Chapter Text
BEASTARS: A NEW GENERATION
Episode 1 - "Arrivals"
Written by
Ferrous Patella
Date Aug. 9, 2020 CE
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FADE IN
Over BLACK
Music cue: Bellona-Remember
Bellona (V.O.)
I'm not your typical wolf. For example, there's my family. It's...complicated.
INT. Garden Shop apartment bedroom - Mid-afternoon, The day Bellona is born
Juno is sitting up in bed cradling the new-born Bellona (a gray wolf pup) in her arms. Haru is standing on one side of the bed. Legoshi is sitting on the edge of the bed on the other side.
Juno
Bellona, meet your mother and father.
(voice cracks)
You're a very lucky girl.
Haru
Hi you.
Legoshi
Hello Bellona.
INT. Garden shop apartment living room - evening, fall, Bellona is less than a year old.
Legoshi is sitting on the sofa, playing with a fidgety Bellona. Haru is sitting next to them, reading a letter aloud.
Haru
My Dearest Bellona,
Before all else, please know that I love you. I love you more than anything else in this world. The only reason that I have not seen you since shortly after you were born is because it was so hard to leave you the first time, that I don't know if I could ever face doing it again.
Also know that I love your mom and dad very much. It was almost as hard to...
(hoarsely)
...leave them as it was to leave you.
When I was pregnant with you, I was still in school. Your mom and dad already had a home and a life together. They wanted children but they weren't sure how they could do it. When they found out about you, they wanted very much to take you in. They took me in too, until after you were born and I went back to school. We became very close, a family really. By the time I left, I knew I was leaving you in the best place possible in the whole world.
If we have not met by the time you are old enough to read this, I want you to understand that it is not your fault. I am to blame. I have not yet worked up the courage to face the heartache I felt the first time I left you. I hope to someday but until then, please forgive me.
With a mother's love,
Juno
Haru lays the letter down in her lap.
Haru (CONT'D.)
That poor wolf.
Well, Bell, we'll put this away someplace safe until you're old enough to read it yourself.
I miss her.
Legoshi
Me too. What do you say, Bell? Do you want to write a letter to your mom? I bet she'd like some pictures.
INT. Garden shop apartment girls' bedroom - afternoon, winter, Bellona is seven
Bellona is writing a letter at a desk while four tiny white dwarf kits make a racket running in and out of the room.
Young Bellona (V.O.)
Dear Mother,
My mom gave me your letters today. I read them all over and over. I am sorry you are so sad. Maybe if I saw you, you would feel better. I really want to meet you! I haven't asked my mom and dad if I can yet because I want to see if it was okay with you first. It is okay if you don't want to. I can wait. Please let me know.
With a daughter's love,
Bellona
INT. subway car - morning, a month later
Legoshi is sitting on a bench seat. Mars, Vulcan, and Jack (three five-year-old kits) crawl over, under, and around Legoshi. A couple of seats over, Haru is holding hands with Bellona. Bellona has her arm around Lucina (another five-year-old kit) sitting next to her.
Young Bellona
What if she doesn't like me?
Haru
You know, she is probably asking herself the same question. You've read her letters. She wants to like you. You want to like her. As long as you don't behave like your brothers, you'll be fine.
Young Lucina
Can I stay with Bell's mom too?
Haru
Not this time. Let's give them a chance to get to know one another.
Young Lucina
It's no fair! Bell gets two moms!
Haru
You'll get to spend some time with her too. You just have to wait your turn.
Young Bellona
What should I call her?
Haru
You can call her Mom. She's just as much your mother as I am.
Young Bellona
She won't mind?
Haru
She'll love it.
Young Bellona
You don't mind?
Haru
It's what we called each other when she lived with us.
The car begins to slow. An indistinguishable announcement comes over the P.A..
Legoshi
This is our stop.
INT. Subway station
Coming up an escalator, Haru is holding Mars and Vulcan by the hand. Legoshi is carrying Lucina while Jack rides on his shoulder hanging on to tufts of Legoshi's fur. Bellona is riding between Haru and Legoshi carrying a small overnight bag. When they get to the top, a few other passengers clear out to reveal Juno. Juno gives Bellona an apprehensive smile.
Young Bellona
Mom?
Juno's hand goes to her mouth as she nods. Bellona drops her bag, runs over to Juno and hugs her around the legs. Juno smiles at Haru and Legoshi as she strokes Bellona's ear.
Young Lucina
She's so pretty!
Haru
That she is.
Juno kneels down to give Bellona a hug.
Juno
I am so happy to meet you.
Young Bellona
Me too.
Bellona takes Juno by the hand and starts to lead her over to her family. Lucina wiggles and hops down from Legoshi. She runs over to Juno and extends her arms with her fingers beckoning.
Young Lucina
Bell-mom!
Juno laughs and picks up Lucina, who wraps her arms around Juno's neck.
Juno
You are so much like your mother.
Young Bellona
(with proprietorial pride)
That's Lucy.
Bellona leads Juno over to the rest of her family.
Young Bellona (CONT'D.)
This is Mars, Vulcan, and Jack.
