Chapter Text
"Cover me, 'Buki!"
"I've got you, boss!"
Lead was raining from every angle. From behind a massive storage container, Louis slipped around some cargo and leapt into Ibuki's safety, tucked away behind a stray desk.
The Dokugumi had been getting stronger, stealthier. As they claimed more of the black market's land, they grew hungrier. This level of aggression was unlike anything Louis had seen in his years reigning above this dark side of the city. But if they could hold those slimy reptiles from capturing this depot, things would be looking up.
Louis yelled above the sound of screams and gunfire. "Tell Free and Dolph to pinch from the right side! We stay here!"
"On it, boss!" Ibuki revealed his radio and relayed the instructions.
"I'm going to sneak around," Louis said. "There's three behind that dumpster; I'll take care of them."
Nervousness flashed over Ibuki's features. He knew better than to question Louis' intelligence by now, though, or to question his courage. Both were unmatched by any animal Ibuki had ever met.
His worry gave way for admiration. "Be safe, babe."
"You know I will." Louis wrapped his hand into Ibuki's mane to pull him close. His soft lips crashed against Ibuki's, creating a moment of bliss. It was a messy kiss for a messy scene. That didn't make the exchange any less adamant.
They soon parted, and Louis took off as quickly as he came, slithering through the indoor battlefield like a born assassin. Ibuki had to wonder where he learned such techniques. Where did that audacity come from? Who instilled such bravery into the heart of a red deer?
A wild bullet whizzed by, rerouting Ibuki's focus. In an instant, he aimed his glock into the feisty horde and fired.
-
"Good work, boys." Louis surveyed the area. He much preferred it peaceful like this. "Clean up is complete, yes?"
"That's right, boss!" Dope shouted. "Everything's taken care of."
The rest of the pride was hollering with excitement. It had been a busy, stressful day, but it ended on a high note. The Dokugumi was forced to retreat, allowing the Shishigumi to reclaim some of their threatened territory. Several of those filthy dragons had fallen, a stark contrast to the Shishigumi's minimal injuries.
Sabu's voice rang from further within the facility. "Hey, boss? Have we checked this room yet?"
Louis and Ibuki wandered over and inspected the closed door, leading into the side of the building. It seemed inconspicuous enough. Could be more supplies, which is never a bad thing.
"Let me check it out," Ibuki said. He reached for the doorknob before Louis stepped ahead of him. The deer's soft palm swept against his forearm, then nudged it away.
"We already cleared the area," Louis muttered, swinging the door open. "There's no threats here. I want to finish this up hastily." Without a hint of trepidation, the herbivore stepped through the threshold and into the dim room.
It was silent, chillingly so. The space was largely empty, save for a large chest. Artillery, perhaps? Louis strutted over and fiddled with the latch.
Ibuki stood in the doorway, hand sliding toward his handgun. Something felt off…
It all happened so fast.
A komodo dragon sprung out of the chest and took Louis within his grasp. He had him in a bear hug; Louis couldn't move a muscle.
By the time Ibuki had his sights trained, the reptile was using Louis as a shield. "Let him go!" Ibuki roared. "Now!"
"I don't think so." The assailant has a slimy, smug voice. "I know I'm the last one alive. So I might as well take your fragile boss with me! How's that sound?"
Ibuki was already closing the distance, but it was futile. Purple venom was oozing from the komodo dragon's maw, dribbling down Louis's antlers, and bubbling against his scalp.
The deer let out a blood-curdling cry. It was loud and unrelenting, and it made Ibuki stop in his tracks. His eyes went wide. This couldn't be happening.
"Ibuki! Please, I-Ibuki!"
He couldn't move. The komodo was laughing. The whole world might as well have been ending.
"You lions are pathetic! Putting your trust in a weak herbivore as your boss… hah! I can't belie—"
Louis moved like lightning. His face was melting, his eyes were shriveling in their sockets, and despite it all, Louis pushed out of the hold and swiveled around. In an instant, he lowered his antlers and charged forward, skewering through sturdy scales and piercing the heart of his aggressor. Cartilage and blood shot out of his back.
The reptile screamed like hell for half a second, before wilting to the floor. Not a moment later, Louis followed him down.
"Louis!" Ibuki snapped to action and ran towards his lover. "Louis, please, oh fuck… no no no… no!"
The rest of the pride came storming in, but it was far too late. The venom was visibly eating away at Louis' brain.
"Louis… I need you…"
In his final moments, Louis was held in Ibuki's arms. Tear drops splashed on Louis' decaying face.
And in the face of impending death, what did that magnificent deer do? He found the strength to smile up at Ibuki, one last time. He left the world with a small sigh.
Shaking, Ibuki hunched over his lover's corpse, and sobbed.
-
The darkness that was once chased away by a light they had never expected, seemed to come rushing back like a dam breaking to the burden of a flooded river. How could this happen? How could..,
Ibuki found himself sitting in a dark room that looked almost like a chapel. There were pews, incense, but no icons. No Gods or prophets to plead with. It was only a place to say goodbye.
There were two glasses on the casket. A Bloody Mary, light on the vodka, that went untouched, and Ibuki’s glass of Jack, on the rocks this time.
Louis always jokes about his whiskey. Neat, as though it were a spoonful of cough syrup. He called it his medicine.
“He hasn’t said anything in two days. All he does is drink, I know he’s taking it hard but…without a boss, we need to figure out our next move.” Dope whispered to Free who sat hunched over holding his face in his hands, occasionally wiping away tears.
“I know…but what am I supposed to do? I can’t tell him to just wrap it up and move on as if it’s nothing. Not when I’m feeling it too.”
They watched as Ibuki picked up his glass, wiping away the moisture from the lid of the casket and toasted it to Louis’s Bloody Mary.
Free became interim leader of the Shishigumi while they tried to create their new structure with no one willing to step up as the permanent boss. The hardest part was figuring out what to do with Ibuki.
“What do I have to do to get you to stand on your own two feet again?” He asked as the lion in his disheveled state only degraded. Rusting. Chipping away and changing color with the temperament of his pain.
Free knew that Ibuki wanted to die. He was scrambling trying everything he could to not have to pull the trigger.
When Ibuki got up, and finally put on his suit. He almost believed for a movement that something changed.
They ran operations like clockwork that day. From that morning to when they had just put down a few unfortunate souls for stealing from their meat supply.
It was their most productive day since Louis’s death, with Ibuki at the helm despite Free’s position.
When everything was set in place for the next few months. The family was starting to believe that things were looking up. “He didn’t come down to dinner.” Sabu said as he met Free in the hallway, nodding to Ibuki’s door. “I’ll check on him.” Free sighed.
He opened the door to find the room had been stripped almost bare.
“Sabu! Dope! Come here!” The others came running, panicked as they saw him coming out of that room. “What is it?” Dope asked. “Ibuki left. Get everyone up and go find him!” Free ordered. “And DO NOT hurt him!”
-
The memories of Ibuki's youth had long ago faded away, leaving only his adult life to reminisce upon. As a result, the black market was all Ibuki could recall. The Shishigumi was all he'd ever known. It's all he'd ever had.
And here he was, leaving it all behind. He was by his lonesome, perched in the back of a dingy bus, carrying him and his luggage across the city.
Running away, like a scared little cub. Pathetic. What would he think?
That thought alone was simply too much. Ibuki crumbled over in his seat and whimpered into his palms. His chest was heaving, struggling to intake air. Not like he deserved to breathe in the first place.
After 22 painstaking years, he had finally found something worth fighting for, and now it was gone. He'd failed as a Gumi member. He'd failed as a friend. He'd failed as a lover. There was nothing left for him, now.
He didn't know where this bus was taking him, and he didn't care. He was willing to let the world swallow him up whole. Maybe he could find a decent, calm place to appreciate his final minutes.
The dim glow of the moon and the subtle rumbling of the bus's tires lulled Ibuki into a soft slumber. Next thing he knew, the vehicle was rolling to a stop, causing the disheveled, distraught lion to perk up and peek out his window.
He was greeted with the view of a pristine bus station, surrounded by sparkly-clean sidewalks, high-priced shops, and fancy townhouses.
Great. Fucking perfect. He'd found himself in uptown Cherryton, the worst place for a burly lion to fit in. There was no chance any more bus routes were active this late, either.
He stepped out of the bus with lethargy, eyes glued to the ground. No one was out and about at this hour, but even still, he felt awkward in this new environment. Every window was polished. Every streetlight glowed happily.
And there was a distinct lack of meat permeating the air's aroma.
He wandered the streets for a while, utterly aimless. He was hungry; hell, he hadn't eaten in two days. But he didn't want to enter any store. He didn't want to do anything, anymore.
A dark, hidden alleyway was calling his name. Ibuki slipped into the desolate space and found a dumpster to hide behind. He wiped a few more tears from behind his glasses before sidling up to the wall and letting drowsiness take its hold.
-
That dreamless, restless sleep was filled with nothing but regret. His mind replayed everything over and over again like a recurring nightmare. He was a cowardly lion. He wanted to die but he was afraid to make them do it and afraid to do it himself.
When he woke up, everything was as it was, untouched. They didn’t have to scratch and claw for every scrap of what they could steal up here like they would in the ghetto.
“I cant stay here.” He murmured to himself. “Then get up.” He looked up to see a wolf opening up and tossing trash into the dumpster.
“I have nowhere to go.” Ibuki said. This kid…looked oddly familiar. But that scar…
“Oh! Here…” The wolf dug into his pocket and pulled out some money, handing it to him. Ibuki hesitated, but slowly reached for it.
“No, I’m not a bum. I don’t need your sympathy. I don’t want it.” He went to get up and leave, but froze as the wolf grabbed him.
That cold, menacing glance from the lion was enough to get let go immediately.
“Please take it, get yourself some coffee. They’re coming to collect in about an hour and I don’t want them to chance you off. You could come back when they’re gone.” The wolf put the money in his hand and when back into the building.
Ibuki sighed, he picked up his bag and went to look for something to satisfy the ache of bitter hunger in his gut. He went into a coffee shop across the street.
What the kid gave him got him a sandwich and some coffee. He supposed he was grateful, kicking himself that he kept all his money in the bank and didn’t carry cash.
A life without the Shishigumi had no appeal, but there was nothing left for him there. He opened up the paper he lifted from a newsstand he had walked past, trying to look for something to point him in the right direction.
Or any direction at all.
Chapter Text
"…But sir, these numbers are quite troubling. If you could provide some input-"
"I said not now."
Very rarely did Oguma employ such a strict tone with his associates. Unfortunately, he was in no mood for courtesy at that present moment. While his fingers massaged his throbbing forehead, the CEO took a lengthy inhalation. "I will return to this issue tomorrow. I have more pressing matters to attend to."
The antsy goat took his leave, permitting Oguma some privacy within his office. He'd been cooped up within this room since dawn, and was now a witness to the brilliant hues of the distant sunset. It had been an exceedingly lengthy day; concern after concern cropped up, none having an easy solution.
However, that wasn't the reason for his current impatience. A half hour ago, he was overcome by a distressing headache. It started as a small pain that slowly unfurled into a crippling hurt. Strangest of all, that pain had begun gnawing at his chest, as if his heart were being prickled and probed.
Oguma was in no state to make headway in the day's work. He found himself stuck in his chair, idling at his desk. There was only one single thing he could maintain focus on.
It was the only personal belonging in his whole office. A small, framed image standing at the side of his organized desk.
A picture of himself, and a young deer he hadn't seen in years. A picture of regret.
The ache in his chest swelled once more, to an egregious extent. It was agonizing.
He reached for a button on his intercom. "Sylvia?" he said, masking the strain in his voice. "I'll be leaving for the day. Please notify my chauffeur."
A response was given, though Oguma could hardly decipher it. Something wretched was pounding inside his head, making it impossible to think clearly. He hastily rose from his chair and ambled out of the office, then navigated towards the elevator.
Could it simply be mental fatigue? He was getting on in years, but that didn't seem like a suitable explanation for this awful sensation.
He grew more concerned during the ride to his estate as the pain persisted. Not even a full night's rest assuaged his anguish; the twinging in his heart remained volatile the following morning.
Only once Oguma rose from bed and wandered among his mansion's extensive halls did he confront the potential source of his agony. Before he reached the main hall, he had to pass by a room he hadn't entered in many moons. For an unknown reason, Oguma was compelled to halt.
He turned to face the closed doorway. His hand moved of its own volition, finding the doorknob and twisting. The hinges squealed while allowing access to a space that could never be filled again.
Light from the hallway poured into the desolate room, revealing specks of dust lingering in the air. A twin-size bed lay in the dimmest corner, yearning for use. A large desk was the only other furnishing present, complete with a stack of young adult novels.
Oguma could only take a step into the room before crumbling to his knees. It wasn't the outwardly pain this time; no, it was something deep, deep within his soul.
Something terrible had happened. He could feel it.
His eyes grew misty as memories flooded through his skull. He could recall that dingy cell in that horrid building. He remembered bright amber eyes taking in the sight of a crystal clear sky for the first time. And he vividly recollected the moment a young fawn stepped into this room for the first time, with his little jaw to the floor.
He'd given his son so much…yet so little at the same time. Where had he gone? What had happened to him?
His only son… oh, his poor, lonesome son…
Oguma rested his weary head to the hardwood floor. He could only choke out one phrase.
"I'm so sorry, Louis."
-
“There’s too much going on to take time off now.” Elian, Oguma’s assistant, fussed over the deer. The red rings around the eyes were clearly from lack of sleep, and Oguma didn’t so much as wear a full suit today. It was disturbing to see someone so devoted to routine, look so worn. “I need a day to myself. The company won’t fall apart if I take it. Have Sylvia take my messages, I don’t want any calls until I return.”
He took the least expensive car out wanting to keep it low profile with no destination in mind.
He just had to clear his head. Nothing could hurt him if he didn’t think about it.
The car came to an abrubt halt, jolting him forward. “What the hell was that?!”
“Carnivore!” His chauffeur whimpered. As a lion had his hand on the hood of the car, looking around frantically. The lion took off, and everyone on the road could see him being pursued by several others.
“Where are we?” Oguma asked. “Downtown Cherryton, I was trying to show you the scenic beaches.” The chauffeur explained.
“Pull over to the curb and stay there.” Oguma opened the car door. “What? No! Sir!” The chauffeur panicked as he watched the deer follow behind those lions.
Ibuki found himself cornered, in front of him the brick wall of the back of Horns bank, watching as his former comrades looked for any signs of cameras or security guards. “That’s enough, Ibuki. Why are you doing this? The boss would hate to see you turn into a coward.” Dope said, no malice in his words, only confusion…and pity.
“Don’t you dare try to tell me what he would think, alright? You didn’t know him like I did! That doesn’t matter. I’m not going back there, and I’m not letting you take me.” Ibuki watched Dope nod and looked at big Miguel who simply shrugged.
“From the very beginning, you were told that this isn’t a life you could simply walk away from. We are bringing you back. What you do next, decides what happens when you get there.” Both lions began closing on him, with nowhere to escape, Ibuki was prepared to fight.
“Wha-OOF!” Dope was suddenly spun around and eating a hard punch to the muzzle that landed him on the ground. Miguel turned around, and Ibuki took the opportunity to knee him in the groin. “Go! Get out of here!” Oguma told him as Dope reached for his gun.
Ibuki kicked the gun out of Dope’s hand and grabbed Oguma, running around to the front of the bank.
“Stop! You pulling me like this is only going get the cops called on you!” The deer warned. He wasn’t wrong. Soon a couple of officers on the beat caught sight of them and began their chase as well.
“This way!” Oguma took the lead and turned Ibuki off of the crowded streets and down some stairs that lead them to the waterfront promenade overlooking the view of the city.
They kept going until they went over the patch of landscape where there were trees planted along the sidewalk and hid there. The cops made it down quick and the two of them watched as they looked around to no avail.
-
They kept hidden for five tense minutes, just to be sure neither the officers nor the Shishigumi could track them. Ibuki eventually let out a breath of air when he was convinced they were safe. Only when he allowed his racing thoughts to relax did he realize he'd been hugged up to this random stag the entire time.
