you’re new and know nothing of how we run things. The last thing I need is someone ruining the performance because they forgot.”

I wanted to argue, but he had a point.

“Alright, fine. I’ll be in the audience, and you won’t have to worry about me. Is that alright?”

“I’d prefer if you weren’t even in the building, but fine. Sit far back though. I don’t want to see you.”

“I’m sorry, have I done something to you? If I have, I’m sorry.”

“The thing you’ve done,” began Louis, “is- No, never mind! We’re off track!”

He turned to Els before continuing.

 “So Dolph isn’t the one then, and Kai might be, according to Simon. That’s all then. You can all go now.”

He walked over to the door and opened it wide, gesturing for us to go. Hastily, we got up. Els handed the list to Louis before we went out the door. He gruffly took it and folded it up, placing it into his pocket.

He quickly closed the door behind us after we left. By now, everyone was gone. We walked towards the door.

“Well… that was interesting,” I said, slightly jarred by the abruptness of it all.

“Louis is… just passionate about things,” said Els, “I’m sure he knows what he’s doing. Besides, he’s not usually that cold. He’s just worried, probably.”

“Yeah, maybe,” I said, “What do you think, Legosi?”

The wolf looked like he was lost in thought.

“Legosi?”

“Huh, oh. I’m not sure. Anyway, I need to go and, uh, study. I’ll see you around!” he replied as he bolted ahead of us, heading out the door and into the night.

“Legosi’s been distracted a bit lately, I think,” said Els.

“Mhm,” I replied. I think I knew why, but I didn’t dare tell anyone.

“Anyway, I need to get back to my dorm before they lock.”

“Do you want me to walk you there?”

“Don’t you stay in the rehearsal hall at night?”

“It’s only 11 PM. Louis locks it at 11:30 each night, so I have time to walk with you first.”

Els agreed, and together we both left the rehearsal hall, walking out onto the campus at night.

Chapter Text

Els walked slowly back to her dorm. Beside her, the heavy footsteps of Simon made a peculiar clacking sound on the walkway. She looked over at him. It was much easier to see him now that he was bandaged and wearing clothes.

It was much easier to see how he felt, too.

Simon was slouched slightly, head down, his hands tucked under his arms. He looked upset, somehow. Should she ask? No, that would be too sudden. She probably could after talking with him a bit more, though.

“Hey… thanks for walking with me,” she said quietly. Simon nodded.

“It’s not a problem.”

“So… about tonight.”

“What about it?” asked Simon.

“Did all those things you told Louis… actually happened?”

“Mhm,” came a mumbled reply. Simon didn’t say anything else for the next half minute of the walk. The silence was… concerning to her, to say the least. At a low brick wall Simon stopped, then sat down against it. She joined him.

“Els, how are you doing?”

“Me?”

“Yeah. Have you been doing ok?”

“With… Tem, and all that?”

“Yeah. You’re sleeping and everything still, right?”

“I am.”

“That’s good.”

Another few seconds of silence.

“Why’d you ask me that?”

Simon shrugged.

“Just making sure everyone’s ok. It’s been a rough few weeks for all the drama members, I think.”

“For you too?”

No response. Instead Simon just looked upwards, removing his sunglasses and staring towards the stars.

“How often do you… you know… talk to people about how you feel?”

“I had a therapist, back where I came from, if that’s what you mean.”

“That’s good, but I mean people who aren’t therapists.”

“Friends? Didn’t have any, really. It doesn’t really matter. I did fine once I started to keep my mind off of it.”

“I know, and that’s great… but don’t you ever want to talk to people about it?”

Simon turned away from the stars and looked down at her. Even though his face was bandaged (and invisible), he looked deep in thought.

“I’ve talked to Haru about it a few times.”

“Haru?”

Simon nodded.

“Can you keep a secret?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t tell anyone, especially Louis, but remember how I said I garden?”

“I do. What about it?”

“Haru’s the owner of the garden club. She’s very nice. I live there, basically.”

Els blinked.

“You live in the school’s garden? Are you living in that shed that’s there?”

“So you’ve been there?”

“Well, it’s where we get most of the flowers for our plays.”

“Oh, right! I forgot about that.”

“So… Haru talks to you?”

“Yeah, she knows. She was the one who encountered me first, I guess. Anyway, I’ve helped her in the garden ever since, and sometimes she likes to ask me about things. She’s a bit better at asking, compared to that interrogation Louis gave me.”