Juno
The whole set! Plus a Jack. How do you tell them apart?
Legoshi
She's the only one who can.
Haru
I think she tells them apart by smell.
Young Bellona
You can't?
Legoshi hugs Juno and Lucina. Lucina switches over to Legoshi without touching the ground.
Legoshi
Hello Juno. We've missed you.
Juno
I'm so sorry. I should have done this much sooner.
Haru
Oh, I don't know. This seems like the perfect time, now that Bell is old enough to spend some time with you.
Juno
So the plan is lunch at my place before you head back. And I'll bring Bellona home in a couple of days.
Legoshi
Sounds great! We've been getting better at it but we miss your cooking.
Juno
Get your bag, Bell.
Bellona picks up her bag and grabs Juno's hand. Juno leads the group out of the station.
Juno (CONT'D.)
So, how's the shop going?
The conversation becomes indistinct as they round a corner.
INT. Juno's apartment - Evening, late the summer before Bellona's junior year at Cherryton
Juno, Bellona, and Lucina are in the kitchen area. Juno is pouring herself a wine.
Lucina
Can we try some, Bell-mom?
Juno
Don't let your mom know.
Bellona covers Juno's head with a dishcloth.
Bellona
Quick, Lucy, take a drink while Mom can't see.
They all laugh as Juno pulls the dishcloth off and gets a couple more glasses. She pours a glass and hands it to Bellona.
Juno
(to Lucina)
I'll put a little honey and water in yours. You'll like it better.
Lucina pouts.
Bellona
Here. Try a sip of mine.
Lucina tries a sip. She keeps her face deadpan.
Lucina
I think I'll try it with the honey.
Bellona almost spit-takes a laugh. Juno fixes Lucina's drink. They go to the living room. Bellona and Juno sit on a couch, Lucina in an easy chair.
Bellona
(to Juno)
Can I ask you a question about wolves, boy wolves?
Juno
Sure.
Bellona
Are they all jerks?
Juno
You mean more so then boys in general?
Bellona
Well...yeah. They're all so...aggressive.
Juno
Ah, yes. I'm afraid we've both been spoiled by your father. We think that is what a male wolf should be like. It's why I am still single. There aren't many like him out there.
Lucina
You should broaden your taste in boys.
Bellona
I should be like you? You'd date a rock.
Lucina
(smugly)
I can't help it if all sorts of boys like me.
Juno
It's natural to be attracted to your own species.
Bellona
I think half the boys I'm interested in avoid me because I'm taller than them.
Juno
Again, that's your father's fault. He's a tall one.
Juno sighs.
Bellona
You still love him, don't you.
Juno
Always. And seeing you doesn't help me get over him, when I think about what a wonderful family we could have been.
Bellona
Oh! I'm sorry!
Juno
Don't be. I couldn't be more pleased with how you turned out. Your mother is a great mom. And I love her a lot too.
Bellona sets her wine down and leans over to give Juno a hug.
Lucina
Me too!
Lucina hops in Juno's lap and hugs her. Juno strokes Lucina's ear.
Juno
(to Lucina)
So, you're starting Cherryton this year.
Lucina
Yeah. I wish I could be in the same dorm as Bell.
Bellona
Even if we were the same species, they still separate out the rooms by what class you're in.
Lucina
But I can't even be in the same building.
Juno
They still keep the dorms segregated?
Bellona
Yeah. From what Mom says, not much has changed since you went there. Some stuff has even gone backwards.
Juno
Hmph. I was going to bring so much change. It turned out that everyone I worked with was more interested in appearances than actual change.
Shot - Cherryton campus - Early morning, Late summer. Flags waving in the breeze flying from the campus buildings
INT. Bellona's dorm room, Cherryton academy - before breakfast, Sunday before classes start for Bellona's junior year
Lucina knocks on the frame of the open dorm room doorway.
Lucina
Bell? Is this the right room?
Bellona comes out of the washroom wrapped in a towel and rubbing her head dry with another towel.
Bellona
Hey Lucy. I'm almost ready. You can sit on my bunk while I finish up. That one.
Bellona points to a lower bunk. Lucina hops up on it and starts to idly kick her feet a little bit.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
How was orientation?
Lucina
Not great. I'm going to get so lost tomorrow.
Bellona
Yeah. You and every other first year. Mom says she still gets nightmares about getting lost at school. I'll walk you through your schedule again tonight before dinner. Are The Boys in any of your classes?
Lucina
Jack's in history and Mars is in math. I didn't see Vulcan except at meals.
Bellona
The school is probably trying to keep you guys from ganging up. Smart move, if you ask me. They probably haven't had many cases of five siblings attending all at once. And The Boys could stand to be more independent from one another.
I'll be right back.
Bellona grabs a uniform off a hanger and heads for the washroom. Jasmine, a whippet, bumps into Bellona coming out of the washroom and spots Lucina.
Jasmine
Who ordered the snack delivered?
Bellona's eyes flare red. Jasmine's and Lucina's eyes go wide.
Bellona
(growling)
She's mine!
Bellona (V.O.)
Whoa! Where did that come from?