"Shit, sorry." Ibuki pushed away from the stranger, unwilling to make this interaction any weirder than it already was. "Didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
To his surprise, the herbivore scoffed. "I didn't claim I was bothered, did I?" He brushed down his expensive-looking sweater before glancing at Ibuki. "Are you injured?"
"No, I'm alright." After adjusting his glasses, Ibuki took his first full look at his rescuer. The deer was definitely older than himself. He was a tall man, with twisting, towering antlers that demanded respect. His fur was a rather dark shade, trimmed to perfection.
"I appreciate the help," Ibuki said, "but… why risk yourself like that? You don't even know me."
The deer squinted at the ground below. "Frankly, I… I am unsure of my own actions. I felt compelled to do something." He then fixed Ibuki with a harsh glare. "You won't make me regret it, will you?"
"Huh? I'm not going to eat you, if that's what you're suggesting." Ibuki said it as a joke, but he could see a flash of relief on the herbivore's face. It was also then that Ibuki noticed how weary the man looked. His shoulders were somewhat slumped, and the bags under his eyelids were prominent.
Not that Ibuki was in any position to judge; he probably looked equally worn-down. He extended a hand. "The name's Ibuki."
If this deer was put off by a lion's sharp claws, he certainly didn't show it. He met the outstretched palm and delivered perhaps the firmest handshake Ibuki had ever experienced. "Oguma," he said.
Ibuki paused. That name sounded oddly familiar, for a reason he couldn't place. He quickly pushed the thought aside, though. "We ran quite far, but I'm not sure if the Sh--those other lions are off our trail. So I'll walk you back."
Oguma rolled his eyes. "I don't need to be coddled; I'm a capable animal. That being said, I'll stroll back with you for the company."
"Sure." For the first time in days, Ibuki let a small smile paint his snout. This daring herbivore's attitude was appeasing in the midst of this trying time.
-
“Sir!” When they got to the car, Oguma’s chauffeur was shocked to see him return with the carnivore. “W-what…”
“Open the door.” The deer ordered. “Where are you staying, Ibuki? I’ll give you a ride.” He offered. “I think I’ll walk, your driver there looks like he’s about to shit his pants.” Ibuki pointed out. The chauffeur swallowed, hoping that Oguma would accept the lion’s refusal.
“Don’t worry about him, he works for me. He doesn’t get to tell me who I can offer a ride. So I’ll ask again, where are you staying?” No dice, Oguma was a stag, after all, they were known to be stubborn. The chauffeur sighed as he opened the door. “Sirs…”
“I’m up at the halfway house…St.Guinefort.” Ibuki was embarrassed. This guy was so money that he had a driver. Ibuki always hated those types, the wealthy lived in their own world…untouched.
“Let’s go.”
Ibuki was unsure but ultimately got into the car with Oguma. The chauffeur had to look up the address before he could pull away.
They were quiet for most of the ride before Ibuki noticed Oguma rubbing at his knuckles. “You handle yourself pretty good, it almost looked like you’d seen your share of scraps.” He said.
“When you’re in my position, knowing how to fight is a must. We herbivores don’t have claws and we don’t have fangs, we have our legs and our fists, sometimes a weapon when those aren’t enough.”
Ibuki nodded, he almost the way he spoke, it wasn’t the usual dwelling on fear of being devoured. Oguma acknowledging his limits and what he could use to his advantage was something he respected.
“You’re probably wondering why they were after me.” He said.
“I am.” The deer admitted. “But that doesn’t mean you should be inclined to tell me. We’re all suffering aren’t we? In one way or another?”
How could he be so calm this close to a carnivore? Perhaps he was used to their presence. “I made some bad decisions…and things were good for a while until…”
“Until?” Oguma pressed.
Ibuki rubbed at his eyes, his lip twitching in a curl that flashed his fangs, his eyes distant and filled with regret as they stared straight ahead.
“Until I lost someone I loved. I couldn’t go back to ‘business as usual’ because there was no point anymore.” He said.
Oguma’s ears lowered, he deflated into the seat, sadness tugging at his heart while understanding washed over him.
The remainder of the ride was silent between the two. When they arrived at the destination, Ibuki didn't wait for the driver to open his door. He got out himself, though Oguma's voice caused him to linger.
"I wish you the best, Mr. Ibuki. Take care of yourself."
Ibuki's whiskers twitched. He couldn't help but feel like he'd been given an order, not a sendoff. He was grateful for the concern either way, so he lifted a paw to wave at Oguma while he was driven away.
He felt revitalized. Perhaps not as spirited as he once was, but there was a path forward. Where it led, Ibuki couldn't be sure. He was willing to find out, though.
Keep pushing onward. It's what he would want.
First things first: he needed to make a withdrawal. Finding a cheap place to stay was next, and then… food, if he had the time and funds. Ibuki fixed his mane, held his head a little higher, and set off.
-
It was a struggle to search for a carnivore-friendly inn on this section of the city, but it was made worth it when his back could finally sink into a proper mattress. The situation wasn't great; minimal furniture, communal restrooms, and a single below-ground window was the best he could manage. It was better than nothing.
He couldn't afford to fall asleep yet, though, so he pushed himself up and rummaged through his single grocery bag. The items of most importance were the several pamphlets he'd snatched while at the bank, consisting of many job openings.
He read through the listings while snacking on a cold wrap. The more he skimmed, the more discouraged he became. All these jobs required a degree, field experience, or some form of expertise he didn't have.
He was reading the final pamphlet when something caught his eye. At the bottom of the page was a quote.
"At Horns, we capture innovation and efficiency to promote a thriving country. Come be a part of the mission." - Oguma, Chief Executive Officer
Next to the quote was a headshot of a serious, striking deer. The same deer Ibuki had been in a backseat with that same afternoon.
He snorted. It made sense now, why that guy's name was familiar. What would the boys think if they knew Ibuki had gotten a ride from the richest man in the country?
The open positions for Horns were the most unattainable of all. After an annoyed huff, he strew the papers onto the nightstand. It was looking like he'd have to scour for an opportunity on foot.
Chapter Text
He walked into a restaurant just as one of the bus boys were cleaning up the tables. It was about 10pm and this was one of the last restaurants downtown that he heard from some of the drifters at the train station didn’t bother asking about criminal history. Ibuki didn’t want to have to make up a persona or a lie he had to remember while he was here.
After being with the Shishigumi, he couldn’t shake the mentality that this was a temporary stepping stone setting up for a greater goal. For now, he was completely unaware of it.
“Can I help you?” The African wild dog asked as he noticed Ibuki standing there. “You got a help wanted sign on your door. I’ve been looking for-“
“Can you lift a twenty pound box? Can you read and count? Most importantly, can you drive?” The wild dog asked as he dried his hands on his apron.
“I can.” Ibuki replied and was tossed an apron of his own. “The name’s Boaz. My dad’s last hire just quit on me 20 minutes ago and I don’t give a shit who fills the spot now. Wipe down the rest of the tables on that side, then tomorrow you start at 8.”
Ibuki put the sign down and put on his apron, before grabbing the cloth. There was no looking a gift horse in the mouth when a desperate opportunity presented itself.
Getting away from the Shishigumi was not an easy task, after that first encounter, he was sure that they would be more tactful with their approach. Ibuki knew that he couldn’t walk around and not assume that he wasn’t being watched.
This apartment…left a lot to be desired. It was about the size of a jail cell, though not as welcoming. He set his bags down and made a makeshift bed on the floor.
There was a knock on the door, and slowly, he approached, taking his gun from his waistband and trying to see through the keyhole.
“Who’s there?” He asked.
“I was hoping that you wouldn’t forget about me so easily.”
Ibuki balked, he put the gun away and quickly unlocked the door. The sound of the familiar voice causing emotions to come flooding back. “Cosmo? You actually came?”
“Of course I did.” She said as she stepped inside, closing the door behind her. “Did you think you could just leave and I wouldn’t look for you?”
“When I called, you said you were working.” He said.
Cosmo rolled out her own futon and sat on the floor, beckoning him over with a grin. He locked the door and went over to sit down at her side.
“I knew you would either die or leave…so I came prepared.”
The lion scowled. “All that tells me is that you never had much faith in me.” He muttered. The okapi laughed, shaking her head. “No, it was…just you, and the fact that a kid signing up to sell his soul for a lifetime of crime never ends well for him.”
-
"Things were going well, though," Ibuki said. "Perfect, even. But then… then… ugh, damn it all." He grimaced at the sharp pain in his soul.
Cosmo rubbed at his back, carefully evading his tattoos. "I've heard the rumors. It's all anyone in the market will talk about." She sighed. "I really liked your boss. He was a courageous young man."
So much more than a boss, Ibuki thought. "Yes. He was."
"Call me callous, but I'm glad you made it out of there. I could always tell that life wasn't for you. It's nice to see a friend like you get a second shot at things."
Ibuki groaned. "I'm not 'out of there' yet. My gang is still on the hunt for my hide. You could get a nice reward for telling them my location."
"After all you've done for me? They couldn't pry that info out of me." Cosmo smirked. "Lay low and keep working. You're a smart guy; I think you'll make it just fine."
Why was it the best people in Ibuki's life see more potential in himself than he ever could? Moments of positive thinking were rare these days. Even with a place to stay, it was hard to accept that he had to start a completely new life.
But if this independent, pretty woman believed in him, then maybe he did have a chance. "Thanks, Cosmo. I'll do my best."
They talked for a while longer, but Ibuki kept his heartache to himself. He's supposed to be a king of the jungle, not some soppy cat. Cosmo thought he was cool… he didn't want to ruin that.
She wished him well before departing, even giving his mane a curt ruffle. It took some effort to keep a low purr in his throat. When she left, the absence in the room was palpable.
Luckily, he wouldn't have to bask in loneliness for long. The day's exhaustion was catching up with him, so he set up the futon for a good night's rest. After all, he needed to be prepared for his job in the morning.
His safe, mundane, legal job. Geez, what a difference two days can make.
-
“I didn’t have any meetings scheduled for today, Mr. Mayor.” Every interaction with this lion was eerie. From his uncanny appearance to the faux smile and high-pitched tone in which he spoke. It was never something that Oguma looked forward to. “It’s been years, Oguma, we need to have this conversation at some point! Today is the eve of my son’s birthday.”
This agenda driven by greed was a frequent reminder that Louis was no longer here. “Yes. Raul. I don’t know how many times I have to tell you that I’m not interested in his company. It’s too controversial to attach my name onto it.” From the day Louis went missing, Raul had been trying to get Horns Conglomerate to back his research project.
Breeding non-sentient animals for the purpose of meat consumption. “You said that if Louis never came back, you would be willing to start bringing new blood into the company.” Mayor reminded.
Oguma scoffed. “‘Never’ has not happened yet. You’re trying to operated under the assumption that he’s, what-“
“Dead? What other explanation could there be for him to go years with never having shown his face? Without so much as a phone call?” The deer was a master at hiding his true emotions, but the Mayor could tell that he had struck a chord.
“If my son is gone, which, by the way, we don’t know for sure, I would never sully his memory.” Oguma didn’t need this now, after that feeling that something had been torn from him, leaving him already casting a shadow over his thoughts he couldn’t crawl out from.
“The world…has changed a lot since he’s been gone. Everyone in it, has changed. Everyone except you. The world left you behind while you stayed the same.” The mayor stood, pacing, which was always something that made herbivores nervous.
“I’ve changed,” The deer corrected, “but my sense of right and wrong, hasn’t.
no scene break here
The faintest trace of a snarl flashed on the Mayor's face, an abberant display of his hidden carnivorous nature. "Are you condemning my son's morality?"
"I don't believe I stated that." Oguma rose from his seat to show his unwanted guest out the door. "Once again, it seems this charade gotten us nowhere. I believe it's time we dropped this proposal."
"On the contrary, Oguma. This project is exactly in line with your business strategy. 'Innovation and efficiency', isn't that right?" The lion's smile faltered further while he closed the distance. "If you don't take this deal, you're failing to comply with your fiduciary duty as CEO. I can only imagine what your Board would think if they knew you turned down such a profitable initiative—backed by the city mayor, no less! The consequences would be severe."
Oguma cleared his throat, adjusted his collar. "I have plentiful reason to deny this project. By law, I can—"
"Go ahead," the Mayor argued. "Pit your business lawyers against my political attorneys. I feel quite confident in that matchup."
Despite standing in the center of his office, Oguma felt cornered. He employed decades of experience to steel his nerves and fix his commanding glare on this disputant. There was nothing to say, so he used the tense silence to his advantage while gesturing to the exit.
The Mayor sighed, then stepped towards the door. "I intended for this to be a nice birthday present for my son, but it seems that won't be the case. You have a week to contact me before I start making noise."
Oguma stared the lion down until the moment he strolled out of sight. Instantly, Oguma wilted. Of course the Mayor would shove this ultimatum into his arms now, on top of everything else his company was dealing with. This week couldn't get any worse.
-
Oguma felt like his head was about to explode. He was overcome with disdain and anger, all the things that he simply refused to let himself show. He picked up the phone and dialed a number he hadn’t dialed in years.
“Calder…it’s been a while, I know. I’d like you to come to the office, I have no appointments, we’ll have a chance to catch up. Dinner?” The deer opened his desk drawer, digging around for the small pile of menus.
“We’ll order something. I wanna stay in today. See you then.”
-
“There’s no way he thought he could get you to take up on that offer! You’d become a pariah to the herbivores!” Calder sat across from him, gripping his glass tight in outrage. “No one would touch you. You’d be marked.”
“I’m aware. However, he wasn’t wrong, the world is changing and similar efforts have been pitched to other companies. Corrupt carnivore lead companies especially who see a profit in a very unethical pitch. I would hate for another herbivore to take it on and then become responsible for the food source of the country’s carnivores.” Just the thought alone made Oguma uneasy.
Calder hung up the phone with the restaurant and slumped back in his chair, blowing air from his nose.
“The world if it actually tales of. Not to mention those thugs who run the black market wouldn’t like you messing with their livelihoods.”
“Keep your voice down.” Oguma chided. “Everyone likes to pretend that place doesn’t exist, it’s asinine. I’m glad that we know better.”
“You should be glad that you never had any part of that cursed place.” Calder agreed. “Mr. Oguma, there’s a delivery out front, would you like me to take it for you?” Said Sylvia’s voice over the intercom.
“Send him in.” Oguma said.
The door opened and for a moment he sat up in his chair, back straight, his expression subtly lighting up in recognition.
“It’s you…” The deer said.
Calder’s brow furrowed in confusion as he looked over his shoulder to see a young lion, and then back at Oguma. “You two know each other?” He asked.
Ibuki stood there blinking. Why did this beyond-wealthy deer keep popping up in his new life? "Uhh, 'know each other' might be a stretch," Ibuki said. "More like we had one conversation and he gave me a ride." He strode into the room to place the delivery on the sprawling desk.
"It's nice to see you again," Oguma remarked. "This is my old friend, Calder. He manages a fine hotel out in the suburbs, and he's a feisty cribbage player."
Ibuki glanced at the middle-aged kangaroo. It felt weird to be outnumbered by herbivores in a room, but he pushed that notion aside and gave a small bow. "It's a pleasure."
He then stepped backwards at the door. "Thanks for your purchase. I've got other orders to take care of, so I'm—"
"Wait!" Oguma nearly sprung out of his chair. It required a heap of restraint to keep his voice level. "Ahem—I'm sure you have a few minutes to spare. Would you care to take a break with us?"
To be honest, a break from this hectic work day sounded heavenly to Ibuki's tired head. Then again, this was just about the strangest place to hang around in. An internal debate led to a swift decision. "Sure, why not?" He plopped down in the cushiony chair and let out a long-winded exhale.
The three of them had a brief conversation about Oguma and Ibuki's first meeting, and about Ibuki's new employment. Listening to Oguma talk was undeniably soothing in a way Ibuki couldn't describe. Talking with herbivores wasn't as uncomfortable as he once thought, apparently.