Simon laughed after saying that. Els gave a slightly awkward laugh. She felt a mixture of relief and confusion. This wasn’t the same Simon who had been about to cry while telling her, LEgosi, and Louis about his life. Was he being defensive?

“That’s nice of her. For how long has she been helping you?”

“I think two months,” laughed Simon, “I’ve kinda lost track of time. I just know days of the weeks at this point.”

“It’s almost June. It’s May 14^th tomorrow, actually.”

“Hmmm. So I think two whole months then. It was March when I went to get my own garden ready for planting… and that was the day I ended up here-”

“Simon?”

“Huh?”

“You’re trying to avoid what I originally asked you, aren't you? I asked if you were doing ok.”

An awkward pause.

“It’s getting late. We should hurry and get you back to your dorm. Before she could object, Simon had pushed off the wall and began walking. She blinked for a moment, confused.

“Simon, wait, you can’t just-”

“I’m doing fine. I’ve been through worse, Els. Does that answer your question?”

She knew he was lying. He didn’t even look back at her to respond. She rushed after him.

“As long as you talk to someone about everything, Simon! We’re here for you-”

Simon spun round suddenly, catching her off-guard. She stopped and looked up at him.

“Stop it. Just stop it,” snapped Simon.

She stared back. Stop what, asking? Why was he so defensive?

“I don’t understand. Why?”

 “Look, I know you’re trying to help, but you have to understand I hate showing… that side of me you saw in Louis’ office.”

“But doesn’t it make you feel better-”

“It does,” replied Simon as he looked down, “but I don’t like how else it makes me feel.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s just… I… Look, when I get upset, and tell people about everything that has happened to me… It isn’t pleasant. I feel like a burden, saying those things.”

“A burden? Simon, you’re the burdened one, not whoever you talk to!”

“I’m just saying, ok? I don’t enjoy telling people about it. I don’t enjoy reliving it when I tell them about it. I don’t enjoy remembering how I was treated after that. I only told Louis, Legosi, and you because I need to get on that club, and I need you all to trust me! Haru knows because she kept prying, and she because she saw me having nightmares-”

“Aha! So you’re not doing ok!”

Simon raised his arms up in a sign of exasperation.

“I’m doing just fine, ok? And I’ll keep doing just fine, and helping others, and trying to bring a value to my life, and just getting through it all!”

They stood there in silence. Various thoughts went through Els’ head. Some made sense, others less so. If Simon was so torn up inside, and afraid to let others see inside him and reveal how much he hurt, why was he ok with singing for people-

A lightbulb went off in her head.

“So that’s why you do it.”

“Huh? Do what?”

“Sing. I had just accepted it was a way to cope, like you told Louis.”

“It is.”

“It’s a little bit that, but a little bit something else, isn’t it?”

Silence.

“You sing because you can let out emotions! That’s why they say you sing old songs! You’re singing ones that help you release specific emotions you bottle up!”

Still silence.

“Well? Am I right?”

“Els… it’s late. We’re almost at your dorm.”

“I’m not leaving this spot until you admit it.”

Simon let out a sign. He took a few steps, looking up at the stars again, then turned around and sat against the wall once more.

“You’re right, mostly. I sing things that let me get emotions… my fears and angers and grief… off my chest. I feel better when I get them out into the open. I’d never sing those specific songs in front of people, even back in my old world, but I’d sing them alone. Is that what you wanted to know?”

“I guess so.”

“Mhm. Can we keep moving now?”

She nodded. Together, they began walking again. Els glanced over at Simon as he walked beside her.

“Thank you, for telling me I mean. Friends should tell each other those things.”

“Yeah well, I… hey, did you just call me a friend?”

“I did.”

Silence.

“Thanks. I think you’re the first one to actually call me a friend.”

She turned in slight shock.

“What about Tem and Haru?”

“Tem never called me a friend, but we were very close, just like best friends, during the nights he’d come see me. Haru hasn’t called me a friend, per say, but that’s because she doesn’t believe in friends. She’s as kind and friendly though, so I think she considers me someone close to her.”

“So I really am the first? What about back on your old world?”

“I was always reading as a kid, so I never made many. Was everyone nice to me? Yeah. Would they invite me to play with them? Not really. Maybe they thought they couldn’t, that I was too quiet or shy. After the accident they even stopped being nice, to the point that I think I was barely tolerated.”

“That’s terrible!”

“It’s life. I turned out fine, anyway.”

They finally arrived at the front door to her dorm. Els paused at the top of the steps as she went up, then turned to look at the bandaged invisible boy standing at the bottom of the stairs.