Jasmine
Easy! It was just a joke.
Bellona shoves Jasmine up against the wall with her dangling feet a foot off the ground.
Bellona
My sister is not a joking matter.
Jasmine
Your sister? No way!
Bellona (V.O.)
Take it easy. You've gotten your point across.
Bellona's eyes fade to normal but her hackles are still up. She lowers Jasmine so her feet are on the floor.
Bellona
I look like our father. She looks like our mother.
Jasmine
You two are hybrids?
Bellona
No. It's more complicated than that and none of your business. She's my sister. That's all you need to know.
(more calmly)
And jokes like that are what keep herbivores afraid and make life harder for carnivores. I never want to hear, or hear about, a joke like that from you ever again. Understood?
Jasmine gulps and nods.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
I've got my nose on you. If you so much as touch a herbivore, I'll know. I'll smell it! I know what you have for dessert last night. I know your boyfriend hasn't seen you yet this term. I bet he's dropped you.
Bellona lets go of Jasmine. Jasmine heads out but turns around when she gets to the door.
Jasmine
The dorm mother is going to hear about this.
Bellona
Then she'll hear about what you said about my sister. Is it worth it?
Jasmine stomps off. Bellona pulls her uniform on over her head.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
Let's go find your brothers for breakfast.
EXT. Cherryton campus
Bellona and Lucina are walking from the dorm to the cafeteria. The occasional head turns to stare at them as they pass.
Bellona
You okay?
Lucina
That scared me a bit.
Bellona
Well, she won't do that again.
Lucina
Not her. You. I've never seen you like that before.
Bellona (V.O.)
Me neither. I wonder if this is what Dad was talking about, a beast inside. He wanted me to be prepared if it happened. But it's different than what he said. I felt in control of it rather than the other way around.
Bellona
Yeah, well it was meant to be scary.
(beat)
Not for you. I'm sorry you saw that. I just wanted to nip that snack talk in the bud. It won't hurt if she spreads the word about it, either.
Listen, now that you're with older kids, you've got to be more aware of carnivores. Some of their predator instincts are starting to kick in as they mature. Most are pretty good about it. In fact, most are great. But all's it takes is one to ruin a whole lot more than your day. You're used to Dad and me, so your guard may be down more than it should be. I'm not telling you to be afraid. Just be aware. If your instincts tell you something is wrong, listen to them and act on them.
Lucina
(proudly)
I have nothing to fear if you're around.
Bellona
I can't be everywhere. But yeah, the more everyone knows I'm your sister, the better.
INT. School cafeteria
Bellona and Lucina are making their way across the cafeteria with full food trays. Bellona spots Mars, Vulcan, and Jack at a large table.
Bellona
There they are. It looks like they're saving us spots at a big table.
Bellona and Lucina make their way over to The Boys' table. As Bellona is sitting down, she sees the food The Boys have and covers her eyes.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
Don't tell me you guys got food from the carnivores' food line.
Mars
You should have seen everybody stare.
Vulcan
Both the carnivores in line and all our herbivore friends.
Jack
Hill. Airy. Us!
Lucina rolls her eyes.
Vulcan
Wait until they see us eating with a huge she-wolf!
Bellona
Before the term even starts. I can't believe you guys.
Jack
What? It's just fun. We're not hurting anybody.
Bellona
You want to pace yourselves. You'll run out of material.
Mars
Oo. Good point. You're always looking out for us, Bell.
Bellona (V.O.)
More than you'll ever know.
Jack
You're a great big sister.
Vulcan
Did you say great big? More like colossus.
Bellona gives The Boys a warning look. Their ears all droop a little but they still are grinning. Bela (a lab mix boy) and Spring (an Angora goat doe) come up to the table together with their breakfast trays.
Bela
Excuse me. Can my sister and I sit with you? All the small tables are full and you guys look like the only mixed table.
Bellona
Sure.
(to Mars and Vulcan)
You two double up in a chair to make room.
Vulcan slides his backpack over to Mars's chair and sits atop it. Bela and Spring sit down.
Bela
I'm Bela and this is Spring.
Spring gives a shy wave.
The Boys
(in chorus)
Hi!
Bellona
Hi. I'm Bellona, this is my sister, Lucy...
Lucina
Lucina!
Bellona
And that...
(indicates with a wave)
...is The Boys, Mars, Vulcan, and Jack, our brothers.
Bela
So you guys are adopted too?
Bellona
It's more complicated than that but something along those lines.
Spring
Our father's name is Jack.
Jack
Is he a dog like Bela? I was named after a dog named Jack, a friend of my dad's.
Vulcan
What a coincidence!
Bellona
I don't think we're talking coincidence here.
Mars
What do you mean?
Bellona
Spring? That's like...as in Haru, isn't it?
Spring
Yes, it is. Not many people know that.
Lucina's eyes go wide and her jaw drops.
Bellona
Our mother's name is Haru. I'm pretty sure Jack was named after your dad and I think all our parents knew each other back in school. Back here at Cherryton. .
I think I remember a Solstice card with you two on it from long ago. You were much younger but I'm pretty sure it's you.