He didn't want to get in trouble, though, so he rose after a few minutes. "I'd better get going. Thanks for the break."
"Just one more thing," Oguma said. "Come here." The stag rummaged around in a desk drawer and revealed a handful of… 10,000 yen notes?!
"Consider this a friendly gift, or a tip." Oguma held out the stack of money nonchalantly.
Ibuki held back a groan. He should've seen this coming. "I don't need your charity."
"Please, it's just something to show my gratitude." The notes were practically being thrusted onto Ibuki's snout. "Don't think too much of it—"
Feline reflexes went on display; Ibuki's hand snappily slapped against Oguma's and sent the currency floating across the room. "Quit dangling your money in front of me! I don't want help from a snobby, rich fuck!" Just as quick, Ibuki turned and whisked himself out of the office, stomping and grunting until the sun met his red-hot face.
Maybe he'd been right about herbivores after all.
Chapter Text
That was fucking stupid.
Why did I embarrass a stranger who has been nothing but kind to me over a little bit of money?
Only it wasn’t just a little bit of money. It was a rent payment, the difference between having a roof over his head and sleeping on a concrete sidewalk, and it was not having to wonder where his next meal was coming from, or settling for squalor, being casually handed to him as simple pocket change.
He immediately regretted refusing that money. What’s worse was the fact that he couldn’t seem to get the deer’s words out of his head since he left.
“Refusing help does not make you look strong.”
He made his last delivery of the night and packed it up, got on the bus to make his way home. The stop was only a block and a half away from his apartment, when he got off and started walking, he could immediately sense that something wasn’t right.
A car was following him, and it didn’t look like it belonged to the Shishigumi. “I’m not fuckin’ runnin’ again…” He snarled, turning around and walking right up to it.
Just as he about to draw and demand the reason why he was being followed, the window rolled down. It took Ibuki a moment to register the appearance of the animal in front of him who looked more like botched taxidermy.
“Get in, kid. I have a job for you that you might be interested in.” Said the mayor with his strange smile.
-
“We’re not friends. I don’t know why he decided to save me that night. As old as he is, he should know better than to throw himself in the middle of a conflict between carnivores.” He explained as they sat in the comfort of the air conditioned car, soft jazz playing on the radio.
Flashbacks of Louis played in his memories that made him shake his head to bring himself back to the present.,
“The thing with money is that you get bored when you have too much to know what to do with it.” Said the mayor.
“You would know, wouldn’t you?” Ibuki spat.
The mayor took off his suit jacket and let his mane do own. He also relaxed his eyes, letting just a hint of white show as he outstretched his hands.
“Look at me, Ibuki. I’m a lion the same as you.”
“Barely.”
The mayor chuckled, leaning on his elbows as he shook his head. “I gave up my true self for the sake of the herbivores’ trust. Wouldn’t you be interested in knowing what the world would be like if we didn’t have to do that?” He asked, with the persuasive tone only a politician could muster.
He then handed Ibuki one of the company’s internal informational pamphlets. “You want to make fake meat?” Ibuki was unimpressed.
“No, this is real meat that our kind could eat freely without guilt. No sentience means that we’re not slaughtering actual people. For the life of me, I can’t imagine why anyone would be against it!” The mayor put his arm around Ibuki and pat him on the shoulder.
“I know who you really are, or rather, who you bust to be before you found yourself back among civilians. You know the value of flesh in this city. If you could get to him…and get him to change his mind about backing this deal, I’ll make sure that you will always have enough money so that you could be ‘bored’ too, and no, it wouldn’t be ‘charity’ it would be fair compensation for an honest day’s work!”
-
Ibuki's not an idiot. He knew the mayor was a manipulative, creepy bastard. He also knew this "sentient meat" idea wouldn't lead to any less devourings than the artificial meat carnivores already ate. It was a worthless plan, and ethically gray at best.
But again, Ibuki's not an idiot. His current wage was shaky and uncertain, and his living conditions were piss poor. Turning down this offer would be even more stupid than his earlier refusal.
"As long as I won't get caught up in more of your political bullshit, I accept."
The mayor laughed triumphantly. "You've made the right decision, kid. On behalf of the city, I'm grateful."
"Tell the city I'm not doing this for them," Ibuki grunted.
A smile remained on the mayor's unphased expression. "Us lions must stick together, you know. We must maintain the noble, affectionate image our society has."
If Ibuki was sure about anything, it's that this guy knows nothing about his own species. It was sickening to endure his presence.
They sat in awkward silence for a while. Well, Ibuki thought it was awkward. The mayor seemed to be so absorbed in himself that he didn't notice the uncomfortable atmosphere.
"Can I, uh, go?" Ibuki asked.
"Oh! Yes, be on your way. And get to that deer quickly! This is a matter of utmost priority."
Ibuki got out and shoved his hands in his pockets while the dark car turned and skidded away. He couldn't help but feel he'd made a mistake, but what else was he supposed to do? He needed the money not only to find a stable living condition, but to escape the Shishigumi's hunt.
Instead of continuing his stroll home, he turned to venture back into the business district.
-
Oguma chose not to dwell on what happed. Ibuki had seemed so composed even after the encounter he had with those other lions. Whatever was happening must’ve finally made him snap. He washed his face in the sink, towel hanging loosely around his neck.
There was once a time where there was nothing about him that made sense outside of his profession. Some days, he couldn’t even recognize himself.
When he looked in the mirror, all he saw was resentment. Of course there wouldn’t be a family resemblance for you to at least love that part of you.
He wasn’t really your son.
He turned off the light and left the bathroom. What was left to fight for if Louis really was dead? It was a question he kept asking himself before the mayor even left his office.
We’re not cattle.
We’re not food.
He would hate everything about it. A being that looked like us, breathed and could feel pain but couldn’t think, bred to be slaughtered.
He would hate…if he were still alive, come back just to stop it. It was tempting, and an idea that Oguma entertained but was afraid to put any kind of stake in it.
“Sir, there’s someone here to see you.” Said the feminine voice over the intercom. “I’m not taking any visitors. Make an appointment if it’s urgent.” He replied as he pinched the top of his muzzle.
“It’s the delivery driver from this afternoon.”
Ibuki sat at the front desk, paying no mind to all the dirty looks he was getting. It was the end of the work day, and everyone saw him as they were leaving.
He stood up as Oguma got off the elevator. “What do you want?” He asked. The lion threw his hands up defensively. “To apologize. It was wrong of me to slap that money out of your hand. I should have politely declined, and for that I’m sorry.”
“Hmph. Your mind must constantly at odds with itself, Ibuki, but it really was only a gesture of appreciation.” Oguma said.
Ibuki slowly lowered his hands. “And perhaps…a reminder of my own failures. But that wasn’t your fault.” He admitted.
-
How interesting. This was a stark difference from the prideful lion that had stormed out of his office a few hours prior. "The best men know to gracefully apologize, so I respect that you returned to do so. How was the rest of your day?"
"Not bad, I guess. Lots of deliveries."
"Right, right." Oguma adjusted his glasses. "If you'd still like gratuity for your earlier service, I could thank you in a different fashion than cash."
Ibuki tilted his head. "Yeah?"
"Indeed. I just concluded my remaining business for the day, and was about to depart. I know of a low-profile bar we could visit. My treat."
Ibuki perked up. "Sounds good to me! It's been a while since I've had a proper drink."
The establishment wasn't too far, which was fortunate because the nippy night breeze was harsh. The pair hustled inside and were greeted by soothing instrumentals, dim wall lights, and a polished sleek aesthetic. Oguma had been right about low-profile; only half of the seats were occupied, allowing them to find a secluded spot at the counter.
The bartender, a young sheep, slid over to take their orders. "I'll take a bourbon, neat," Ibuki said.
Oguma crossed a hand over the other. "Bloody Mary, light on the vodka."
Ibuki's eyes flew open. He nearly lost balance on the stool.
That order… that tone… fuck. He can't go an hour without a reminder.
"Are you alright?" Oguma asked.
Ibuki gathered himself. "Yeah, I'm good. Your order, it brings back memories." He tried to chuckle, but it came out forced.
Oguma hummed. "Good ones, I would hope."
"The best," Ibuki said with a weak smile.
-
“Do you want to share them?” Oguma asked. Ibuki stared down at his glass, quiet, contemplative, and shrugged. “It feels like a lifetime ago, and I can’t let myself go back to that place just yet. I’m not ready.” He said.
Oguma nodded. “You know, for someone so young, you talk as though you’ve been on this earth longer than me.” He observed. Ibuki looked him, and grinned. “I’ve probably seen just a little more than you have. An important person like you had to have been spared a lot of turmoil.”
Oguma frowned as their drinks arrived. “You should never assume that about someone. I was alive for the sake of business but I wasn’t protected from a single mistake that I made.” He said, taking a long drink until the glass was half empty.
“You’re right.” The lion muttered, figuring that comparing who had it worse would ruin the mood.
They were approached and a handsome young bull put his hand on Oguma’s back.
“Excuse me,” said the stranger who sat on the other side of him. “I was with my friends and I couldn’t help but notice you from across the room. I have to go, but I just wanted to give you think because…you’re very handsome.”
Oguma chuckles awkwardly as a tightly folded up piece of paper was gently placed in the palm of his hand. “Have a great evening.” Ibuki watched him walk away, giggling like a child as he rejoined his friend.
“What the hell was that?” He asked.
“His phone number.” Oguma casually replied. A dark feeling came over Ibuki. “I’m sure he saw me sitting here with you. Where does he get off?” He grumbled.
Oguma laughed, it was subtle enough that if Ibuki hadn’t been looking at him so closely, he would have missed it.
“Are you saying that this is a date?” He asked. Ibuki huffed, “No.” He said.
“Well, then you have nothing to worry about.” The deer teased, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
“I’m just saying…that it was rude.” Then it occurred to Ibuki. “So…do you prefer men?”
“I try not to talk about it. That’s something that I was meant to ignore in favor of an arranged marriage and the task of producing an heir to my company.” Oguma’s expression soured and he ordered pretzels and another drink. It seemed like he needed this more than Ibuki as far as the lion could tell.
“Did you do it?” Ibuki wondered out loud. “Yes, but he decided that he’d rather die than be told what to do.” Oguma smiled fondly for a moment.
There was something under the surface that he wanted to keep hidden, but he seemed to be holding on to it fiercely.
It made sense that a man with such prestige and wealth would have a horde of secrets. Ibuki supposed he was lucky to be learning such sensitive information. Perhaps he'd already earned this stag's trust.
Oguma relaxed as the night wound on, and Ibuki followed. They didn't have many common interests, which was to be expected. Still, the conversation felt more meaningful than many others. Ibuki never felt the need to act tough, or talk about macho shit he didn't care about. It was clear Oguma appreciated the chance to avoid business talk, too.
They only got up to leave because Ibuki had a shift in the morning. Reluctantly, they exited the bar and braved the whipping air.
"I may have to continue ordering lunch from that restaurant every now and then," Oguma said with a smirk. "If I'm lucky, I'll get a friendly lion as my delivery man."
"Not a bad idea," Ibuki said. "I think the delivery guy wouldn't mind that."
They parted ways, but not before granting each other earnest goodbyes. Finally, Ibuki was actually headed home for the night.
As his footfalls echoed off the sidewalk, he did some pondering. He needed to get close to Oguma… and Oguma's gay…
Well, the path forward seemed rather obvious. That didn't make it any less weird.
Chapter Text
“What on earth?” Yuta opened the door as he heard a strange sound coming from the inside of Oguma’s bedroom’. It was humming. Since when did he hum?
“Sir, are you alright?” He inquired cautiously as he brought in the platter with Oguma’s breakfast. Oguma looked up, his brow slightly furrowed in confusion.
“Yes? Why?”
“N-no reason. Do you still want me organize your outfits for the week?” She asked. The deer perked as though he had just remembered something.
“Yes, please do, I’m going to be very busy the next few days and I’m feeling more productive today.” He said as he got up from his bed to pour himself some coffee. There was an extra spring in his step, the stomach stiffness in his shoulders and his walk were practically nonexistent today. It was quite interesting to see.
Yuta could sense that there was something different about him. “Something on your mind? You were out late last night.” He asked, and pointed out. Oguma wasn’t surprised that Yuta could sense that something was going on. It was hard to keep a secret from someone with that keen of an eye, especially when they’ve known you your entire life.
“Is that obvious? You might be glad to know that I’ve met someone!” Oguma revealed with a light chuckle. “It’s always a wonderful thing to see!” The sheep agreed.“What she or uh…he, like?”
“There are…two actually. This tech mogul I met at a bar…and a broody 20-something who I’m convinced has a lot of baggage but he’s so…different.” Oguma explained vaguely.
“How different?” Yuta asked with a raised brow. “A carnivore.” Oguma replied, almost sheepishly.
-
Yuta winced on instinct. "Ah. Not what I expected."
"Yes, I know what you're thinking. An animal of my stature has a reputation to maintain. I doubt anything will come of it, anyways. It's just…" Oguma paused to sigh. "It's nice to feel a real connection with someone so dissimilar. Every time we meet, I get a repose from this monotonous lifestyle."
Yuta's concerns died down when he registered how truly delighted Oguma was. He hadn't seen his boss this giddy in years. "You mentioned he has baggage?"
"Well, he hasn't expressed any details of his past. But it would appear he got in with the wrong crowd. And perhaps he's dealing with a loss, as well."
At the mention of loss, Oguma had a strong urge to turn towards the family painting behind him. He tuned it out.
"I see," Yuta said. "I hope it goes well for you!" The sheep made for the door.
"Yes, if I ever bring a young lion around, don't be worried."
"A lion?!?!"
-
The weekend had finally rolled around, and Ibuki earned himself a day's break from his new employment. He couldn't fully enjoy it, though. The objective on his mind left him restless.
How was he supposed to act attracted to an old, wealthy dude? Those were two qualities he'd never had in a partner before. On top of that, his acting skills were laughable if it didn't involve threatening a hostage or something.
Maybe it wouldn't be too bad. It didn't seem like Oguma got much action in the first place. How hard could it be to trick a sex-deprived, reclusive, deer into a close relationship?
No matter the difficulty, it was still going to be weird as hell. That's why Ibuki had asked for some help.
Just as he finished that thought, someone knocked at his door. He quickly peeked through the keyhole to ensure it was his expected visitor, then opened the creaky door.
"Well, well, mister working man," Cosmo sang. "Seems like you're in a funky situation."
-
“Seems you’ve already made up your mind to go through with it. So why are you acting like you don’t know how to run a con?” He took notice to all the new items in the room. Pillows, a radio, a tv, a hot plate, and a bike. It must’ve beat the hell out of sleeping on the bare floor, she thought.
“Feelings. I don’t do well with them and it’s almost impossible to really tell what he’s feeling. He’s old, there’s no leading him on like someone my age, he’d just catch on quick.” He said as he lit a cigarette, taking a drag. He wasn’t a ‘relationship’ kind of guy, even in adulthood. Seeing marriages fall apart in the black market and even being hired by scorned spouses to kill their former lovers would sour the image of love for anyone.
For Ibuki, it started way before that.
“Then don’t think of it as leading him on. In my opinion…you should have some fun with it. Be his release, let him SPOIL you, a guy like that needs a sugar baby he can spoil!” She giggled as he rolled his eyes,
“When I get out of here, I want you to come with me.” He pulled her into a kiss and he hummed, pushing him away for air. “Stop it, you need to save your energy so you could bottom for your sugar daddy!” She teased.
“Ugh,” he shoved her away gently, playfully, “ If the gang finds me, I’m done for, I need to make this fast.” He muttered, offering her a drag on his cigarette which she accepted.
“Then bond over something you have in common…starting with the fact that you’re both lonely.” She suggested. Ibuki leaned his back against the wall and closed his eyes. “I like being alone.” He said after a while.
The okapi wasn’t convinced.
“Lions aren’t meant to be alone for long. Even if all he does is numb the ache, let him. It’ll make your job so much easier.” She reasoned, he turned to her, blinking slowly as his phone lit up with a message.