“Thanks, Simon. I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

“I think. I’ll be in the audience cheering you on.”

“Not backstage?”

“Louis’ orders.”

“I see.”

“Yeah. Goodnight, Els.”

Simon turned to walk away again.

“Hey, Simon?”

He stopped and turned around again.

“Yeah?”

“… Goodnight. I hope talking helped you a bit.”

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me. Anyway, I have to get back now, before I get locked in the courtyard all night.”

He gave a peace sign and started walking back towards the courtyard, heading in the direction of the rehearsal hall. Els sighed, watching him slowly move out of sight, then walked up the last few steps to the door.

She hoped that she had actually helped.

Chapter Text

I kept my head down as I walked back to the rehearsal hall. I hoped Els wouldn’t be upset with me. I didn’t think she was… but what if I just didn’t notice? What if she hated me now? I’d have to apologize. I reached the rehearsal hall doors and reached for the handle, then stopped. My hand hovered there without touching it.

I stared at it for a few minutes. I should go in… but yet I remained still. There was a feeling in my chest. It felt bulky and hesitant, so much so that it was as thought it was draining me of something. Suddenly I couldn’t go in there tonight. I just couldn’t.

What was wrong with me?

I turned away from the door, walking down the steps and back onto the cobble path that made up the courtyard.

Where could I go now? Back to the garden shed, I guess. I made my way back across the courtyard and up the concrete steps. I reached the third-floor landing, then walked down the balcony to the garden door, as I had for probably the hundredth time since I fist arrived. It would be locked by now. Haru left around 5 everyday, and she always made sure the door was locked. Luckily for me, though...

I ran my hand along the top of the wooden door frame until my hand touched cold metal. My fingers closed around the spare key for the lock. I brought it down, then pushed it into the lock and jiggled until it slid in. The door opened and I stepped inside, then closed it behind me.

The garden was beautiful during the day, but at night it became almost out of this world. The way the moon reflected and dulled the colors gave everything a dream-like surrealness, and many of the flowers closed during night, taking on the appearance of plants from another planet. As I walked down the path, I let my hand fall to my side and brush against whatever petals and leaves that it came across. Even with the gloves, I could feel that all were refreshingly cool.

These were the kind of things that gave me peace.

I looked up at the sky. Sure enough, the stars shining down, somehow unimpeded by the light pollution of what I assumed was the city beyond Cherrytons walls.

Wait…

The whole time I had been here, the only world I knew was the one inside Cherryton. I hadn’t even seen what was beyond the walls and buildings that formed the campus.

I felt a spark of curiosity. Looking around for a moment, my eyes settled on a wooden ladder that lay on its side next to the shed. I walked over and picked it up, then set it against the wall. I climbed up. The roof of the garden shed was angled, but the shingled placed over it gave my boots the grip they needed. Carefully I made my way to the peak, then sat down just below it, so that my back rested against it. I looked out over the wall at what lay beyond.

There were lights too, like a lot. Pulsating, flashing, and piercing lights that lit up the night with their mix of colors and brightness. Darker shapes, presumably skyscrapers, rose from the center of the city. From the looks of it, Cherryton was on the edge of the city. I could see smaller office buildings, houses, and apartments nearby, also lit up against the night sky. Everything was so close together, separated by alleys, sidewalks, and roads. It wasn’t like anything I had ever seen. Then again, I had grown up in a large town, and not a city like this. I took a moment to listen. At first there was only the sounds of a gentle breeze and the rustling of plants. Then I started to hear it better, the sounds of a city. The occasional honk or two, what sounded like the clunking of a rolling metro train, and the buzzing and whizzing of vehicles that I could only really see the headlights of.

The thought of cars driving around made my stomach roll slightly, and I took a breath, then looked down at my hands, hoping to distract myself before the anxiety came.

Suddenly I heard the door of the shed open.

I froze.

Who was here? Haru? Maybe she was waiting for me or something. She’d see me on the roof, and maybe we’d talk. I should probably apologize for everything. She probably felt so burdened with me, or annoyed even. Maybe I should stop crying and letting things out so easy-

“Hello? Who’s there?”

It was… Louis?

Oh no. How did he know? Had he known? Was it a coincidence? I didn’t answer him, instead opting to roll myself over the peak of the roof, laying flat just out of view. Hopefully if Louis came up the ladder he wouldn’t see me.

“I’m not asking again. Who’s there?”