Bela
I remember that! We were dressed up like Father Frost and Ameratasu.
Bellona
Next time you're talking to them, you should tell your parents you met a family of white dwarf rabbits with a gray wolf sister and see what they say.
Bela
Wow! I wish they would have told us. I could have met you a couple of years ago.
Bellona
I bet they didn't know. People move on after school. Our folks stayed here in town. We live just a couple dozen blocks from school. Where do you guys live?
Spring
A little town an hour north of here. Nobody's heard of it. We don't even have a station.
Bela pulls his phone out and starts a call and sets the phone on the table.
Bela
I'm going to call my mom right now.
On speaker, the line rings twice.
Els (O.S. filtered)
Bela?
Bela
Hi Mom.
Els (O.S. filtered)
Is every thing okay?
Bela
No worries there. We had an interesting thing happen at breakfast and I thought you'd like to hear about it. Spring and I couldn't find a table to ourselves and you know how segregated the cafeteria can be. Nobody wanted us to sit with them.
Els (O.S. filtered)
Still? You'd hope that things would have gotten better. Your father and I used to sit with a mixed group but we were the only ones then.
Bela
Actually, we found a mixed table to sit at.
Els (O.S. filtered)
How nice.
Bela
That's not all. They are a bunch of white dwarf rabbits and get this, their big sister is a gray wolf.
Shot - INT. Els's home office
Els is on the phone with her mouth wide open.
Bela (O.S., filtered)
Mom?
Els
Bellona?
Bela (O.S., filtered)
Yep.
Els
Oh my...
Return to scene
All eyes are on Bela. Bela is watching Bellona.
Els (CONT'D., O.S., filtered)
I haven't seen her since our wedding. How is she?
Bela
She looks great!
Bellona breaks eye contact with Bela to look at her hands.
Bela (CONT'D.)
Say hi, Bellona.
Bellona
Hi...um...
Els (O.S., filtered)
You can call me Els, dear.
Bellona
Hi, Els. Nice to sort of meet you.
Els (O.S., filtered)
You too. Say hello for me to all of your folks when you see them.
Bellona
Um...all?
Els (O.S., filtered)
Yes, dear. All of them.
Lucina
(whispering to Bellona)
She knows about Bell-Mom?
Bellona
(to Lucina)
Shhh!
(to phone)
I'll do that. Thank you.
Bela
And you should see the bunnies...
Lucina
(interrupting)
Rabbits!
Bela
Excuse me, rabbits. They're adorable.
Lucina and Bellona glance at each other and grin.
Bela (CONT'D.)
Their names are...let's see...Lucina, Mars...Vulcan, and you'll never guess the last one.
Els (O.S., filtered)
Juventas? Not Discordia?
Bela
Nope. It's Jack.
(long beat)
Mom? You there?
Els (O.S., filtered)
I never knew.
(hoarsely)
I can't wait to tell your father.
Bela
Well, that's all I had for now.
Els (O.S., filtered)
Thank you, dear. That was a treat.
Bela
All right, I'll talk to you soon. Love ya.
Els (O.S., filtered)
I love you, Bela. Is Spring there?
Spring
I'm here.
Els (O.S., filtered)
I love you too, sweetie. Call sometime when Bela can't hog the phone.
Spring
I will. I love you.
Els (O.S., filtered)
Bye everyone.
Bela
Bye, Mom.
Bela disconnects the call and puts his phone away.
Bela (CONT'D.)
Let's call your folks!
Bellona
How would you like to eat at our place tonight?
Spring
Isn't the opening banquet tonight?
Bellona
I promise you better food at our place.
Bela
Okay.
Bellona gets her phone out and starts a call.
Haru (O.S., filtered)
Gardener's. This is Haru.
Bellona
Hi Mom. Can I bring someone home for dinner tonight? I'd really like you to meet them.
Haru (O.S., filtered)
That's kind of sudden.
Bellona
We can do it another time if that's easier.
Haru (O.S., filtered)
That's not what I meant. Sure, tonight's fine. Are they carnivores?
Bellona
They're used to herbivore food. Plus, I want to bring Lucina and The Boys along too. So, just a family meal. Nothing fancy.
Haru (O.S., filtered)
Okay. The shop closes at five today. Dinner around six-thirty?
Bellona
That sounds great. See you then. Thanks, Mom!
Haru (O.S., filtered)
Bye.
Bellona puts her phone away.
Bela
Um...that sounded like...
Bellona
I know. I was messing with her head. I'm not done yet, either.
Bellona glances at Spring.
INT. Garden shop Main floor
Haru is hanging up the phone behind the counter.
Haru
(calling out)
Legoshi.
Legoshi pokes his head around a doorway.
Legoshi
Yeah?
Haru
That was Bell. She's bringing someone home for dinner. It sounds serious.
Legoshi
Serious?
Haru
Yes. Like "bringing home to meet the folks" serious.
Legoshi
No way. She's way too young for that.
Haru
Says the wolf who had set up a home and family by the time he was her age.
Legoshi
That was different!
Haru
I should hope so. We were so foolish. What were we thinking?
Legoshi
We weren't thinking. We were in love.