"You already earned enough for a phone?" Cosmo grabbed the device from the desk and read the notification. "From Dolph? Isn't that one of your old lion buds?"
"Give me that." Ibuki snatched his phone from her hands. "I had no reason to throw out my phone. This one isn't traceable." He quickly read through the message, in which Dolph was only expressing his sympathy for Ibuki's circumstances and offering some lighthearted conversation. "Yeah, I was close with Dolph. We've still been talking since I left. He's keeping me updated on the family's wellbeing and, y'know, being supportive and shit."
"You trust him?"
"With everything I've got."
"Well then, I'm glad you have a little bit of that old life to hang onto." Cosmo moved to Ibuki's back and wrapped him up from behind. Her hands glided over his shirt, toying with his firm chest. "I could be supportive, too."
Ibuki's tail flicked around. "Hm?"
"If you're really going to get all cozied up with this CEO, you need to be in the right mindset. How about I help with that?" Her fingers ventured lower, tracing lines around his waist. She giggled and said, "Or do I need to give a different justification?"
Ibuki let out a chuff. "Nope, that works for me." He swiveled around and placed his palms on her hips, guiding her backwards until they both tumbled onto the mattress. He let his eyes traverse her stripes, all splayed out for his viewing pleasure.
She gazed up at him, fluttering her lashes. "I trust you, Ibuki. Let yourself have this."
“I don’t think I could focus right now, it might be too much.” He said as he pushed him to lay down. He blew smoke from his nose as he stretched to put it out. “It would be good for you to relax sometimes. You’re more a service dog than a lion and it shows.” She reached for his zipper and he put his hand over hers.
“I don’t want to be pitied. I don’t need you to be kind to me simply because you think I need it.” He was adamant, but was sure, leaning up to kiss him while she unbuttoned his shirt, rubbing her delicate hands over his chest.
It was warped the way he was intoxicated by her scent. His mouth watered the harder he got. Her gentle kisses down the center of his chest to the middle of his stomach.
“Mmm…” He groaned as he leaned his head back, with the taste of tobacco still on his tongue.
“No wonder guys paid extra for that mouth…”
She reached into his boxers and gently pulled out his cock, trailing small kisses along the shaft. He moaned as he let her pamper him, with an involuntary thrust into her fist as she began stroking his cock.
“It feels so much better when it’s free.” She took him all the way down, stroking as she came up, spreading the slick of her saliva. The sounds from the outside were drowned out by her sucking and his pleasure becoming more fevered.
“Come on….” He rasped. “No time for foreplay?” She chuckled, she went down again, and this time, he held her in place as he thrusted into her mouth. His entire length bulging her throat:
Cosmo gasped as he let her go.
She climbed on to him, and Ibuki impatiently gripped her by the hips and sat her on his lap. “Gonna go for a ride, Ibuki…”
Ibuki closed his eyes and let out a small, content moan as he watched her lift her skirt and pull her panties aside before sinking down onto his cock.
He was grateful that she didn’t try to take it slow, that she understood that he didn’t want soft affection. "Mm..." He hummed, gently dragging his razor sharp claws over her hips to her thighs.
She leaned back and gripped his tightly as she bounced. An herbivore slut to her core, she thought, and carnivore cock was always so much better. Their brutal features, length, girth, hooks, curves, and barbs, always did the trick for her.
Strong males like this became the neediest little fiends when they just wanted to cum. It deep her in business for five years and she didn’t hate her job.
Cosmo leaned forward, grinding her hips down onto him, the wet suction and squelching of her pussy filling the room.
Ibuki’s tail swished, his heart jumping in his chest as he felt himself getting closer. He could never see himself making love as he came, not when fucking felt so much better. She was already on her second orgasm when he arched into her, and felt into him for a sloppy, hungry kiss.
-
His tongue and his cock buried themselves in sync, enshrouding him in the warmth of this gorgeous girl. Cosmo's moans were growing loud and lively which pushed him over the edge. He could only muster a few thrusts before he pulled out, spilling his pent-up load along the curves of her stomach.
Cosmo caught herself on his shoulders, experiencing a full-body shiver. "Oh, yes… that was great…"
Ibuki emitted a breathy chuckle. "You say that like you don't get dick every day of the week."
"It's better when the guy is handsome," Cosmo mumbled while fussing with his mane. "And even better if I know the guy."
The black market was a lonely place. Ibuki had been one of Cosmo's only friends, and truthfully, she was saddened by the idea of him leaving her behind. She wouldn't drop that guilt on him, though, so she quietly helped him clean up and enjoyed this visit. There was no telling how many more she'd get.
"Maybe it's stupid," Ibuki said, "but I really do think that helped. I'm feeling a lot more optimistic about all this."
Cosmo grinned. "I think you're going to do well for yourself. You're a good man, Ibuki." She gave him a tight hug and a farewell, then departed out the door.
Not long after, Ibuki collapsed onto his bed and blocked out the buzzing thoughts in his head. He drifted into the best sleep he'd had in a while, ready to take on whatever came tomorrow.
Chapter Text
“Put it right over there.” Oguma told him as he went into the next room, leaving Ibuki alone for a few moments. On the desk were important documents spread out. One of them caught his eye, he leaned over, turning the sheet around to read some of it.
It was a declaration of bankruptcy for one of Horns’ pharmaceutical branches. One that served carnivores in rural areas. The lion frowned. What would bankruptcy mean for the animals who relied on them?
Beside it was a proposal for a supposed private insurance, he figured that they were going to take away the free clinics to make everyone pay. It made him sick, but…that was business.
He put everything back in its place as he heard Oguma returning. “I’m not hungry today, want to share?” He asked. Ibuki nodded. “Sure, it’s about time for my break anyway.” They both sat down, and Ibuki’s mind was a mess of thoughts.
They were both awkward, from what he gathered, Oguma may have many acquaintances but very few friends.
“You know…” He began, as he started opening up the bag. “I feel like you’re just about tired of the same food everyday.” He took out and opened up the containers.
Oguma shook his head. “I eat to live, not to enjoy.” He said with a shrug. “What’s the point of living if your life is only about survival?” Ibuki asked with a smirk.
“You tell me. I can’t help but get this feeling that you’ve been only surviving for some time.” Ibuki’s smirk faded as he slowly began to nod.
“Maybe. But some of us don’t have a choice.” He said. “True.” Oguma agreed. “Sometimes I have dreams where I’m someone other than me…there are times those cross into nightmares. I don’t know who I would be if I wasn’t forced to be here.
Forced? Ibuki almost wanted to laugh. If there was a single threat to his money, he was sure the deer would go ballistic. Never mind giving it all up to be an average joe.
“I think…that maybe this arrangement we have. Would be better if we saw each other outside of work.” Ibuki said.
-
"I tend to agree." Oguma looked comtemplative. "The problem is that I don't have much time to myself outside of business affairs. I'm unsure how that would work."
"Right, yeah. Wouldn't want to pull you away from your super important job."
For the first time, Ibuki noticed Oguma's ears flittering around. They seemed to get more active the harder Oguma's brows scrunched together. Eventually, the deer peered his way. "My job is important. Tremendously important."
"So is enjoying yourself, you know?" Ibuki persuaded. "Come on, when's the last time you… I don't know, went on a boat?"
Oguma snorted. "On a boat? I own more boats than I own cars—"
"And I bet you've only been on the water once, on any of them. Am I wrong?"
"Well, ah, I…"
"If you've been waiting on an excuse to use them, here it is!" Ibuki stood abruptly and threw his hands up. "Let's go sail on your fanciest boat. We can go to one of those little islands off the shore for an afternoon. Or maybe just blast some fireworks off the deck. Or just sail around and eat some fruit in lounge chairs. It doesn't matter, let's just go out and fucking do something!"
The uncertainty in Oguma's eyes was fading. "That… does sound very nice. Maybe as an evening event, I could fit it into my schedule… somehow…"
"There you go!" Ibuki hadn't expected to excite himself this much, but watching this guy come out of his comfort zone was satisfying. Plus, he might get to sail the ocean on an expensive-ass boat. That was never something he saw himself doing.
"I'm starting to think you might not be the best influence," Oguma said with a small smirk.
Ibuki crossed his arms. "I never said I was, did I?"
They both chuckled, and Oguma leaned back in his chair. "I suppose I'm committed to the plan now. I'll need a way to contact you once I have everything set up. Phone number?"
This was going awfully well, Ibuki thought. He read off his number for Oguma to take note of, and not long after, he was descending the Horns elevator once again. This time, he was feeling more hopeful than ever.
-
This felt wrong, what’s happened? Why was his mind everywhere else but where it needed to be? This yacht was a gift from Whitetail Industries. A bribe that didn’t come out in their favor. Taking it out on a beautiful, quiet day felt like a dream.
A dream he felt guilty for having as he looked at his young companion. No…that’s not what this was. He was a friend. This is what it meant to have a friend, not everything was a transaction, not everything was about sex…or money.
“Relax, Oguma. I could feel you over thinking from here.” Ibuki said as he laid out comfortably on one of the lounge chairs.
“Sorry, I guess it’s just hard for me to relax.” Oguma joined him, the lion could feel his eyes looking him up and down. This was the art of catching prey, sometimes they walked right into the trap.
“Have you ever been married?” Ibuki asked. The question caught Oguma off guard after he had zoned out. “Uh…once. But we divorced soon after.” He replied.
“Why?”
Oguma laid back as well, looking out at the dock pier that grew more distant. “Because I’m infertile. I always blamed her for not being able to conceive, we were young and it was our duty to produce descendants. It wasn’t until afterward that I found out that I was the problem all along.”
"Oh. Damn." This was uncharted territory for Ibuki; making a child was something he'd never even thought about. As he sunk further into his chair, a meandering memory made itself known. "Hold up… at the bar you said you had a kid, right? A son?"
"Ah, that I did." There it was again; that wistful tone. "He was adopted. I raised him to act as my biological child. It would've been less controversial when he… if he took control of the company."
"I gotcha." It was clear this was a touchy topic, so Ibuki steered away. "Hey, uh, I've never been on a boat before, let alone one this nice. Thanks for letting me join you."
Oguma granted him a smile. "I should be thanking you. I do believe I needed a brief excursion like this, especially with my current workload. There's so many matters to tend to, so many issues to resolve."
"Man, I don't even know what you do up in that office all day. What kind of issues?"
"Ugh." Oguma massaged between his eyes. "For one thing, I'm currently in contention with the city mayor. He has this project he wants me to… you know what? Nevermind, let's not talk about work. This is supposed to be a relaxing outing, after all."
Fuck! Ibuki was almost teed up right there. He hid his annoyance behind a curt nod. "Yeah, okay. Maybe later."
Just then, a well-groomed, well-dressed sheep emerged from the cabins, carrying a silver platter. More noticeably, he was carrying a petrified expression. "S-sirs. Your delicacies: t-two vanilla berry frozen parfaits. Uhm, a-a-and sparkling waters, as refreshments." With extreme caution, the poor sheep rounded Ibuki's chair to slowly place the platter on the table.
Oguma reached for his treat. "Thank you, Yuta. Your service will be unneeded for the remainder of our trip. Feel free to enjoy the back deck, if you so please."
"O-oh! Wonderful, sir! Thank you, sir!" He politely bowed in Oguma's direction, before turning to face Ibuki. "S-sir." He bowed again, much more rigidly, then scurried back to where he'd came from.
Ibuki let out a snicker he'd been suppressing. "Good to see I'm a comfortable guest to have around."
"I must apologize," Oguma muttered. "My staff is not often exposed to other species. They're mostly herbivorous, you see."
"Mostly?" Ibuki said slyly.
Oguma sighed. "Entirely. That's simply the culture of Horns. It's a traditional concept."
-
“Tradition, huh? That might be why you’re so uptight. Tradition isn’t meant to be rigid. It’s supposed to be something you hold on to because it reminds you of the times that you already lived and you want to be reminded of it.”
Oguma had to admit he was impressed with how wise Ibuki was for someone so young. “These were never meant to be enjoyed…only to keep us safe and perpetuate our kind.
The deer reached for his spoon and Ibuki did the same, their hands meeting for a brief touch. He took his hand away as if he had been burned.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t-“
“It’s okay! Really.” Ibuki could see just how flustered he was and for a moment it was laughable until it occurred to him…
He reached for Oguma’s hand, taking it into his own. The deer was about to argue, but instead he held on. “What is this?” He murmured, looking between Ibuki and their joined hands. “You’re touch starved. How long as it really been since you’ve fucked, kiss, or even held someone’s hand?” Ibuki asked, his thumb rubbing circles in the inside of Oguma’s palm.
“I don’t know. After I brought my son home, it was as though the real work began to put Horns back on top. My father made so many dead deals that we were nearly forced to sell after he died. I guess…I haven’t been with a man in 18 years.”
Ibuki slowly released him, picking up a spoon and holding it out for Oguma to take.
“It’s nothing to me to offer that touch…” Ibuki trailed.
Oguma was already shaking his head. “You’re a little for me, aren’t you? To be flirting like that?” He shut it down. Ibuki frowned, turning on the radio as Oguma accepted the spoon. He began to worry that he had ruined the mood.
-
They snacked in silence, with only the sound of the yacht's underbelly cutting through the water as a backdrop. It was beginning to feel uncomfortable for Ibuki, what with the rocking of the deck and the sea surrounding them on all sides. Or maybe the discomfort stemmed from the prolonged quietness.
"I'm going inside," Ibuki decided. He rose from his chair and wandered into the cabins, searching for… well, he didn't know where he was going. Somewhere with AC, hopefully.
-
Yuta wasn't sure why the boss had rescheduled his entire week for this sailing expidition, nor why the boss trusted that lion to tag along. They'd only met a few times, and although they seemed to be hitting it off, Oguma had never warmed up to anyone that fast, whether business-related or otherwise.
But if it meant Yuta received some free time to lounge on the back deck of an elite yacht, then he wouldn't complain. He was reclined at the poolside, shades on, dress shirt unbuttoned, soaking it all in. Being the head butler for such a wealthy figure certainly had its perks.
He heard the interior door slide open, though he didn't bother to turn around. "Rafa, if that's you, I was told to relax back here. Boss's orders."
A deep, grumbly voice replied, "Nah, it's just me."
Yuta almost flipped his entire chair into the pool with how he scrambled about. A pitchy squeak darted from his tongue while his eyes blew open, ogling the predator in his midst.
"Sorry," Ibuki said. "Didn't mean to scare you."
"M-m-mister Ibuki!" Yuta was gripping the armrest with more force than he'd exerted in years. "Can you—can I help you, sir?"
The lion stepped closer. "Maybe. Can we talk privately? Or is there, like, rules that you have to tell Oguma everything you hear?"
"N-nothing of the sort!" Oh heavens, if those approaching claws aren't the end of him, then this oncoming heart attack will surely finish the deed.
"Dude. Can you chill out? I'm not going to eat you, or whatever." Ibuki seemed genuinely irritated. "I just have some questions."
Yuta took a few deep breaths. "Like what, sir?"
Ibuki rolled his eyes. "Okay, first, can you drop the 'sir'? I think that's weird for both of us."
"Yes, of course, si… Ibuki." Yuta would have to admit, the formality was odd with someone decades younger than himself. "Questions, you said?"
"Yeah, if you don't mind." Ibuki strolled over and lowered himself into a chair, which squealed under the weight of his muscular frame. "So, me and your boss are getting along pretty well. But I think he still has his reservations about me. You know?"
Yuta hesitantly nodded along.
"I want to do something thoughtful for him. Just something to show I'm a good… friend. And since you probably know him pretty well, I came to you. Is there anything he likes to do, or watch, or talk about? Any ideas at all?"
-
“He’s never been particularly expressive and usually adapts to the interests of his clients when it comes to recreational activities. I remember…there was an outing he had with the head of BullRunner Entertainment. He came back raving about a movie he saw with his son about a king teaching the prince how to look over the kingdom. It was lovely, first time I’d ever seen them come back home in such good spirits!”
“I know that movie… with the deer. It was good. Is there a place we could watch movies here? But we don’t have any WiFi out here, do we?” Ibuki asked.