I should just go down and explain why I was here… but if I did that, he’d know that Haru was helping me, and then he’d have even more leverage for blackmailing me if I screwed anything up.

The ladder creaked. I knew he was coming. With a defeat sigh, I rose up and walked down the roof, towards the ladder. I peaked my head over the edge. Sure enough, Louis was staring back.

“Hi… I guess,” I said awkwardly.

Louis blinked, and for a moment it seemed like he was trying to register something. His face became a scowl.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he said in a tone that reminded me of an adult scolding a child.

“Sorry,” I said quickly, “I’ll come down.”

 I swung myself over the side and slid down the ladder. Louis stepped off the bottom rung and stumbled back a foot to avoid me as my feet made contact with the ground again.

“Mind explaining why you were up on the roof of the garden shed?” The deer asked when I turned around to face him.

I shrugged.

“I just wanted to see what was beyond the garden wall, I guess.”

“Do you do that often?”

“No. Tonight I just felt like it.”

“You just randomly came here, to the garden, and climbed a roof? You weren’t following me?”

Now it was my turn to blink. Did Louis not realize that I stayed here? If he didn’t… then my friendship with Haru was still unknown to him!  

“I, uh, I come here sometimes. I like the garden. It’s… very pretty.”

“You come here? How do you get in? This placed is locked at 6, isn’t it?”

Here, this is where I could lie and protect Haru from being involved in any blackmail plots.

“I, um, well I saw a rabbit put the key on the door frame one day, so I started coming here because the garden shed has the bed and-”

“You sleep here? In that bed?”

“…”

“Yes or no?”

“Well, yeah. I have no other place to-”

“You should stay out of here. I don’t want you to ever come here again, understand?”

“But where can I-”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care. Sleep on a bench for all I care.”

His tone was like ice, pure hatred and despise. I took a breath. Why did he hate me? Was there… was I… what had I done?

“Why?” I whispered hoarsely.

The deer looked surprised that I had chosen to talk rather than leave.

“What do you mean why? Because I don’t want you-”

“Not that. Why are you so bitter about me? What have I done?”

I wanted to stop there, and leave while I still was calm, but now for the third time since the start of practice I felt the floodgates open.

The emotions boiled up in my chest, and I clutched at it.

“Why do you hate me? I saw how you looked at me, earlier I mean. When I was telling you about my story, when I told you of everything I had gone through, and struggled with. So why do you find enjoyment in treating me like-”

Louis cut me off.

“Oh, shut up.”

I looked at him, the words that had been on my tongue suddenly falling back and threatening to choke me.

“I-”

“No, shut up,” Louis hissed, “I hate the ones like you, the ones who think they deserve… deserve whatever it is they want, just because they had a rough start.”

“Rough start?” I whispered, “My whole life has been-”

“Been what? Shitty? Painful? Complete and utter doubt and misery? Here’s a little news flash for you. Life isn’t fair. You deal with it, you stand tall, and you push it all down and-”

Now it was my turn to interrupt him.

“Deal with it?” I choked out, “Deal with it? I ignored it for 5 long years, from when I was 12 to now. They all hated me, and I never once let them know how bad it hurt, do you understand? I never once let them know just how much their mocking, and bullying, and exclusion dug into me!”

Louis was gritting his teeth. I kept going.

“I stayed standing tall, and I bottled it all down, and in private I would take this anger, this fury, this loathing self-hatred of still being alive out on myself! They hated me, I hated me, everyone hated me! My family left me, they died and left me all alone to-”

The slap happened fast. Suddenly I was on the ground, dazed. My cheek was throbbing. I felt…Why had he…

I just looked up at him silently, making no attempt to hide my confusion. He was still standing there, fists balled. His eyes were angled down and burning.

“Abandoned you?” Louis said harshly, “They died and you call it abandonment? I was sold as a child! Do you get that? Sold, not given up for adoption, not abandoned, but sold! I didn’t even know who my parents were! I never would have had a chance!”

I tried to speak, but my mind was still trying to process what he had said. I just bowed my head down as Louis went on.

“I’ve been through so much, and you don’t see me crying, or trying to get pity! Weakness doesn’t accomplish anything! Showing these emotions will do nothing-”

“You’re a coward,” I said quietly, still looking at the ground.

“What? What do you-”

My head snapped up, and suddenly I rose up from the ground. It was like I wasn’t even in control. I loomed over him, then grabbed his arms tightly. He tried to pull himself away. My grip stayed firm. I shook him slightly, and he stopped, then stared directly at me.