Still are! I'm pretty sure you were looking forward to some empty-nester time tonight.
Haru
Is it that obvious?
Legoshi
Wolf. Nose. What was your question again?
Haru
Hmph. It's not like your tail doesn't give you away. Thank goodness for curfew.
She says they're used to eating herbivore. What does that mean? What do you think, carnivore or herbivore?
Legoshi
For Bellona? Who knows? She has such a love/hate relationship with other wolves. Other than that, I'm betting herbivore.
Haru
I could see her with some kinds of dogs.
We'll find out soon enough. Back to work.
Legoshi stays put as his tail continues to wag.
Haru (CONT'D.)
(emphatically)
Back to work!
EXT. Cherryton Campus
Bellona and Lucina are walking back to the dorms.
Lucina
Did anything about that meal strike you as odd?
Bellona
You mean other than running into another mixed family? Whose parents knew ours in school?
Lucina
Well, yes that but I was thinking about The Boys. I don't think I have ever heard them be so quiet for so long.
Bellona
Yeah, I noticed that. I think they just discovered girls. Or at least a girl.
Lucina
All three of them?! Poor Spring! She has no clue what's about to hit her.
Bellona
I think they'll mostly just get in each other's way. Sometimes, I think there's only one brain between the three of them.
Both girls shake their heads as they walk for a bit.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
What time do you get done today?
Lucina
Four.
Bellona
Good. I'll meet you at your dorm. We'll have time to walk through your schedule before we head home for dinner.
Lucina
Okay. I'll get a chance to show off my colossus sister.
Bellona
You're as bad as they are!
Well, not that bad.
Lucina
You are a great big sister.
Bellona gives Lucina a rub on the top of her head. After a few steps, Bellona turns to a different path than Lucina.
Bellona
See you at four.
Lucina
Later.
Shot - Bellona's student ID card
INT. Garden Shop Apartment - evening
Bellona, Lucina, The Boys, Spring, and Bela are coming up the stairs.
Bellona
(calling out)
Hi! We're home.
Haru
We're in the kitchen.
Bellona
(to the kits)
You lot go on in. Spring, you come in with me and Bela, I'll signal you.
The Boys run in and each get a hug from Haru and a pat on the head from Legoshi with Jack pausing long enough to hug his father's legs. Lucina hugs Haru, then reaches up for a hug from Legoshi, who picks her up as she wraps her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.
Legoshi
You're getting almost as big as your mom.
Lucina
You still pick her up.
Bellona
Mom, Dad this is Spring, the friend I told you about. Spring, this is my mother, Haru, and my dad, Legoshi.
Spring
Hi. Pleased to meet you.
Legoshi (V.O.)
A girl? A herbivore girl? Stay cool. You're okay with it. You're just surprised. Bellona's only ever talked about wolf boys before. Come to think of it, girls are a lot less worrisome than boys.
Legoshi
Ah...Hi.
Haru
Hello, Spring. What a nice name. We kind of share one.
Spring
Yes. Bellona and I were talking about that.
Bellona waves to Bela for him to come in.
Bellona
And...this is Bela, Spring's brother.
Haru and Legoshi are agape, then Haru starts to laugh.
Legoshi
What?
Haru
Don't you see? These are Jack and Els's kids. Well, kid and pup.
Legoshi
No way! Wow! Jack was my best friend all through school! I haven't seen him in forever! I named my son after him!
Bellona
Yes, Dad. We figured that out.
Legoshi
So this isn't some "meet the parents" thing? You aren't dating a herbivore girl? Not that I would mind.
Legoshi gives Spring a forced smile.
Bellona
No, dad. I like boys, wolf boys...some of them...well wolf boys as a concept.
Bela's tail stops wagging.
Haru
You'll find someone.
Bellona
Frankly, I'm not looking that hard.
Bela's tail wag a little. Only Haru notices.
Haru
You don't find someone by looking.
Dinner will be a little bit yet. Why don't you give Bela and Spring a tour of the place and let The Boys blow off some steam outside.
The Boys
(in chorus)
Okay!
Mars and Vulcan each grab one of Spring's hands and leads her out the door. Jack, realizing he's been left out, grabs Bela's hand and leads him out. Lucina shows no sign of getting down from Legoshi. Bellona follows the others out of the kitchen.
Bellona (O.S.)
Other way, Boys!
Lucina climbs around to Legoshi's back as he starts fixing a salad. Next to them, Haru stands on a footstool to stir a pot on the stove.
Legoshi
She set that up on purpose.
Lucina nods.
Haru
She sucked me in. She's her mother's daughter.
Legoshi
Yeah. I guess genetics isn't everything.
(to Lucina)
Speaking of taking after your mother. You're old enough to help out in the kitchen.
Lucina
I'll start cooking when The Boys do.
Legoshi
Good point. But would you turn those three loose in a kitchen filled with sharp objects?
Haru
You can't rely on cuteness and charm. Even I had to use a meal to finally subdue your father.
Lucina
I'll just have to wait for some boy to subdue me with his cooking.
Legoshi
If you two are trying to embarrass me, it's working.