Yuta got up and stretched, curling a finger to signal him to follow. They went down into the deck, past the dining area.
“The sea has the best WiFi, I would hope so with all the navigations ships need from one point to the next.” He explained, opening the door to a huge room with a screen and two rows of reclining chairs on either side of the aisle.
“If you could find it, I’m sure it would make him very happy to see it again!” Yuta said with a smile. Ibuki was in awe. He couldn’t even imagine having his own theatre. How do animals with so much excess?
“I can. I want a beautiful dinner, too. Something nice…and the strongest alcohol you got.”
The sheep raised a brow. “Oguma has never cared much for hard liquors.” He said. Ibuki laughed, “I meant for me. I think, I want to be close to him, but he’s scared…and so am I.” The lion clarified. Yuta’s skeptical expression softened to realization.
Of course, he was aware of the master’s proclivities, he knew his preference since he was just a young buck. If he was eyeing this carnivore, the sheep couldn’t help but become burdened with worry.
“I’ll see what I can do.”
-
Yuta exited the room, leaving Ibuki alone in the extravagant space. He found the remote for the screen and clicked through the various menus, landing on a streaming service. After a bit more searching, he found the movie he was looking for!
This might just work, after all. Hopefully, whatever supper was being cooked up would set the ideal mood. He needed to capture Oguma's interest with no room for doubt.
Ibuki had heard about "dinner and a movie" before, but this was on a whole other level. This would be the most expensive meal of his life, followed by a film in a fancy private theater, all on board a lavish yacht.
He had to laugh to himself. This might never feel normal.
-
It wouldn't be fair to blame Oguma for falling asleep in his lounge chair. With the scent of salty air and the sound of rolling waves, he didn't stand a chance. He'd never been one to nap for long, though. His eyes flittered open not long after, and he looked around to find that he was still isolated on the deck.
He let loose a sigh. His intention hadn't been to make Ibuki uncomfortable with that earlier comment, but the lion's forwardness had caught him off gaurd. That, and Oguma was still hesitant. He hadn't held anyone's hand in so long; such contact from a carnivore he'd known for less than two weeks was startling.
Even so, he couldn't deny that the strong palm wrapped around his own had caused a flurry of heat within his chest.
Light footfalls resounded from the stairs. "Master Oguma," an elderly ewe announced, "dinner for two is prepared."
-
“Dinner?” Oguma sighed, slowly getting up from his chair. He went down to the dining hall where Ibuki was already waiting. Taking a few deep breaths to calm the flutter of his stomach, he sat in the seat right in front of him.
“I, uh…wanted to apologize for earlier. I don’t know what came over me, I think I’m far beyond overworked to the point where my judgement is clouded.” He looked up at Ibuki who nodded, his brows furrowed thoughtfully. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Oguma. I don’t think…you realize that you’re allowed to have feelings when you’re not around everyone at your company breathing down your neck!”
Oguma chuckled as a server approached with a tray. “I’ve always been this way…ever since I can remember. I was taught that feelings get in the way of making good decisions.” He said as he looked at the spread being put out in front of him.
Mussels and oysters, caviar, savory omelets, caviar, honey and biscuits, carob chips covered strawberries…
“Oh…” He got the hint. “I know you’re gonna take time to trust me considering how we met. But if you think I want to use you…or hurt you, you’re wrong. I just want…”
“I know what you want.” Oguma murmured, cutting him off. “These past few days with you have been the best since my son left home. I’m afraid that once you get what you want, I’m not going to see you anymore.” He tried to be more discreet as their wine was poured.
“Then…let me at least try to convince you that you’re wrong.” The lion challenged with a playful grin, he took a bit of caviar and spread it on one of those fancy mini toasts, feeding it to Oguma. “After dinner, I found a movie for us, and then I wanna get into the hot tub with you.” For someone who thought of himself as a perpetual loner, even he fooled himself into thinking he was romantic.
After dinner, they sat down for their movie and it couldn’t have gone any better as far as Ibuki was concerned. Huge tears fell down the billionaires cheeks, it was fascinating to see him try to be subtle but his attempted to hide them were weak as be became more engrossed in the film.
They went out to the hot tub as the sun was setting, and just as Ibuki was taking off his shirt to get in, he remembered something. “Shit….my tattoos!”
Amidst his fright, Ibuki barely registered that he'd blurted out the thought. He only realized when he heard a concerned voice at his back.
"I'm not that traditionalist," Oguma said after a scoff. "A bit of ink won't scare me off."
"No, that's not… ugh, nevermind." Ibuki got busy throwing his shirt back on. "I'll just dip my feet in."
"Hold on!" Oguma's volume seemed to catch even himself off guard. "I would really like you to join me in the water. Please?"
Again, Ibuki groaned. "Fine." He tossed his top aside, just as Oguma did, and they both stepped into the bubbling tub. The warmth didn't do much to quell Ibuki's distress; he was more concerned with hiding the left half of his body.
Oguma wouldn't let it go so easily. "Don't be bashful," he remarked with a smirk. "I hardly got a view of them. What do they say?"
"Nothing." Ibuki submerged everything up to his neck. His body hadn't acclimated to the temperature yet, but he much preferred the searing heat of the pool over the discomforting heat in his cheeks.
"Oh, come on! They didn't look embarrassing at all. I just want a peek."
Ibuki's teeth were grinding against each other. "Can you drop it?"
"Hey, I'm only attempting to make conversation. There must be some story behind them! Perhaps remnants of a previous relationship? Or maybe some flavorful movie references? Or how about—"
"Okay, here! Have a fucking look!" Ibuki flung himself out of the water and launched his arm in Oguma's direction. His rapid splashing caused a spew of water to smack Oguma in the face.
The deer shook off the water and blinked. His jaw was suspended in astonishment, but instead of speaking, he lowered his focus onto the outstretched arm. "Recovery from exhaustion… increased muscle strength… I don't think I understand."
-
“It got them when I was 12 years old. My parents weren’t fond of me. My mom was a pushover and my dad would beat us black and blue when he felt like it. Sold me one day…as livestock to the hyperdrug trade.” He turned his face away in shame. Only a few hours into their getaway and things were beginning to fall apart.
Ibuki was beginning to second guess himself, he wanted to get out of here, reevaluate everything and come back with a new plan.
Noticing that Oguma had gone quiet, he turned his attention back to him, seeing that he was contemplating something.
“My son was livestock.” He said after a while, he sat with his back against the wall as the warm water bubbled all around them. “I got him when he was just 5 years old, alone, shivering in a huge cage to be sold as carnivore food.”
Ibuki was stunned. “You…went to the black market just to buy a fawn? I could a million different things you could have done!” Slowly, Ibuki lowered himself beside the deer whose nose twitched, ears swiveling, agitated and overwhelmed with emotion.
“I needed a fast solution that was impossible to investigate.” Oguma felt the lion put his arm around him, and let him, leaning into his touch.
“It couldn’t come back to me. Ever. I wanted into that place alone with only a knife and a briefcase full of money. I’d do it again…” When he looked at him, Ibuki was mere inches from Oguma’s face. The deer’s breaths became slightly more rapid with that sudden spike of fear.
“Stop…” He said, as he took Oguma’s face into his hands and leaned in for a kiss so fast that it barely registered to Oguma. “I want this, but it’s not something I could have ever again. Not with you, not when I’m expected to-“
Ibuki thrust his body between Oguma’s legs and caged him in his arms as he spoke softly. “Fuck that…we both gained and lost something from that horrible place. Don’t you think we’re owed just a little bit of time away, pretending none of it ever happened?”
Oguma gave a gentle push of resistance against as Ibuki continued to grind his hips into his most sensitive areas.
"I… I don't know what I'm owed." Oguma gulped. "We're so different, you and I."
"You say that," Ibuki muttered, "but we have more in common than I first thought. This isn't business. This is a real connection."
As much as Oguma's brain wanted to dispel that notion, he simply couldn't. Not when this handsome lion was breathing down his neck, caressing his rosy cheeks, pressing against his… "Can I trust you?" Oguma breathed.
Ibuki grunted, eyes half-lidded. "Yeah."
Oguma wrapped his arms around Ibuki's back for stability, then pulled himself forward to reach the lion's lips. Their wet environment made the kiss slippery and sloppy, but Ibuki's rich taste prevailed. He was surprisingly sweet and wholly enamoring.
Ibuki leaned further into the stag, allowing their bare chests to prod against one another. The motion caused some shifting further down; Oguma couldn't hold back a moan. Their kiss remained simple, just two sets of lips striving to sieze the moment.
Ibuki pulled back so they could both take a breath, then returned for more. His hands ventured from the Oguma's neck all the way down his flanks, then found the waist of his trunks. Just when he began to tug at the clothing, Oguma hitched and pushed away. "Ah! We shouldn't."
"What? Why not?" Ibuki's disappointment wasn't feigned. This older deer had genuinely gotten him worked up. "Were you not enjoying it?"
Oguma waved him off while catching his breath. "No, no. It's just… the staff… I don't wish to get too loud."
Ibuki had to agree that was reasonable, even if it made his shoulders slump. They waded in the tub for a while longer, but what was either man supposed to say after that? Ibuki got out not long afterwards, and Oguma was quick to follow.
Chapter Text
This type of recklessness didn’t align with who he was at all. Even though they didn’t go all the way, Oguma felt as though he had crossed a line. Sleeping beside a lion.
A lion who had admitted more than once that he was involved with the black market, and who had other criminals in pursuit of him, was more than reckless. It was inviting trouble, playing with fire that could grow out of control at any time.
Oguma sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. His phone lit up, alerting him of 15 new text messages and a missed call from a number he recognized.
He grunted, grabbing the phone and opening them up. It was as though the company couldn’t go a day without him.
Most of these were employees begging for answers to problems that had simple solutions. It was embarrassing. He put phone down after sending a mass email requesting that they wait until he returned.
Oguma sighed, getting up from the bed. The shift of the mattress waking up Ibuki. “Where are you going?” He asked, raising his head slightly.
“I’m going to use the restroom and make a phone call.” Oguma said. Ibuki sat up, rubbing his eyes before putting on his glasses, he blinked rapidly as he realized he couldn’t see a damn thing:
He took them off, “I think these are yours.” He said, handing them to Oguma before finding his and putting them on.
“Thanks. So, uh…what do you want to do today?” Oguma scratched his muzzle awkwardly, avoiding eye contact like a shy teenager.
Ibuki held back a chuckle. “What if we finished what we started last night?” He said. This dancing around their desires reminded him so much of the boss.
He wouid say anything, except what he really wanted.
The phone was ringing again, and Oguma sighed exasperatedly as he answered. “What is it?” He asked, immediately recognizing the number of the mayor’s office.
-
"Good morning, Oguma! I assume you've been busy; it's been a hassle to reach you these past 24 hours." The mayor's chipper tone couldn't fully mask the annoyance that lay beneath.
Oguma scoured over his ruffled fur in the bathroom mirror. "Yes, very busy indeed. Which is why I implore that you state your reason for calling."
"There’s no need to be so short with me! I told you from the beginning that this wasn’t just going to go away. You can be as hostile as you want, but I have some new developments related to our previous discussion that might interest you."
This was perhaps the last thing Oguma wanted to be thinking about currently, but he had to accept his time was running out. The need for a decision was weighing on his shoulders. He couldn't let this adversary know that, though, so Oguma exercised his most powerful move: remaining eerily silent.
"Here's the thing," the mayor continued. "I understand you don't want your righteous company's name to have affiliation with my son's research, because you want your herbivore shareholders to know that you’re working with carnivores for meat legalization. So I'll sweeten the deal. Fund my son's initiative, and I'll ensure our connection remains unknown. If any media outlet utters a peep about our deal, I'll personally take care of it. That way, your image stays clean, you still retain all future profits from this project, and we can further push for a safe, and the city loses the need for a crime infested black market!"
"Concealing this 'initiative' doesn't alter the fact it's still reprehensible! I want no part of it."
For a moment, all that could be heard through the receiver was a low rumble. "I'm only trying to be congenial. This deal is an inevitablility. Why not make this easier for yourself? How about this, I’ll bring Raul with me and we’ll have a contract signing. We settle this deal and let our research team start their trials, in exchange…I’ll tell you where Louis is."
Before Oguma could respond, three resounding knocks came from the locked door, followed by Ibuki's groggy voice. "Hey, uh, Oguma?"
Said deer covered his phone's speaker before shouting back, "One moment, please!" He then brought his phone close enough to whisper. "Don’t you dare bring him into this! You have no idea where he is. Now, I have other business to attend to. This will have to wait."
"I'm afraid that's not possible," the mayor remarked. "This needs to happen soon, Oguma. If I don't hear from you in the next three days, I know that’s what you want more than anything: to have answers to the what ifs that have been plaguing you for years. I’ll keep in touch."
The call ended immediately. Oguma brought his other palm to his head, then let it slide down his face in a display of irritation. It was much too early to be distressed about this. He trudged to the door, unlocked it, and swung it open to ease his troubles with a pleasing sight.
Ibuki was idling against the wall in only his boxers, exhibiting youthful musculature on every furry curve and divot. He scratched at his mane while his left ear flicked around. "A bit early for a work call, huh?"
-
“It’s not…” Oguma sighed, coming out of the bathroom to let him in. “It’s something I’ve been trying to avoid, but it seems like it’s an inevitable problem.” The stag rubbed at his aching neck and sat down, the weight of his horns bore down painfully as much as the weight of his decision.
Why would he know where Louis was? Unless…he knew the whole time, and never said so. It had to be a trick. A muffled voice cut through his introspection and he realized that Ibuki was talking to him. “What was that?” He asked, shaking his head to focus his attention.
“Your butler says we’re about to dock at La Viña Bay, I’ve only heard about it in movies. Wanna explore a bit?” Ibuki went into bathroom and turned on the sink.
“Not much to see but a golf course, a couple of malls, and a coastal vineyard.” Oguma shrugged with a yawn.
“Every town has places hidden away that animals like you never get to see since they’re not…expensive enough.” Ibuki chuckled under his breath, this conversation felt like deja vu.
“The rich never get to experience the same fun as the poor, Louis. It’s different when there’s nothing to show off.”
-
As they ascended the rows and rows of white stairs leading up the hills from the beach to the streets and well-to-do properties that surrounded it, the sound of the ocean became fainter into what was almost a gentle whisper.
They reached the top, which was pretty much empty as it looked out over a bunch of extravagant back yards, Ibuki looked around. “What’s that way?” he asked, nodding to their left.
“It leads outside of this community to the dwellings of the locals. Never been on that side, myself.” Oguma admitted.
“Then let’s go!” He grabbed Oguma by the hand and lead him in that direction. Oguma had to hold on just to keep up with him, his contagious excitement sending a rush of adrenaline through the deer. The view was breathtaking: a complete view of the beach, water stretched as far as the eye can see.
Skyscrapers stretched all the way to the sky while the overcast clouds parted and allowed the sun to cast delicate shadows over that were broken up into patches as the sunlight peeked through the gaps of the buildings.
Ibuki sniffed the air. "I smell silvervine, haha! I'm already starting to relax..."
“What’s that?” Oguma asked, confused.
“Don’t worry, we’ll try some!”
The further they ventured, the more different everything around them started to look. They were met with a bustling street whose volume was only interrupted by the sounds of police sirens and a someone playing loud music in the street.
The lion could already sense that they were venturing deeper into an area that felt much more like home.
"Ibuki...do you think we're lost?" The deer asked, unable to hide the unease in his voice. He followed closely behind the lion, his eyes darting around the unfamiliar streets.
“No, I think we found what we’re looking for! Are you any good at pool?”
-
"As a matter of fact, I'm quite adept." Oguma decided against bragging about the large billiards room within his mansion. Pool was one of the few non-business interests his father had taken to, and also one of the few non-business skills his father had bothered to teach him. "Let me guess, that establishment caught your eye?"
Oguma pointed towards the pub sitting right on the corner. Its flashy, old-fashioned aesthetic made it stand out from the surrounding architecture. On its neon sign was a
Ibuki was already wandering that way, seemingly magnetized to the building. "Come on, let's check it out!"