“You,” I snarled, “you say to be strong, and never let it out! You can’t face your emotions, so you hide them from everyone! You’re scared to show them! You’re a coward!”

We stayed like that for a few minutes, arms locked, seething in anger and hatred and whatever terrible emotions we had. Suddenly I realized what I had done.

“I- I’m sorry,” I said as I stepped back. I turned to run. The door was over there, and if I made it out then… well I didn’t know. I’d keep running, and leave behind all of this mess and Cherryton and everyone-

I took a step, but a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me back.

“Wait.”

I stopped, but didn’t turn around to face him. How could I? He was right partly, in a way. Just because I had issues didn’t give anyone a right to like me.

“Simon, turn around. Please.”

I did so, slowly. I half expected him to punch me again.

The hit never came. Instead I saw Louis looking dejectedly to his side.

“Did you mean what you said? You know, about me being a coward for not letting people see… me?”

“I did.”

“And you think…?”

He left the rest unsaid for me to fill in.

“I think I know why you were angry at me. But… I can’t bottle it in, either. I know what it’s like to try to stay unbothered in public, when people are around. They pounce on weakness… but I also know that bottling it up, keeping it down, and then self destructing or fighting it later when you’re alone… It doesn’t end well. It didn’t for me, and it won’t for you.”

Louis stayed looking away. Was he looking at the ground, or a flower? I didn’t know.

“I… Alright, fine, I kinda see what you mean,” he admitted at last.

I didn’t even feel like it was a victory. I just felt ashamed.

“I have my issues,” I sighed, “and you have yours. I’ll keep working on mine, and you can do what you want. Let’s… Can we forget this happened, maybe?”

“Yeah,” replied Louis, “That might be best. Are you… going to leave then? You don’t have to.”

I thought for a moment, then looked over to the ladder.

“I’m going go up on the roof again, I think, and maybe try to work through a few things. What about you?”

Louis looked at me, then the ladder.

“Mind if I join you for a bit?”

Chapter Text

We both sat side by side on the garden shed roof, watching the lights of the city beyond the walls of Cherryton.

“It’s odd,” said Louis.

“What is?”

“These walls shelter everyone from everything that goes on out in the city. It’s all just an illusion, and then they get kicked out into the real world.”

“Real world?”

“Where the strong must be weak, the weak must be strong, and the ones who embrace their true nature are persecuted.”

“You mean the ones who… eat meat?”

“The very same.”

I stayed silent for a moment.

“Do you hate the animal that… killed Tem?”

“Maybe. I don’t get close to anyone. This world is about shoving others below you to get to the top. I’ve been prepared my whole life to rise up, take control, and lead. There’s no room for friends.”

“Then why are you on the roof talking with me?”

Louis turned.

“I don’t have to be, if that’s what you’re asking. I shouldn’t be, either. My performance is tomorrow.”

I nodded.

“Is your leg better?” I asked

“It’s fine,” he replied a little to quickly.

I sighed.

“Did you even see a doctor?”

“No need. I have painkillers and compression rolls.”

“That’s-”

“How about you stop reminding me I’m weak.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. Where I come from, worrying about someone means you care, and want to help them. Human nature is all about being kind to others, even if they treat you like… well… like me.”

“That sounds utterly stupid. Our government treats herbivores like they’re made of glass. Eating meat, even just talking about it, is taboo and always kept quiet.”

“Humans aren’t very fragile. We do a lot to try to bring peace to everyone, but it usually always ends up done through threats and violence. There isn’t much that’s taboo though, at least in the country I lived in. Media reports everything they can. Other countries, though… it’s not good.”

“It can’t be that bad.”

“We’ve had two world wars.”

Louis sputtered.

“World wars?”

“Yeah. Did you have them?”

“No, but we had an interspecies war. What’s a world war?”

“Yeah, like the whole world goes to war, basically. The world has had hundreds, maybe thousands of other wars too.”

“I bet the people who fight them are free to be themselves. They probably feel unstoppable, connected with their natural instincts-”

“They don’t. War is terrible. Innocent people die. They just want it to stop, be finished in whatever way reduces the death and suffering. Plus we don’t really have ‘natural instincts’ either.”

Louis whipped his head to face me, moving so fast it was a blur.

“What do you mean no natural instincts? How do you function?”

“I mean, we have some. Mostly just to survive if we’re caught up in some big disaster. There’s also an urge to protect others, or help, or-”

“Let me guess, be a good person?”