Haru
You're an easy target.
Haru leans over from her stool to give Legoshi and Lucina each a smooch.
Haru (CONT'D.)
You haven't forgotten how to set the table in your two days at school have you.
Lucina rolls her eyes. Haru arches an eyebrow.
Lucina
Yes, mother.
Lucina hops down from Legoshi and pulls a ladder over to a cupboard.
INT. Apartment Kitchen - an hour later
Haru and Legoshi sit at the head of the table, Bela, then Lucina sit next to Legoshi. Spring, then Bellona sit next to Haru. The boys are at the far end. They are well into the meal.
Legoshi
So, how did you all meet up?
Bela
Spring and I were looking for a place to sit together when we saw this bunch sitting together.
Haru
Your mother used to read at the table with us because it was quiet. Everybody left us alone. Then Legoshi started bringing Jack along to meals and the rest was history.
Legoshi
"History" being Haru's meddling.
Haru
I didn't meddle. I created an opportunity.
Spring
You really set our parents up? That would explain the whole name thing.
Bela
How did you know my mom and dad?
Legoshi
I knew Jack all through school and I met your mom in drama club.
Haru
Is the gardening club still defunct?
Bellona
It comes and goes. Last year there was nobody.
Haru
Have you thought about starting it up again.
Lucina
We get enough gardening at home.
Legoshi
(to Spring and Bela)
What clubs are you in?
Bela
I was in manga club last year but I think they only recruited me because of my dad. I'm really not that into it.
Spring
My mom says drama club is the only one that Bela and I can be in together. Is that true?
Bellona
Yes, but my mom says most of it's coexistence image is a sham.
Legoshi
I met Els there. We became good friends.
Bellona
I was thinking of a more direct approach.
Legoshi
Meaning?
Bellona
Meaning a coexistence club. A club where coexistence is the whole point, not just be a by-product of the club. We have enough students right here at this table to form a club. And we all live coexistence, not just talk about it. I've already turned in an application.
Legoshi
I don't know. The headmaster hasn't always been the most consistent supporter of coexistence.
Bela
I think it's a great idea. The teasing I get is bad enough for being a "good dog" but having a herbivore sister, I get tired of laughing it off. I want to change some attitudes. I sure as heck am not going to hide from being Spring's brother.
Bellona looks at Bela with pleasant surprise.
Haru
I think it's a good idea too. It's got to start somewhere. But don't be a bull in a china shop. You're not going to win anyone over by telling people how bad they are.
Bellona
What makes you think I'd do that?
Haru
Bell, you're the third nicest wolf I've ever known but you're still a wolf. I'm not saying you're aggressive, more like assertive.
Bellona
(teen daughter to her mother voice)
I'll play nice.
Haru
Thank you.
Do you guys have time for dessert before curfew?
The Boys answer in rapid succession.
Jack
Yes!
Mars
You bet!
Vulcan
Duh.
Lucina
Do you guys even know what time curfew is?
Mars
Who cares?
Bellona raises an eyebrow at Mars.
Mars
I mean 9PM on Sunday for freshmen.
Shot - EXT. Cherryton Campus - Midday
A school bell chimes over the P.A.. A bunch of students pile out of a building.
INT. School Cafeteria - Lunch, a week later.
Bellona, Lucina, The Boys, Bela, and Spring are at their usual table eating lunch. Bellona is reading a note next to her tray.
Bellona
Hmm. I have to go see the headmaster about the club application. That's not a good sign.
Bela
Do you want me to come with you?
Bellona
No. I think Spring should come. We should have a herbivore and a carnivore.
Vulcan
We can come too.
Jack
We're herbivores.
Bellona
Yes but the whole point is to make a good impression.
Mars
Ha. Ha.
Bellona
(to Spring)
Are you free at four?
Spring
Yes.
Bellona
I'll meet you outside the headmaster's office then.
Shot - Cherryton campus - Midday - Students walking from building to building
INT. Headmaster's office - Afternoon
Gon is pacing slowly back and forth behind his desk. Bellona and Spring are seated in front of it.
Gon
...the problem is that the school has a strict policy against political clubs.
Bellona
Since when did being nice to one another become political?
Gon
You know very well there is a lot more to coexistence than being nice to one another. I remember when your mother and father were here. It almost cost them their lives.
Bellona
That had nothing to do with coexistence.
Gon
You don't think so? You don't think the Shishu-Gumi isn't trying to get their claws into every institution in this city to fight coexistence. My decision is final. A coexistence club would draw to much attention.
Bellona
There is going to be a coexistence group on campus no matter what. We can't stop coexisting. That's our lives, our families. It seems that the only issue is whether the school is on board or not and what image it wants to project to the community. And the media.
Gon
Who in the media is going to listen to a couple of students.
Bellona
Spring, who is your grandfather?
It takes a moment for Spring to catch on. When she does, she replies as if laying down an ace.
Spring
Matt Drayton.
Gon stops pacing.
Bellona
You know him, don't you headmaster. You probably attended Cherryton with him. You also know that he is quite adamant about the coexistence cause. And he has the means for getting the word out.