The interior was more subdued than the outside, with antiquated wooden panelling for the floors and walls, decorated with all sorts of racing photos and classic rock posters. The scent of freshly cooked meals in the kitchen, as well as the aroma of matured alcohol, were reminiscent of Ibuki's favorite dives back in the heart of the city. "First things first, I could use some fuel. Wanna sit?"
Oguma nodded in agreement. They found a booth, and an elderly crane quickly took their orders. It wouldn't take long for their food to arrive, since their weren't many patrons at the dining tables. Much of the occupancy was over at the bar, which was surprisingly active for midday hours. A couple animals were taking turns at the nearby dart board, and over by the advertised pool tables, a handful of serious-looking boys were sinking some shots.
Ibuki smirked. He couldn't wait to show off.
As expected, their plates came out nice and quick. While Oguma had gone safe with a salad, Ibuki splurged on some junk food. "You want some?" Ibuki asked, gesturing to his fried mozarella sticks.
"I've never tried them. Doesn't look very appealing, nor nutritious."
"What?! You've never—?" Ibuki had to pause in order to compose himself. "Mozz sticks are, like, the best thing ever! I'm begging you, try one." He scooted the plate forward.
Oguma rolled his eyes, but couldn't keep his lips from turning upwards. "If you insist." He followed Ibuki's adamant instruction to dip the fried snack in the accompanying marinara sauce, then took a considerable bite. Some cheese desperately tried to hang on to the rest of the stick; Oguma fought a battle to sever the stretchy dairy, to Ibuki's amusement.
Oguma only had to chew for a few moments to appreciate the flavor. It was extremely funky, nothing like the fancy charcuterie cheese he was accustomed to. Yet he couldn't deny that the simple taste was… dangerously addicting. He swallowed up the rest of the stick and reached for another.
Ibuki lit up. "Good, huh?"
"Scarily so."
The lion genoroously offered more of his plate, so the pair munched in companionable silence. Only once their plates were clean and their check was paid did they rise from their booth.
Ibuki continued to eye the billiards table. "Want to show me what you got?"
-
"We are," Oguma responded without missing a beat. "Just passing through, enjoying ourselves."
"Right! Awesome." The young avians seemed thoroughly pleased by that answer. "My name's Derek," the eagle said, "and I'd love to give you guys a warm welcome. How about a fun little wager match?"
An integral part of the business world is acting, a skill Oguma had honed during his decades of dealings. Perhaps there might be other applications, too. He put on a big smile. "That sounds splendid. My friend here can go first. He was about to teach me the rules, but I'll just watch instead."
Ibuki's eyes widened while he sent a crazed look at Oguma. "I—what?"
Derek let out a hearty chuckle. "Ah, so you're the better player?" he asked Ibuki. "Let's rack these back up."
They decided to play one game with five bucks on the line. Derek politely allowed Ibuki to break, which hardly went better than his previous attempt. The birds had to hold back their laughter.
Derek immediately took advantage by sinking a few balls in succession, and Ibuki quickly fell behind. The poor lion failed to knock in a single shot during his first couple of turns. Oguma was no help, standing off to the side with his innocent smile plastered on his snout. Irritation and embarrassment fought for precedence, causing Ibuki's tail to lash around wildly.
The eagle intentionally missed some of his shots, but even still, the round was over in the blink of an eye. Ibuki begrudgingly forked over some cash while Derek feigned sportsmanship. "That was a close one! We could run it back, if you want."
That's when Oguma finally stepped in. "I'd like to give it a go. This game doesn't look too hard." He snatched Ibuki's stick and gave his disgruntled lion a subtle wink.
Derek's delight would've been visible from a mile away. "You're holding the stick backwards there, buddy."
"Oh, am I? Silly me!" Oguma made a show of awkwardly flipping the instrument around. "I feel quite confident that this is easy, so I'd like a hefty wager. How's two hundred sound?" The deer didn't wait for an answer; he slapped a pair of bills onto the edge of the table.
"Works for me!" Derek exclaimed. He placed his own cash onto the pile, and once again allowed his opponent to start things off.
Oguma lowered himself into a shooting stance and took a steadying breath. It had been a while since he'd hit a cue ball. Hopefully he's still got it.
Crack!
The arrangement of balls whisked across the table at lightspeed. Two solids rattled into the corners, and a third gracefully stagnated perfectly next to the side pocket.
Yep. Still got it.
A trio of beaks fell open, as well as a lion's maw. Oguma turned and gave them a radiant grin. "Would you look at that! It is easy!"
Now Derek was the one fighting to catch up, and it swiftly became apparent he didn't stand a chance. For each clean shot Oguma sank, he earned a resounding curse. His missed attempts managed to make Derek's shots impossible, which added more fuel to the fire.
"Aaron! Beat this guy!" Derek handed his stick off to a falcon, who clearly had more expertise than his pal. Even still, Oguma was wiping the board. He didn't miss Ibuki's growing smirk, either.
"Far corner," Oguma called. With a final shot, he potted the 8-ball and won the game. His celebration of choice was a slight adjustment to his glasses. "That was a fun time, gentlemen." He strutted around the table and claimed his winnings. "Now if you'll excuse us—"
A set of talons grasped at his collar before he could react. "You think you're real funny, huh?" Derek spat. The other birds flanked him with menacing scowls. "You made a mistake messing with me. I'm gonna wipe that smug look off your—"
An avian took a frenzied fist to the side of the head, and another bird was thrown over the table. Oguma used the distraction to break free from his aggressor's grasp, which allowed Ibuki to safely shove Derek into the wall.
Ibuki turned tail, but not before helping Oguma balance himself. "Run!"
Oguma didn't need to be told twice. The duo burst out of the entryway and sprinted down the sidewalk. The birds weren't far behind; their furious shouts were all the motivation Oguma needed.
This wasn't a foreign situation for Ibuki. He didn't panic. While guiding Oguma, he took a turn, then another turn, then led them down an alley, then back out onto the open street. By the time they stopped for air, those boys were nowhere in sight.
Chapter Text
They stopped once they realized that they weren’t being chased anymore. Oguma nearly stumbled, holding himself up against the wall of a smoking shop trying to catch his breath. “Well…we won some money.” He shrugged. Ibuki laughed, “Want your cut?” He asked. “Keep it.” Oguma refused:
They found themselves in the middle of a busy street. It looked like the black market but lined with herbivore vendors. On their stalls were strange plants Oguma had never seen before. His nose caught the scent on the wind and he began to follow it.
“See something?” Ibuki asked as he did a little jog to keep up with him. “That smell, it’s so good, what is that?” Oguma past the first few stalls until he managed to sniff out the one where the delicious smell was coming from. Running the stall was as an young water deer who perked as he saw them approach.
“Hey, could I interest you guys in some locoweed or valerian root?” He held out a basket for them. Ibuki scrunched up his nose at the smell, the sickeningly sweet valerian root was especially potent, and almost made him dizzy.
“What are these?” Oguma pointed to a small bag on the counter with some strange looking pods inside. “Oh! These are morning glory seeds! They’re guaranteed to take the edge right off!” He was already packing one into a paper bag while Oguma dug for his wallet.
“Here, I’ll give you extra one on the house, for your friend.” He winked as he took the money from Oguma. “Thank you.”
Ibuki followed Oguma to a fountain outside of a huge office building mostly concealed by run down scaffolding. “I’ve never seen that stuff before. What is it?” Ibuki asked, Oguma said nothing as he put one of the bags into the lion’s hand and started tearing open his own.
“No idea, but I couldn’t resist.” The deer took some of the pods out of the plastic and cracked them in his hand, picking out the seeds and letting them roll around in his palm.
“Well, here it goes…” He popped them into his mouth. To Ibuki, this stuff looked and smelled awful, but the deer seemed to be enjoying it just fine, closing his eyes to quietly savor the taste. “Mmm…” He hummed.
“Is it good?” Ibuki asked, venturing to open his own. “I don’t think I can eat these…Oguma?” He looked up and noticed his antlers were swaying.
“Oguma!”
“This feels…really fucking good…” Oguma mumbled nonsensically, staggering back and falling into the fountain.
-
"Oh, fuck!" Ibuki floundered to reach for Oguma's slack body. He managed to pull the sopping wet stag out from the water, and immediately became soaked himself when Oguma drooped onto him for support.
"Oops." Oguma tittered into his palm and made a half-hearted attempt to fix his glasses. They remained lopsided on his snout.
Ibuki tossed the bag and its contents to the wayside. "How strong is that shit?" he muttered. His immediate focus went into keeping Oguma upright, which only grew more troublesome with the deer's incessant giggling. "Hey, let's try to go somewhere else, yeah?"
"Nooo… I'm busy right now," Oguma said very sternly to the gravel footpath. "Circle back to me…"
"Come on, we're going." Ibuki lifted himself and Oguma to their feet, then looped a limp arm over his own shoulders. After a cursive scan of the area, he located the most barren direction and treaded that way. The last thing he wanted was for someone to see a looming lion dragging a drugged herbivore around, so he carefully checked corners while navigating the stark townscape.
Oguma definitely wasn't happy. He was tossing out swears like a sailor, not some rich business mogul. At least he was cooperating.
"How're you doing?" Ibuki asked while looking for any form of safe haven.
"Not good… he won't listen to me…"
"Huh? What do you mean?" By the second, Ibuki was growing more grateful he abstained from those seeds. "I'm listening, I promise."
Oguma's speech was almost too faint to discern. "…named after a king… very regal…"
"Yeah, that's nice."
"Mhm… the 's' is silent…"
Ibuki's balance wavered for a brief moment while the words tumbled inside his brain. He wasn't sure what to say, so he simply swallowed and pressed onward.
-
Of all the things he could have found on his own, why did it have to be drugs?
He had to get Oguma back to the yacht. The problem was that they were all turned around from all the running. They were lost.
He tried to retrace their steps and managed to find the path leading from the stairs to shore. They were almost home free, as least he thought so. “Hey! Get over here, lion! What are you doing with that deer?!”
Cops.
“Fuck!” They were already chasing after them when he scooped Oguma up and attempted to run with him in his arms.
"Hey, hey, come back here!"
Oguma’s legs flailed wildly as Ibuki tried to run down those stairs and immediately realized that wasn’t going to work. Instead, he ran towards the parking lot of the Island Boat Club.
He started checking the knobs of all the cars until one of them opened, a silver Toyota. He threw Oguma into the back seat and climbed in.
“Where are you?! You’re just making this harder for yourself by running!” Said the cop who shouted at them as he ran into the lot, looking around, Ibuki heard him as he alerted other cops over his radio to be on the look out for a lion carrying an unconscious deer.
“Mmm…I’m not unconscious!” Oguma mumbled almost too loudly. “Shh!” Ibuki shushed him, wrapping a hand around his muzzle. His heart was pounding in his chest as he watched the cops walking around, looking for them.
After a few minutes, they left, and Ibuki felt like he could finally breathe.
“Ibuki…” Oguma groaned in a sing-song voice. “What is it, Oguma?” He asked rather roughly, blowing a strand of his mane from in front his face. “I think I…I’m ready to be intimate.”
The lion shook his head, he wanted so badly to be angry, and yet he found himself laughing, so much that it shook the entire car.
“No, not here. Come on…”
-
With an equal measure of composure and patience, Ibuki waited out the last few cops. After peeking out the rear windows, he confirmed the coast was clear. "We're almost to the boat," he whispered. "Let's keep moving."
But Oguma's hands were latched onto Ibuki's mane. "You're too handsome… I need you, right now."
A furtive shade of red colored Ibuki's cheeks. Nonetheless, he pushed away from the stag and opened the door. "You'll have to wait. We can't get caught here." He was doing his best to tug Oguma's pouty ass from the back seat.
"…You don't find me attractive?"
"Never said that." Ibuki finally got Oguma to his feet, then leaned close to his flittering ear. "I think you're super hot. And that's the truth."
Initially, Ibuki regretted speaking his mind, because it immediately resulted in another fit of loud giggles from Oguma. Fortunately, the deer was willing and able to take Ibuki's hand and jog in the direction of the docks.
They returned to their yacht in tandem with the setting sun. Once they treaded up the ramp and onto the deck, Ibuki recounted their expidition to the present staff. In no time, they were fetching water and nutrition for their drugged boss, who could hardly make it to the cabins on his own two feet.
Amidst the ruckus, the butler from yesterday grabbed Ibuki's attention. "How much did he take?" the sheep asked worriedly.
"Not a lot," Ibuki assured. "He's already coming down from it. He's going to be fine."
A deep exhale left the sheep's tongue. "Okay… okay. I just—I don't think he's ever been under the influence of drugs before. It's rather jarring to see." He shot Ibuki a curt side-eye. "I don't know how I feel about the precarious business you two underwent… but it's clear that Oguma enjoyed himself. Thank you for providing him a unique experience."
Ibuki smirked. "It was my pleasure. I'm going to check up on him."
The butler waved him off, so Ibuki ventured into the interior and wandered towards the bedroom.
-
He slowly opened the door to see Oguma lying down on his side curled up into almost a ball while in a t-shirt and some boxers. “Are you okay?” He asked. Oguma’s ear flicked in his direction and keep sighed deeply before responding.
“I’m ashamed of myself. That must’ve been…very unbecoming. I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable.”
Oguma opened the eyes as the blanket rustled and the bed shifted as he felt her Oguma getting into bed with him.
“That was…”
“This was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I didn’t get to do much when I was young. My gilded cage didn’t have any doors.” The deer’s voice was somewhat muffled as he lay with his face smooshed against the mattress.
“I’m glad, but why do you keep yourself there? Can’t you just go somewhere, and do all the things you want to do? You’re the boss.”
Oguma chucked softly, and turned his head slightly to look up at him. “It’s not that simple. I don’t know who I would be without this company. It’s literally the reason I was born.” He turned onto his side, lifting his head up as Ibuki went to but a pillow beneath it.
“Do you remember what you said to me?” He asked. Oguma shook his head.
“No. Just that you wanted to sleep with me.”
Oguma looked down and away from him. “That’s…”
“Would it be so wrong to just be together? I like you, and you obviously like me.” Ibuki reached for his hand and Oguma allowed him to take it.
“You’re awfully young…” He murmured.
“I know.”
“And reckless…” He added. Ibuki nodded, “But that’s why I need you. I need someone to tell me what to do, boss…” He swallowed the lump in his throat as he regretted the slip.
-
Oguma frowned, but not for the reason Ibuki thought. "I can't be that for you," Oguma whispered. "All my life, I've been selfish. Demanding. Grim and uncharitable. You shouldn't look to me for guidance."
"For the several days I've known you, you've been nothing like that." Ibuki's voice cracked. He was nearly pleading. "You've helped me more than I can express. I was lost. I never thought I'd be happy again. My life was over, until I found you."
Oguma's response was silence, accompanied by a pensive gaze.
"I need you, and I'm not just saying that. I mean it." Ibuki clenched his eyes shut, forcing out the words. "I don't… I don't have anything else. It's all gone. You've been so good to me… please…"
"Ibuki…"
The lion had taken to Oguma's shoulder, sniveling into his unkempt fur. Ibuki's broken mumblings were muffled, with no hope of being understood. He'd never be understood.
Very rarely did the esteemed deer freeze up, but this was beyond any expected circumstance. He looked down at the carnivore burrowing into his arm, and couldn't help but blankly stare.
He wasn't prepared for this. There were no powerful words to utter to mend the situation. So he acted on instinct, and began to run his fingers through the curly mane.
"Shhh. Shh."
In the time the two had known each other, Oguma had striven to ignore the potential background of this young man. No doubt, the lion had a dangerous, incriminating history. It was scary to consider.
But currently, all Oguma could think about was the strife and loss Ibuki must have gone through. What kind of animal deserves to be put through such experiences? How strong must an animal be to come out the other side?
When Ibuki's sniffles somewhat subsided, Oguma spoke as softly as his tongue could manage. "I believe you make me a better animal when you're around. You make me look at things differently." He leaned close while still scritching Ibuki's head. "I need you, too."