“No, to kill. Some people like to, and they kill innocent people just because.”

“Oh.”

“The world I come from is different from this one, but yet it’s the same. There are strong people, and there are weak, but sometimes it’s the weak who protect the most. No one is useless, if they’re born and raised right. Everyone has something valuable in them, even if they don’t see it.”

Louis snorted.

“You say that, but can’t see the value in yourself.”

I shrugged.

“I saw value in myself once upon a time. No one else did though, so I stopped seeing it too.”

“Are you beginning to see it again, then?” asked Louis.

“What do you mean?”

Louis rolled his eyes

“At practice, when you sang. You didn’t hear everyone talking about it?”

I furrowed my brows.

“I didn’t, no.”

“Well, what about feeling good when you fixed that set piece? Moro told me about how you did that.”

I shrugged.

“I have nothing to offer except my help. If I’m always ready to help, then I won’t be a burden-”

“Again with that burden talk,” sighed Louis as he slid down the roof to the ladder, “It pisses me off.”

I watched him start going down the ladder.

“Are you going?”

“Yeah. If I stay any longer I’ll probably hit you off the roof.”

“Oh. Hey, one more thing.”

Louis stopped climbing down. His head was level with the edge.

“What is it?”

“You asked me why I was here, but why are you here?”

Silence.

“I planned on having some time alone. You being here ruined that.”

I gripped my sleeve. I should have just stayed at the rehearsal hall-

“Now come on, I’m going to bed. Are you coming?”

I blinked.

“I thought you wanted me to-”

“I changed my mind. You’re sleeping on the floor though. I need to have a good sleep for tomorrow. 

“Oh,” I said hesitantly, “Alright.”

"Also don't stay very long in the morning. The rabbit who works here always checks her flowers before school.

That I knew, but couldn't tell him. I didn't want Haru to get involved in any sort of retaliation Louis might do. Instead I slid down to the ladder and climbed down off the roof. Louis was already at the front of the shed, sliding open the door. I followed him in, and he tossed me one of the blankets from the bed.

“You can have this one,” he said as I caught it. “Do you want the pillow too?”

I shook my head.

“I have my jacket on the table. I’ll use it.”

Louis glanced at the tool table beside me. Right, it was invisible to him.

“I don’t see it.”

“It’s there. It’s just invisible, like the rest of my clothes.”

“And the rest of your clothes are where?”

“Also on the table. I’ll show you.”

I walked over to the small hand mirror Haru had left in here, then held it up to the table at an angle so Louis could see my clothes sitting folded where I had left them.

“Oh. I see them now.”

I nodded, then began taking off my bandages. Louis watched as they unwound.

“Are you taking all them off?”

“I have to, I think. They'll get dirty faster if I wear them while sleeping.

The deer nodded.

“Right, I guess that makes sense.”

I finished removing the bandages, then laid down the blanket and grabbed my jacket to use as a pillow. I removed the shoes and socks from my 'borrowed' school uniform and placed them outside the door to air out.

“Are you sleeping in your uniform?” asked Louis, confused.

“Mhm. I don’t have pyjamas or anything. You’re doing the same, aren’t you-”

I heard a buckle unfasten. I froze, not wanting to turn around. He wasn’t undressing right here, with someone else near him, was he?

“I can’t," explained the deer as I heard him take off his school clothes, "I didn’t bring a spare uniform, and I can’t show up tomorrow in a wrinkled suit.”

I still didn't turn around. 

“Oh, uh- Let me know when you’re… done that and covered again,” I stuttered. I felt uncomfortable again.

“Huh? I’m still in my underwear and undershirt, you know,” came the deer's reply. It sounded like he was folding his clothes now. Why was it taking so long?

“I’ll wait to turn around, thanks. Tell me when you’re in bed and all that.”

“What’s your issue- Actually, nevermind. I need to sleep.”

I heard him set down his clothes, then the creaking of the bed as he settled in.

“I’m covered,” he called out semi-annoyed. 

I quickly set down my jacket and rolled up in the blanket, not even looking towards the bed.

“I’m all good,” I said once I was settled, “You can turn off the light now.”

I heard him roll over to turn off the switch, and with a click the light went out.

“Goodnight, I guess,” he said, his voice muffled. Maybe he had his face against the pillow?

“You too,” I replied.

I barely slept that night.