Bellona and Gon glare at one another. Spring looks like she is ready to run from the tension. Gon appears to reach a conclusion.
Gon
You know, I'll be retiring soon and I've been thinking about my legacy. You're right. There hasn't been enough change since your folks attended Cherryton.
But my first priority is the students' safety. A coexistence club will draw too much trouble. Why don't you restart the gardening club? A wolf like you at the head of it will make a real statement. You can have all the same people. You can decide what needs to be done to make the campus a more...
(meaningfully)
...beautiful...place. I bet you two could have a couple of sponsors for the club by the end of the day.
Bellona
I don't want a gardening club...
Spring backhands Bellona's thigh hard and gives Bellona a look.
Spring (V.O.)
You need to shut up and the time to shut up is about ten seconds ago.
Bellona (V.O.)
What the hell?
Spring redoubles her look.
Spring
We'll talk it over, headmaster. You've given us a lot to think about.
Gon and Spring exchange understanding smiles.
Gon
Excellent. I look forward to your application. Good day.
Spring gets up and pulls Bellona towards the door.
Spring
Thank you, headmaster.
Gon
One last thing. I tell this to the drama club every year. Cherryton has a strict policy against herbivore/carnivore mixed couples. A policy that dates back to your parents day here.
Spring
Yes sir.
Spring (V.O.)
And thank you for giving us the club's first objective.
INT. School hallway
Spring is still leading Bellona by the hand away from the headmaster's office.
Bellona
What just happened in there?
Spring
He's telling us to use the gardening club as a cover for coexistence work.
Bellona
I don't want an undercover group.
Spring
It's better than nothing. And he made it pretty clear we can do what we want as long as it's somehow tied to the club.
Bellona
So...what, make a garden a symbol for coexistence?
Spring
Good idea! That way anything we do to promote the garden will symbolically promote coexistence.
Bellona
Okay...okay, I'm getting it. I can work with this. I'm just not seeing how we get a bunch of carnivores to come to a gardening club.
Spring
Think symbolism. We need to make it clear that the club is about coexistence without coming out an saying it in words. I don't know. Tiger lilies? Black Panther herbs? Dandelions?
Bellona
We need to find The Boys. They're good at this kind of twisted thinking.
Shot - A pair of hands taping a flyer to a wall
The flyer art, all in silhouette, features a round garden bed planted with flowers. Surrounding the bed is a ring of students holding hands. The students alternate between herbivore and carnivore. Large species are towards the back of the ring and smaller species toward the front. Under a large header of "Join the Gardening Club", the text reads, "Everyone working together to make our campus and the world a more beautiful place. All students welcome. No gardening experience needed. For more information, contact Bellona, the gray wolf." In the lower left corner is a tiny drawing of a golden Lab, drawing at his drafting table.
EXT. School garden, after breakfast, Saturday Morning, a couple of weeks later
A dozen chairs in a circle are filled with students, a third of which are medium to small sized carnivores.
Bellona
Boys! See if you can scrounge some more chairs from some classroom nearby.
The Boys scurry off. Just as they exit, Jasmine comes in, looking a little lost.
Jasmine
This is the gardening club, right?
Bellona walks over to her.
Bellona
You didn't strike me as the gardening type.
Jasmine
Well, the club isn't all about gardening, is it? I saw the posters on your desk and grabbed a handful. I thought it might do better to talk to classmates while handing them out rather than just hanging them on a wall. I hope that's okay. I do see a couple of carnivores I talked to here.
Bellona is gobsmacked.
Jasmine (CONT'D.)
Listen, I'm sorry about your sister the other day. I was just joking, or so I thought. I've never hung out with any herbivores. I've heard jokes like that all the time and I've never seen anyone get called out for it, let alone getting called out myself. And having her be the sister of someone I know, that made it more real for me. It made me think. What if she'd been my sister?
I really am very sorry.
Jasmine looks a bit anxious and upset by now. Bellona gives Jasmine's upper arm a reassuring rub.
Bellona
It's okay. You get points for being a fast learner.
Jasmine gives Bellona a hesitant smile. Mars comes in with a couple of chairs.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
I've got to get things started. Why don't you find a seat.
Jack and Vulcan come in, overloaded with three chairs each. Jasmine sits down next to a kestrel and a ferret. Bellona gathers her siblings, Bela, and Spring up to the front of the group.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
Before we get started, I'd like to propose a tradition. The whole point of this club is to mix it up. So no segregated seating. Everybody stand up. There are about twice as many herbivores here today, so if the carnivores could make sure they have a herbivore in both seats next to them, that should work out.
Everyone stands and shuffles around. After a bit, the murmuring dies down and everyone is sitting again.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
Great. I can't think of a better way to start. Does everybody know why we are here?
Student #1 (O.S.)
Coexistence!
Bellona
Right. And nobody is surprised by that, right?
(beat)
Good. Our posters weren't too subtle. But just so you know, we are going to be doing gardening too...
A female orangutan interrupts.
Indah
Oh good!
Bellona
And I think we just found the lead for the cultivation team.
There are a few chuckles.
Indah
Really?