Chapter Text
“I’m surprised to hear that you’ve changed your mind.” The mayor said with a pleased smile in his voice as he sat on the red leather couch in his office. Oguma recoiled slightly, walking away from the window as low rolling thunder rumbled outside.
“Yes…if you know where my son is, I want to know. I know he’s dead, I’ve had that feeling for a long time, but I have to know for sure.“
The last thing he ever wanted to do was give in to the mayor’s demands but after his outing with Ibuki, and having a taste of how how good it felt to make a selfish decision that wasn’t for the company, Oguma wanted to finally know what happened to Louis.
“Yes. He is. I’m sorry.” The mayor. Oguma sobbed, his jaw trembling, he was prepared. He had been for a long time, but the confirmation was still a heavy blow, and the deer had to gather himself. He didn’t want this son of a bitch hear him fall apart over the phone.
“How?” He croaked, his voice hoarse from holding back his emotions. “I don’t know. Meet me this afternoon, I’ll take you to where I know he’s buried.” The mayor was eager to prove that his information was good. That dotted line was so close to being signed he could almost taste it.
Still, he humored the grieving father, giving Oguma time to see for himself.
“How do I know this is real? That could be anyone’s grave.” Oguma said.
“We’ll dig him up. You’ll recognize his face.” The mayor replied. Oguma’s assistant came in and he snapped his fingers to call her over. “Clear my afternoon.” He ordered.
“All I know is.,,that he died on his own terms. It wasn’t the death of a weakling, or a pampered CEO.”
Oguma’s eyes narrowed. “You know more than you’re telling me.” He accused. “I do. But you’re going have to take what I’m willing to give. I’ll pick you up after hours. And Oguma…you’re making the right decision.” The mayor’s words sent a chill down his spine, and he hung up the phone to finally allow himself to cry freely.
-
Ibuki was acclimating to this new, mundane life. He couldn't tell whether that was a good thing or not.
His work was going about as well as a low-paying restaurant job can go. As long as he kept his head down and got shit done, his managers didn't give him a second thought. And the paychecks were coming in, too. It wasn't a lot, but Ibuki didn't need much money to stay comfortable. He could even afford some new furniture and fake meat that didn't taste abhorrent.
All in all, Ibuki only had two problems to worry about. The first issue kept him wary: the Shishigumi. He had little idea on their whereabouts, or if he was still on their radar. Dolph wasn't texting anymore; he didn't know what to make of that. To be safe, Ibuki kept his head on a swivel any time he was out and about.
The second concern shouldn't have been as troubling as a gang of lions potentially wanting his head, yet it persisted in his mind all the same. It was the reason for his current walk along the sopping sidewalks of the city.
He had feelings for a man twice his age, while still grieving his recently passed love… who wouldn't be confused?
As he mindlessly strolled, his hands were deep in his pockets and his posture was hunched to hell. It had stopped raining an hour ago, but the lingering humidity felt heavier than ever before.
Oguma was an awesome guy, but he's so… different than anyone Ibuki had ever known. It almost felt wrong, somehow, even though the stag had been nothing but generous.
It left Ibuki with some weird questions, and he'd never been the smartest lion. So he was walking in the direction of someone much more intelligent, in the hopes of finding some answers.
He was venturing deeper into the city than he'd been in weeks, which was rather dangerous, and maybe even stupid. But this trip felt necessary, so Ibuki trudged on until he came to a dingy, hidden-away cemetary. The gate was already open, allowing access to the gravel path inside.
This wasn't a legally recognized resting grounds, which made it all the better for burying deceased gang members. The Shishigumi had their own section in the back. It wasn't designated as such, of course. Everyone just knew.
Ibuki hadn't been present for the boss's burial, so this would be the first time visiting his grave. He wasn't really sure what to expect—
Oh, fuck. Voices, male. Ibuki was not alone!
The lion quietly scrambled to take cover, he took a moment to steady his breathing. Very carefully, he peeked towards the unexpected company.
-
“Here.”
“It says his name…but it could be anyone.”
That voice…no, it couldn’t be. He slowly peeked around the mausoleum to see Oguma standing there staring down at Louis’s tombstone and behind him, a lion, and several other animals Ibuki had never seen before. They looked like contractors. He strained to listen.
“I knew that you wouldn’t be satisfied unless you had proof, Oguma. Louis was laid to rest here, but this final disturbance will probably be the only thing that convinces you.” The mayor called over one of the workers, a tall bison in an orange vest. “Dig it up.”
Ibuki’s mouth hung open. This wasn’t making any sense, why would Oguma be working with the mayor to find Louis? Unless…Ibuki was double crossed. The mayor himself admitted to knowing that he was Shishigumi. Could hiring him for this job had been a ruse a whole time to take down the organization?
They brought out shovels and Ibuki, with no back up, and no gun on him, had no choice but to sit there and watch the agonizingly long process of Louis’s excavation.
“We hit the casket!”
Ibuki’s heart sank into his stomach as he heard one of them shouting from inside the grave. “Hand me that crowbar.”
Oguma stood by, watching it all, wishing that someone was here to comfort him. He needed someone beside him, someone to hug him, or to hold his shaking, sweating hands. His mind immediately went to Ibuki.
The seal broke, the lid clanking and breaking open. Oguma braced himself, however, nothing could prepare him for what he saw in there.
Even Ibuki was startled by the shrill cry that escaped the stag. It didn’t sound like any animal he had ever heard before. Grief and pain come together in a heartbreaking sound.
“My son! Oh God what did they do to him?! How could I let this happen! Louis!” He could only make out the remained that weren’t horrifically disfigured, but there was no mistake. After years of searching every corner, and turning every stone, Oguma and Louis were finally reunited.
Ibuki slid down to the ground, his back against the stone, his chest tight. He squeezed his eyes shut, but the tears came anyway. He wanted to vomit, to run to Oguma and comfort him, and beg for forgiveness for Louis being in that grave.
His stomach turned, and he dug his claws into the cold dirt as he realized the sheer amount of betrayed he perpetuated against that entire family.
-
While the contractors resealed Louis into the peaceful earth, Ibuki clung to himself like a pathetic little cub. Keeping his bawling silent only made the tears more painful. The worst part was that he didn't deserve to be crying. Not when Oguma was watching his son enter the earth for good. The deer's bawling was the most painful part of it all; each wail that entered Ibuki's ears was like a spear through the heart.
After an agonizing several minutes, the exhumation was restored to its initial state, though it was clear every party was forever changed. Oguma could only stare at the tombstone and create answers for his infinite questions.
His heart was beating much too fast. "Louis… I wish I did better for you."
His voice was much too creaky. "I wish I had seen what you needed. You were always too ambitious for our company, weren't you?"
He didn't care that this hellish lion was present. "Still, I'm glad I could take care of you. I never told you how much I appreciated you. But… I loved you. And I miss you, every day."
He could hardly reach a whisper. "I hope you were happy once you left… and I hope you're happy now. Wherever you are."
Oguma turned and dashed towards where he'd entered, not bothering to wipe his tear-stained cheeks. He knew they'd be damp again soon. He had nothing more to say.
The mayor was running behind him in an attempt to catch up. "Oguma, wait! You still have to—"
But his pleas wouldn't be heard. Not by Oguma, who was drearily sprinting down the street in an unknown direction. And not by Ibuki, who was too deep in his own sorrow to hear the outside world.
When Ibuki finally unfurled, he realized he was alone in the cemetary. After a few final sniffles, he rose to his feet and wandered through the bushes. He took a moment to clean his glasses and fix up his ruffled shirt—after all, the boss would get onto him if he didn't appear presentable.
Approaching the grave was hard, but Louis had been the only person to alleviate Ibuki of all his burden, all his stress. That held true as he knelt beside the elegant gravestone, looking down at the patch of dirt covering the most remarkable animal in the world. Ibuki's dismay was washed away, so much so that he could muster a genuine smile. A broken smile, but a smile nonetheless.
"You know, it makes sense he's your father. Whether you like it or not, you two act rather similar."
Louis answered with a soft rustle in the nearby leaves.
Ibuki chuckled. "I hope you don't find it too strange that I'm… hanging around him. I'm sure you'd tease me for it. But you've always been understanding."
A wispy breeze was Louis' response.
"How am I supposed to tell him about you? About us? Won't he be upset with me?" Ibuki ran his claws through his mane. "This is all so different, boss. I'm trying to make it work. I know you'd want me to keep fighting, so I'll keep doing my best. I'm going to make you proud."
He lingered for a while longer, standing in silence. Whether out of respect or regret, he couldn't be sure. But it was enough time to soothe his aching heart somewhat.
Ibuki's ear flickered at the sound of footsteps at his back. He quickly spun around, ready to defend himself against whichever Shishigumi member had dared to interrupt.
He was correct in his guess in that the encroacher was a lion. However, this man brought a snarl to Ibuki's snout that no member of the gang could've induced.
"I may have had surgery performed on my nose," the mayor said, "but don't think I've lost my feline sense of smell. I could tell there was another lion around here somewhere."
-
“Why did you do that? I almost had him, why did you have to show him the body?!”
He didn’t care how loud he was now, he didn’t care if the entire city heard him. He was tired of hiding, and he was ready for a fight.
“Simply put, you were taking too long.” The mayor shrugged nonchalantly. “I needed this to happen NOW. Here…” The mayor tossed an envelope at Ibuki’s feet. Ibuki picked it up, inside was $5000 and a one way bus ticket scheduled for tomorrow morning.
“So why not do this from the beginning? Huh? Why hire me?” Ibuki asked. The mayor looked over to where he felt the warmth of the setting sun through the parting clouds and sighed. “Like you, I would rather have spared him from the truth, but lion to lion, I’d be a dishonest animal if I claimed not to appreciate the irony of weaponizing the thug who put his kid here.”
Ibuki’s expression fell into one of remorse and shame. When he first met Oguma, he thought he was one of those billionaires who might ruin the life of someone worth less than him if they tried to cross him. Why he see it…for the carnivore in front of him.
“Your services are no longer required, obviously, and let me make something clear. You never cared about him, remember? You wanted a way out, I’m giving it to you despite you having done nothing to earn it.” He reminded, speaking as though he were doing an act of charity.
Ibuki scoffed, he raised his arm in the air as though he was going to throw it in the older lion’s face.
“WE both know you’re not going to do that. Why are you so against it now, Ibuki? Could it be…that you’ve tasted a very expensive forbidden fruit at a party you weren’t invited to? Now you figure you liked it. You wanna stay…” A low, mocking chuckle rumbled from the mayor’s chest as he looked Ibuki up and down.
“I expected as much, but that’s what I get for sending back-alley gutter trash to do the work of a businessman.”
Chapter 10
Chapter by Lost_Boy
Chapter Text
Using his feline speed and reflexes, he ducked around some nearby cars and waited for the perfect opportunity to slip inside. No one noticed hime shuffle through the initial entryway, and he made it all the way to the main level before anyone noticed him.
The elevator doors were already open. Ibuki stepped in and pressed the button to the highest level, but before the doors could close—
"Hey! You're not authorized to be here!"
Shit. A different security guard spotted him. The burly moose was already speaking through his radio by the time the shiny doors slid closed.
The ride upwards was tense. Ibuki shook out his nerves and prepared himself. With a sharp "Ding!" the doors separated, and Ibuki flung himself into the open space. His feet hit the tiled floor and kept on sprinting, even when more security caught onto his trail.
He knew Oguma was near. Besides once being told about the office's location, Ibuki could literally smell the rich, earthy scent of the esteemed deer. Somewhere down this grand hallway…
"Oguma!" he called out. "Oguma, please! I need to see you!"
His attempt was cut short when a firm hand grasped his tail. A dull pain shot up his spine, breaking his balance, and he stumbled to the cold floor. Instantly, he was restrained by beefy herbivores using their full force to keep him down.
"Ow, ow, fuck! Wait, I—shit… Oguma!"
-
“What is going on here?! Stop this at once! Let him go.” It was the first they had seen of Oguma in quite some time and he looked terrible. Red eyes, disheveled fur, wrinkled suit that hung off a now much thinner frame.
“Oguma…” Ibuki was horrified, he looked as though grief were slowly devouring the deer from the inside. The security guard took his knee off of Ibuki’s back and helped him to his feet. “Sorry, sir. He already spoke to him downstairs but he snuck in.”
Oguma waved them back. “Leave us.” He said, gripping his forehead. Ibuki watched them as they started to head back towards the elevator.
“Come on.” Oguma left the door open for him and went back into the office. Ibuki followed, closing the door behind them. From the looks of it, this had to be the space he was inhabiting for a while. Liquor everywhere, work strewn about in a disorganized mess. And a blanket tossed on the couch.
“Why are you here? What do you want?” Oguma asked, falling into his chair. “I just wanted to see you. I was worried about you.” Ibuki came closer and the deer scoffed.
“You haven’t tried to contact me. Doesn’t sound like someone who was ‘worried’.” He drawled. Ibuki kicked himself mentally, so many times he had that phone in his hand, and he put it down thinking what they needed was some distance after what happened at the cemetery.
“I fucked up. That’s on me, I wanted to reach out to you, I just didn’t know what to say.” He said in his defense. Oguma chuckled.
“I think…that you feel guilty. You thought you could use me, and I was willing to let you, but I think that you realized that I have more issues than some drugs and sex could fix.”
Ibuki walked around the desk and turned Oguma around in his chair. “You haven’t been taking care of yourself. Even your staff is worried about you. I’m not going anywhere until I help you.”
Oguma’s smile faded, his brow furrowing into a deep scowl. “Since when did I become your project? You have no idea what I’ve been going through or what I’ve lost!” Oguma tried to stand and Ibuki held him back.
“Yes. I do. I need to tell you something, Oguma….and I hope that you understand that…none of it was my intention.”
The deer’s eyes narrowed as he removed Ibuki’s hands from his shoulders.
-
Under that piercing gaze, Ibuki felt more threatened than his entire tenure in the black market. This was his last chance to turn back. He could keep his mouth shut and try to recover the relationship he had.
But his heart wouldn't let him. Ibuki couldn't lie to this man, no matter the consequences.
"Louis." He muttered the sacred name to the floor. "I knew him. I knew your son."
Never before had silence been so terrifying. Not so much as a breath could be heard from Oguma's lips.
Ibuki hunched in on himself further. "I… I didn't know he was your son when I first met you, I swear. But him and I… we were close. His passing was painful for me. I understand the grief you must be feeling. I, um, can't tell you our connection or anything—"
Oguma moved far too fast for Ibuki's distraught brain to react to. The stag's hands clasped onto Ibuki's collar and shoved him back into the wall, creating a thunderous slam. Oguma showed no restraint, huffing pure rage from his nostrils directly onto Ibuki's snout. It was nearly impossible to breathe with the force of ten tense fingers prodding near his throat.
"You think you understand my grief?" Oguma roared. "He's my son! What do you mean, you can't tell me anything? He's my fucking son!" His words became slurred the more he tried to shake the big lion in his grasp.
"Wait!" Ibuki choked out. "I can expla—" The remaining air flew from his lungs when he was pushed even harder, threatening to break through the drywall.
"You monster! What did you do to him? Why did he leave me?" Oguma's voice had transformed to shrieks of agony. Tears were brimming beneath his glasses.
As much as Ibuki wanted to hold back, his reflexes got the better of him. One sharp shove was all it took to send the deer stumbling backwards. Oguma didn't even try to catch himself; he fell to the floor and whined.
"I need you to listen to me," Ibuki pleaded. He had a difficult choice to make. How much could he reveal? What could he say that wouldn't put Oguma in danger?
-
“He was…an asset to the organization. One that we protected and I was with him when he died.” Ibuki frantically tried to explain. Oguma responded with a violent right hook that sent him tumbling to the floor.
“All this time! Not once did I say his name, that’s how I know you’re telling the truth. What were you trying to accomplish watching me grieve and listening to me pour my heart out to you while you pretended to care?!” Oguma swayed on his feet as though he were about to faint and Ibuki jumped up to catch him.