Chapter Text

It was dark. I was rolling- No, I was tumbling. Tumbling and levitated above the seat of a car. For a moment I smelt cologne and flowers all around me, even though I saw nothing but a black void around me. Then suddenly I was going sideways, jerked with a violent force. Out of the darkness came something shiny. A window. I was heading straight for it, face first.

A voice boomed out. It didn't have any particular source, instead seemingly coming from all around me.

“Simon!”

I woke up with a gasp. For a moment I was tense and confused. The feeling of a small kink in my neck made me remember where I was.

A dream, just a dream.

Shoot, had Louis heard any of that?

I glanced over to the bed. In the slight darkness I could still make out his shape.

What a relief. I laid back down and stared at the ceiling for a few minutes. Sunlight was finally streaming in through the window, even though it was barley noticeable.

Was it morning? Had to be. Probably really early though. Silently I got up, then walked over to the work bench that my hat and jacket sat on. It was warm in the shed, but it could be chilly. Mornings usually were. I paused for a moment to look at the bandages and fake snout. Should I put them on? It was early, so I doubted anyone would see me.

Still… if someone did stop by without warning, it would probably be better to not look headless. With a sigh I held the wire shape up to my nose and mouth, then wrapped the bandages around everything. I took a moment to examine my reflection, making sure everything looked normal, then pulled my jacket over the school uniform. Lastly came the gloves, and finally I looked I looked normal, or at least normal-er. Checking to make sure Louis was still asleep (he was), I slide open the door and stepped out into the morning garden, inhaling deeply.

The air smelt nice and crisp, and the flowers were just starting to open up again. Dew glistened in the sunrays that seeped over the garden wall, adding small sparkles to the leaves and petals.

It was… beautiful.

I smiled to myself for a moment, then took a few minutes to walk around the garden, enjoying the feelings the morning garden gave me. Every so often I’d pause to pull out a weed or two that had managed to take root, or place a straying vine back onto it’s trellis.

Today would be a good day even if the start had been rough.

I heard a door open. Louis must be up-

“Hey Simon!”

“Oh, hey Haru,” I replied as the white bunny walked past me to the garden shed. It was so nice that she always stopped by to check on me-

Louis doesn’t know she knows you, dipshit.

My eyes widen as I turned my head towards her. She was pulling open the sliding door.

“Haru!” I half-whispered, half-screeched.

She stopped, the door pulled halfway open and one of her feet across the threshold.

“Huh? What’s wrong?”

“Don’t go in there!”

“Why not?”

How was I going to explain this? I had to tell her everything I had kept. What was that old saying? Honesty was the best policy?

Ok, here went nothing. The words spilled out of me at a pace that would have put the Concorde to shame.

“Because I enlisted the help of two friends and used the costume to join the drama club that Louis is in charge of so I could find out what happened to Tem so now Louis knows about me but he doesn’t know that I know you, and then last night Louis stayed here so we were on the roof and I had to join him in the shed and he stripped down in there and I slept on the floor and-”

At some point I realized Haru was just staring at me with her mouth slightly opened, and that I was talking too fast to make much sense. I stopped talking, and we both stared at each other awkwardly for a few moments.

She spoke eventually.

“That-”

She paused and cleared her throat.

“-That was a lot to unpack.”

“Yeah… sorry.”

“So you joined the drama club… full of students… to investigate a murder? And you didn’t tell Louis about me?”

“Kinda?”

Haru shrugged and smiled.

“Alright.”

I blinked in surprise.

“You’re not mad?” I asked

“Me? Mad?” she replied, “I’m not in charge of what you do.”

I was taken back for a moment. She wasn’t mad? Or was she pretending to be fine with it?

“Oh. Yeah… I guess. So you’re not mad, like at all?”

“Nope.”

“You sound kinda mad.”

“I’m not mad,” she replied before glancing behind her. “Louis, on the other hand, looks mad.”

“Louis-”

The deer stepped out from the door. Haru moved out of the way.

“Yes, me,” said the deer coolly, “Have you been keeping anything from me, Simon?”

“I-”

Haru shrugged again, then began to walk away.

“Haru-” I began.

“I’m not mad, Simon. I’m just… disappointed, I guess. Anyway, I’m going to class early.”

Her words cut deep. She was… disappointed. I had screwed up again. I tried so hard, but still screwed up…

She left right after that, before I could respond, and slammed the door to the garden shut behind her.

Louis’ eyes might have well been daggers. They were sharp, tearing into me.

“So, what else haven’t you told me?” asked Louis as he began to walk towards me stiffly.