Bellona
Anyone else want the job?
(beat, then to Indah)
It's yours.
Indah
Oh, good. I've never led anything before.
Bellona
So, most of you don't know me. I'm Bellona. I'm obviously a gray wolf. I was raised in the Gardener's shop. My father is a wolf. My mother is a rabbit.
(gestures to the kits)
And these white dwarf rabbits are my brothers and sister.
There is some murmuring from the club members. Bellona gestures at Bela and Spring to stand up.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
I'd also like to point out Bela and Spring. They are brother and sister and their parents are a golden lab and an Angora goat. All of our parents were best friends when they attended Cherryton.
The point I'm making is coexistence is not just a word for us. It's our lives...our families. We know that coexistence can work. It does work. I...
Some applause starts. Soon everyone is on their feet clapping. Bellona is obviously surprised by this. The applause dies down. There is a bit a silence before Bellona speaks again.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
Um...thanks. You don't know how much that means to me. I'm not sure I fully get how much it means to me.
(beat)
I do think it says a lot about who we are and what we can do.
(to the kits, Bela, and Spring)
Thanks guys. Have a seat.
Lucina, Spring, and Bela find seats next to one another. The Boys sit on the ground, crowding in front of Spring's feet.
Bellona (CONT'D.)
Anyhow, I was hoping to keep the club informal. If you have an idea, you make it happen. If you don't have an idea, find someone to help. And always, mix it up. If you're a carnivore, help herbivores and vice versa. For now meetings will be at nine on Saturday mornings. That way we'll have everybody here if there's a big project for the weekend.
Indah
I have an idea.
Bellona
Sure. First, what's your name.
Indah
I'm Indah. I think it would say something if everyone had a part of the garden. There's enough room here for everyone. Maybe by next week, if everyone can come up with an idea for a plant or flower that represents their species. That could be the plan for the garden.
There are murmurs of agreement. Saya (a beaver boy with glasses) speaks up.
Saya
It seems a shame not to have it somewhere where everybody will see it.
Indah
Are we allowed to plant stuff outside the club?
Lucina
My mom said she used to plant flowers all over campus.
Saya
How about the bed is the quad. There's not much in it?
Bellona
Can you look into, um...
Saya
I'm Saya. Sure. I'll ask at the office.
Bellona
Sounds like that's a go. If...
Jasmine
Bellona?
Bellona
Yes?
Jasmine
Can we have name tags next time?
Bellona
You make it happen. Check with Bela if you need funds for supplies. Anything else?
Bela
I was thinking about an event. A concert or...a dance. A way to introduce ourselves to the school.
Jasmine
Ooh! I like that idea.
Bela
If we can get a couple of bands, one of each, it would encourage both herbivores and carnivores to come out together.
Jasmine
We could get The Omegas. They're into socially progressive stuff.
Indah
Omegas, is that some sort of goth band?
Jasmine
No. They're a boy band. The name is sort of perverse. It's about pecking order. You know, omega, last. Except with carnivores we're not talking about pecking.
Indah
What are you talking about?
Jasmine
Shh! I'll tell you later.
Bela
Who could we get for a herbivore band?
Spring
How about RU46? They have a big crossover following with carnivores.
Jasmine
Well, carnivore boys anyhow, with those outfits they wear.
Bela
They may be a bit beyond our budget.
Spring
(quietly to Bela)
I don't know. We do know someone that could help us.
Bela
What do you mean?
Spring
I'll talk to grandfather. Maybe his people can talk to their people.
Bellona
So, Bela, you look into it. Any other ideas?
(beat)
No? That's all for now, if you have time this morning, stick around and we'll clear out some of the dead plants.
Series of shots - School Garden - Morning continues
Students stacking chairs and carrying them away.
Students working with hoes in the beds and hauling wheelbarrows around.
Student putting tools away and filing through the door.
INT. School hallway
Bellona is the last one to leave the garden into a now mostly empty hallway. An arm blocks her way. .
Bellona (V.O.)
What the hell is this?
FADE OUT
ART GALLERY
Chapter Cover - The Birth of Bellona
"Bellona, meet your mother and father....You're a very lucky girl."
This scene also appears at the end of Beastars Season 1.5)
The Goddess Bellona
This is the very first picture I did of Bellona. I was writing Ink Flows and had Juno pregnant but I could not decide if she would have a boy or a girl. I searched on "Juno goddess children" and came up with Bellona godess of war. This is Bell in the guise of her namesake.
The Mortal Bell
The same image with Bellona in Cherryton gym garb. "She looks like her father but she has her mother's eyes."
The Birth of Lucina
I found this picture by Twitter user @ktandoku. It is exactly how I imgine what the kits' birth would be like, especially Lucina's.
Another very young Lucina pic
From furaffinity user Tikki-Hiko. They say it is Haru but with her size, I think it is a very young Lucina.
A Solstice Card from Els, Jack, Bela, and Spring
Bela is dressed up as Father Frost and Spring as Amaterasu about when they were ages 8 and 6. Bellona mentions this card when the two sets of siblings first meet. Many thanks to tereyaglikedi for making this picture for me!