“I told you everything,” I replied desperately, “Honest! I just didn’t want Haru involved-”

“And why is that?” he questioned, “Did you think I’d do something to her if you screwed up?”

“No- Well yes! That’s exactly what I thought!”

His shoulders dropped a bit, and he stopped a foot away from me. I was eye level with his antlers.

“I can’t tell if what you did was smart, or stupid.”

“I just didn’t want to wreck her life anymore than I already had.”

Louis blinked.

“That’s your reason? No ulterior motive? You weren’t planning on using her to get blackmail on me?”

I scoffed.

“Is that what everything’s about for you?” I asked, “Not everyone has ulterior motives, you know. Some people- er, animals I guess- are just kind, looking out for others, trying to be nice!”

“You’re in no position to lecture me about that,” replied Louis.

“Well someone has to!”

He took a step towards me.

“Listen, you- Gah!”

His leg gave out on him suddenly, and he dropped down onto his knees. With a grunt, he rolled himself off his knees and sprawled himself sideways, one of his arms propping him up and the other feeling his leg. He cursed for a few seconds.

“Are you ok?” I asked immediately worried.

“Here, let me-”

“I’m fine,” he replied as he tried to get himself back up. I bent down to help him.

“Don’t!” he hissed, “I can do it myself!”

“But you’re-”

“I don’t need your charity. I don’t owe anyone anything!”

“I’m not doing this for favors. I’m doing this because people- animals- are suppose to help eachother!”

Louis rolled his eyes and rose wobbly to his feet. My attempt to lend him an arm to lean against resulted in him swatting it away.

“You should like one of those dumb ‘change the world with kindness’ activists who come give talks occasionally.”

“You’re terrible. There’s a seat over there. You should get off your feet-”

He shook his head, rejecting the idea.

“I’m just saying the truth. Sugarcoating is pointless. The kind and charitable get trampled, and the ones who care about themselves get to the top.”

“Aren’t you some kind of class president or something?” I asked.

“Yes, so?”

“Well, aren’t you kind to students who need your help or support?”

“I am, but only because I know they’ll do anything for me afterwards, or at the very least keeps my image looking great. It benefits me. Has to, really.”

I blinked. He was so… nonchalant about it. I probably couldn’t change his mind about anything.

We both stood there for a minute. Finally I spoke.

“So what now?” I asked hesitantly.

“I don’t know,” he replied. He looked like he was thinking. "You didn't lie, I guess, but you weren't truthful either..."

The sun continued to rise. In the distance I heard the 8 AM bell. There was half and hour till classes began. 

"Tell you what, Simon," Louis began, "I'll forget about this little betrayal-"

"Betrayal?" I asked. It wasn't a betray-

"- Yes, betrayal. I'll forget about it if you do one little thing for me."

"And what's that?"

"Answer yes or no. Will you do it?"

"Yes."

"Good. I want you to teach Bill how to do things properly."

I inhaled sharply.

"Like... in the drama club?"

"Exactly. He's terrible at just about everything, and I can't always be there to tear down his massive ego."

"And you think I can?"

"You agreed to do whatever I said, did you not?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"Good. From now on your job will be to mentor Bill, and that's on top of your duties helping the other departments of the club."

I just nodded. What else could I say? I was defeated. Bill would probably murder me the moment I criticized him. Still, a deal was a deal.

"I'll do it," I replied.

"Good," said Louis, "I'll see you tonight."

"I thought you didn't want me near-"

"Changed my mind. Be there, or else." 

He waited until I nodded, then smiled and went back into the shed. I watched as he gathered his things.

"Are you going to class now?" I asked.

"Obviously. Where else would i be going?"

"An infirmary, maybe? Your leg isn't doing well-"

"Could you tell before I collapsed?"

"Not really, but-"

"Then my leg is fine."

Without another word, Louis headed for the garden door. He paused for a moment before leaving for the day.

"By the way, I'm not helping you with Haru. That's up to you to fix."

I just nodded.

The door shut behind the dear, leaving me alone in the garden.

I wished I was dead.

Chapter Text

Lol hi y’all. I know it’s been a while, but don’t fret. I’ve been rereading over this and have decided two important things.

1) This is messy. There’s way too many plots going on, and I’ll never be able to pull them all in and bind it all together

2) I want to rewrite this story eventually. I’m not sure when. Anyway, if you still follow this story, stop by every so often and see if I’ve posted a heavily changed (and way more tidy) version of this.

Thanks for all the support you’ve given me! Stay weird and later skaters ✌️