“I do care! I never meant to hurt you, Oguma. I would’ve never known he was your son if I didn’t see you at the cemetery-“
Oguma pushed his hand away, falling over to his desk and tearing the drawer open. “You saw me-WHAT HAPPENED?! At least tell me why he looked like-like THAT! Since you want to protect your precious secrets….” He said as he held a gun to the lion.
There really was a family resemblance.
“He was killed by a Komodo dragon. I couldn’t stop it before it happened, I could tell you this…it’s why I left.”
Oguma’s arm shook, his breaths shuddering, as he tried to make sense of all of this. He felt sick to his stomach and became overwhelmed with nausea, dropping the gun and falling to his knees to vomit into the trash bin.
“He saved me from myself and I never thought I’d feel that connection ever again, but then I met you.” Ibuki murmured softly.
The deer coughed, spitting into the bin. “You were lovers?” He rasped. Ibuki swallowed, choked up by emotions. “Yes.” He said, believing that he at the very least owed him an honest answer.
-
Through the flurry of visceral emotions, Oguma found it within himself to laugh. This was much too absurd for his weary head to handle. "Tell me this," he said while rising to his feet. "…Was he happy?"
Ibuki set aside his caution and gave an honest answer. "I'd like to think so. There was a stark difference between when I first met him and when he grew accustomed to his new lifestyle. At first, his cold, assertive demeanor was off-putting. That changed the day I first saw him smile. Really smile." Ibuki raised a claw to wipe the mist from under his glasses. "His chuckles lit up the darkest part of this city. He had a passion I strive for, even now. He was adept in his role, and the impact he had won't be forgotten for decades."
The image of Louis leading a fulfilling, happy life served to pacify Oguma's ire. He focused on taking steady breaths, not just to calm himself down, but because he had nothing to say.
"Truly, I'm sorry," Ibuki said. "I may have been close with him, but I could never imagine losing a son."
Oguma set his handgun onto the desk and trudged towards Ibuki. The anger in his eyes gave way for sorrow. Ibuki braced himself while Oguma stared back.
But Oguma didn't strike at him. He didn't even utter a word. He just leaned into Ibuki's shoulder and sniffled. His heart was weeping, but there were no more tears to spill.
Ibuki didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around Oguma and hold him tight. He wanted to cry, too, though he wouldn't allow it. If there was ever a time to be strong for someone else, it was now. So he rubbed his palms around Oguma's shaking back and grieved quietly.
-
They sat beside each other beneath the window sharing a cigarette.
Ibuki remembered it as Louis’s favorite. “I don’t know why you can’t just tell me what he did.” The deer murmured, rubbing at his burning eyes, puffy from crying. His voice hoarse from his aching throat.
“Because it doesn’t matter. We talked about it a few times when he was alive…that if anything happened to him back there, he wanted you to remember him the way he was. He…regretted so many decisions he made, but he could never admit that.” Ibuki said with a sympathetic look. “He was as stubborn as you are.”
Oguma chuckled softly and finished the cigarette, snuffing out the butt, “Tomorrow…I have to see what abominations the mayor and his son have cooked up in their privately funded lab. It’s my first exposure to what I’ve agreed to just to know Louis’s fate. I can’t help but wonder if making that deal was worth it. I can’t bring him back.”
He looked up as he felt Ibuki’s much larger hand wrap around his, squeezing firmly. “You needed this. Despite seeing the condition of his body, I think you needed to know for sure. Now you can…start healing.”
Oguma shook his head. “I don’t think I’m ready to. It still hurts. I also can’t help but wonder where that leaves us.” He said.
The lion sat back, leaning against the wall, sniffling still. He hated when he had to be the one to answer decisive questions. It was one of the things he loved about the boss, he knew what to say. He knew what was best.
“Do you want me, Oguma?” He asked, outright. Oguma looked at him in a bit of shock and confusion, they stared each other down for a moment. Ibuki reached to touch his face and the deer caught his hand, moving it away but not letting go.
“I don’t know.”
Ibuki nodded in understanding, taking his hand back. “I think you do, but you’re afraid that you’re intruding. You’re afraid that-“
Oguma pressed his lips to Ibuki’s and quickly sat back.
“No. That’s not why.” Oguma got to his feet, dusting himself off and smoothing over his clothes.
“I was never one to rely someone else to hold me together when I was falling apart, Ibuki.” He said as he put in his glasses, and straightened them. Ibuki admired the way he stood regally in the moonlight, burying his pain under the mask of a role.
Of responsibilities.
Of expectations.
They weren’t so different, after all.
“I’m not starting now. Wait for me, if you must…and perhaps I’ll come find you.”
Chapter 11
Chapter by Lost_Boy
Chapter Text
It was a telling sign that the laboratory Oguma was headed for had no online directions, nor public information, nor any easily identifiable name. Perhaps the most troubling thing was that the entire complex hid underground, completely concealed from the public eye.
Hopefully he was just overreacting. This experiment he'd regretfully subsidized may not even come to fruition, and if it does, the results certainly couldn't be too detrimental.
Oguma's chauffeur pulled into the lot of the mayor's building, right in the heart of Cherryton. In hindsight, it should've been obvious the mayor would construct his son's immoral playground directly below his own headquarters. Easier to blanket the funds that way.
It was a challenge to stifle his frown while stepping out of the vehicle. Oguma only had time to pat down his suit before a most grating voice purged his ears.
"Glad you could make it!" the mayor voiced from the entryway. "Come, come. Lots to see!"
Oguma had been in this building a handful of times, and each instance gave him a sense of unease. Even the main lobby, decorated and designed to be welcoming, had an undercurrent of something sinister.
The mayor, normally one to run his mouth, was oddly quiet. His demeanor gave off that of satisfaction and excitement, which didn't sit well with Oguma at all. He was led down a hallway marked as "Restricted Access"—the guard simply nodded when he saw the mayor approach—and was invited inside what appeared to be an unremarkable elevator.
The buttons weren't mapped to floors. Instead, the mayor inputted some sort of code, and only then did the doors click closed, allowing the carriage to descend into the earth.
"I've always known my son had a knack for ingenuity" the lion declared. "All he needed was some covered expenses and a bit of fatherly encouragement, and he managed to make something incredible! I think you'll be most astonished."
The further the elevator plunged, the more Oguma's stomach dropped in tandem. He was a man of logic, not instinct; still, something in his soul disagreed with wherever he was being transported to. The mayor's roused expression wasn't helping his nerves, either.
-
He could smell them before the doors even opened. It was sickening, almost like waste, and the awful sounds they made were just as bad. As the doors opened, they were greeted by a young lion in a white coat whose triumphant smile looked as if he had won a lottery.
“Raul. You’ve grown tall since we last saw each other only a year ago. I can’t believe you’re 18 now.” Small talk usually helped calm the stag’s frayed nerves, but today was especially difficult. The words were far more empty.
“It’s good to see you, Mr. Oguma! Please follow me.” They began to walk down a long corridor where on each side were gigantic metal doors, from each of them a different smell and sounds he could only describe as agonized moans and tortured cries.
“I can’t wait to show you how well we’ve done before funding was in place and now, with your help, we could expand globally! Never again will carnivores have to rely on a black market to feed themselves the meat that they need to survive…” They stopped at a large white shutter marked “cervid” in bold red letters.
“I think we should start here.” He input a code into a large panel and it slowly began to roll open. “If you see for yourself that carnivores in this city will never consume another sentient deer, then perhaps that would be enough to ease some of your worries.” The young lion was so confident in himself and the mayor beamed with pride as he allowed him to take the lead.
They were even more monstrous than he imagined. The stag looked like him, almost, like an uncanny mold of what a child would think up if they were told to make a deer.
With its elongated neck, and on top of its head, beautiful antlers that swayed as it tried to find some sort of comfort to stand in its confined space.
Its eyes were otherworldly, empty endless pools of darkness lacking any sort of self awareness.
Oguma reached out to touch it, and Raul grabbed his hand before he could make contact, the stag in the stall spooked and bucked before letting out a blood curdling high pitched squeal as though screaming for help.
Oguma just stared at it in horror, his eyes wide full of pity while his lip curled in disgust.
This wasn’t science. This was perverse. This was playing God to create living, breathing synthetic meat.
He lowered his trembling arm and looked at a proud Raul. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Raul asked as he released him.
-
"Of course not." The mayor forced out a chuckle. "These beings are engineered to be lifeless! They have no feelings. No senses. It's no different than harvesting crops from a field, but with the added benefit of enough protien for us carnivores!"
That couldn't be true. Oguma may not be the most empathetic animal, but he could just feel the terror emanating from these caged creatures. Behind those empty expressions were sorrowful souls,
This wasn't harvesting. This was homicide. And Oguma was fully to blame.
"I've seen enough," he muttered. He turned back in the direction he'd come from, but it was excruciating to walk away from the sounds of helpless animals locked behind the surrounding walls. It felt like he was drowning under the weight of their dreadful lives.
Miraculously, he stumbled into the elevator, joined soon after by the mayor. The ride up was silent, allowing Oguma to ruminate on this wretched experiment. With his chest caving in and his fur standing on edge, one question was most prevalent in his scattered mind:
How long before the world knows he's responsible?
//
Besides being a place of depravity and aberration, the black market is an area of individualism. In those covert alleys, an animal is his own governor, his own means of survival, his own best friend. It takes a lot to garner the slightest sense of unity between beasts.
There was only one means to unify the entirety of that impure sector of the city: a shared hatred. That was the exact sensation sweeping through the back alley streets at present.
"Synthetic fuckin' meat, my ass!" Free shouted above the surrounding chaos within the Shishigumi hideout. "What the fuck even is that shit?"
"It's driving out our business, that's what it is." Dolph was frantically entering a number in his phone. "Has anyone gotten in contact with the Madaragumi?"
-
“Meat shops are closing up on all turfs. Vendors are scrambling to move on and find new means of income because that all that meat is hitting shelves!” Dope looked over their schedule on his phone to see that orders have been canceled, and the warehouses are selling everything in an attempt to close up.
Not only had the mayor legalized this new meat source in what had to the most highly publicized reveal in the history of the city, but he decided to announce that he would crack down on illegal meat trade and the black market.
What was once a safe haven for hungry carnivores was now about to be flooded with police. All four gumis were forced into hiding, scrambling to gather what they could of their assets.
“This is a fucking disaster! We have no drugs, no meat, even our fronts, the strip club, the porn studio, they’re about to get raided!” Free’s mane had developed a gray streak since taking on the responsibilities as leader of the Shishigumi, it was never a role he saw himself taking on but the others would’ve been lost without a proper leader which showed even now.
Everything around them was crashing down and he felt as though they were stranded out in the middle of the sea without a lifeline. There were no identities for them outside of this gang, even after restructuring and a new boss, there were days where they could hardly recognize themselves.
What’s worse, their frustrations lead to distrust between members they who they once trusted their lives with.
Dolph left the room, going out into the hallway with the phone to his ear, Free watched him like a hawk laying in wait. He had his suspicions for a while that there was something Dolph was hiding, at first it didn’t occur to him until the others brought up how weird he had been acting since Ibuki left, and with everything going on, he found himself beginning to question the loyalty of one of their senior members.
“It’s obvious here that something needs to be done before we all end up with nothing! We’ll be fuckin’ bums begging on the street!” He bellowed as he picked up the TV remote and threw it so hard at the television playing the coverage of the mayor’s press conference.
“If Louis were here, he would know what to do. We’re criminals, we can’t take on an entire corporation that’s mass producing meat! Where the hell did this even come from?” Jinma saw as Free flinched at his mention of Louis. He regretted his words, knowing that his friend was struggling to fill shoes that felt impossible to fill.
“It’s him. We need to do something to get him to get rid of this shit!” Free snarled through gritted teeth. This is what he knew how to do. When there was a threat, he eliminated it, and right now, their whole way of life was being threatened.
“How are we gonna do that? The mayor’s being touted as a goddamn hero in front of the world.” Hino pointed out.
“Just let me think.” Free hissed.
-
No matter what side of the debate an animal stood on, everyone had to admit this new "meat" already created a massive impact. Within two weeks, the product had its own aisle inside every grocery store in Cherryton, and it was expanding across the country at a rapid rate. Carnivores were thrilled about the easily-accessible sustenance, and naive herbivores raved about the projected decrease in devourings (based on whatever metrics the mayor cooked up).
Then there were those who recognized that the meat was coming from a dubious source, likely some twisted means of exploiting animals molded by animals. Their shouts of dismay were shut down by the overwhelming amount of support for the project.
Then there was Ibuki, who stood alone in his concern.
Yeah, the new meat was fucked up. But Ibuki was much more worried about who this new meat would affect.
With the black market being blasted and the main source of income becoming obsolete, the gangs must be all sorts of upset. Ibuki hadn't forgotten how things work back there. Anyone involved with this whole synthetic meat shit was at risk to the gumis' ire… especially the animal publicized for funding the entire thing.
He'd spent the past few days pacing around his apartment, praying for just a word of contact with Oguma. Just a text. Anything.
The longer his phone stayed silent, the more Ibuki's worry grew. Yes, Oguma had more security measures around him than the Prime Minister, but if the gumi's decided to work together for once, there's no telling if the deer would be safe.
So when the headline finally dropped that the mayor's son had mysteriously disappeared, Ibuki's primary reaction was a drawn-out sigh of relief. Oguma was okay. That's all that mattered.
The esteemed CEO was even right there on Ibuki's television, safe and sound! He stood next to the distraught mayor looking serious as ever.
"We will catch and discipline whoever is responsible for capturing young Raul," Oguma declared into the podium's mic. "I will be allotting a great deal of resources into this matter and aid the investigation every step of the way. Rest assured that this act will not go unavenged."
…Well, damnit. So much for safe and sound.
Pages Navigation
JKeenas on Chapter 1 Sun 20 Jul 2025 03:05AM UTC
Last Edited Sun 20 Jul 2025 03:09AM UTC
Comment Actions
Therapybear on Chapter 1 Sun 27 Jul 2025 03:12PM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 1 Tue 12 Aug 2025 07:26PM UTC
Last Edited Tue 12 Aug 2025 07:26PM UTC
Comment Actions
JKeenas on Chapter 2 Tue 22 Jul 2025 12:16AM UTC
Last Edited Tue 22 Jul 2025 12:17AM UTC
Comment Actions
Therapybear on Chapter 2 Sun 27 Jul 2025 03:28PM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 2 Wed 13 Aug 2025 06:03AM UTC
Last Edited Wed 13 Aug 2025 06:04AM UTC
Comment Actions
Therapybear on Chapter 3 Sun 27 Jul 2025 04:08PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lost_Boy on Chapter 3 Mon 28 Jul 2025 06:37AM UTC
Comment Actions
Therapybear on Chapter 3 Mon 28 Jul 2025 11:29PM UTC
Last Edited Mon 28 Jul 2025 11:37PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lost_Boy on Chapter 3 Tue 29 Jul 2025 12:01AM UTC
Last Edited Tue 29 Jul 2025 12:03AM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 3 Wed 13 Aug 2025 07:30AM UTC
Comment Actions
Lost_Boy on Chapter 3 Wed 13 Aug 2025 08:05AM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 4 Wed 13 Aug 2025 10:25PM UTC
Last Edited Wed 13 Aug 2025 10:26PM UTC
Comment Actions
Therapybear on Chapter 5 Sat 02 Aug 2025 07:47PM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 5 Tue 19 Aug 2025 10:51PM UTC
Comment Actions
JKeenas on Chapter 6 Wed 30 Jul 2025 07:22AM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 6 Wed 20 Aug 2025 06:05AM UTC
Comment Actions
Therapybear on Chapter 7 Sat 02 Aug 2025 07:28PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lost_Boy on Chapter 7 Sat 02 Aug 2025 07:38PM UTC
Comment Actions
Therapybear on Chapter 7 Sat 02 Aug 2025 07:59PM UTC
Comment Actions
Lost_Boy on Chapter 7 Sun 03 Aug 2025 10:43AM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 7 Wed 20 Aug 2025 06:36AM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 8 Wed 20 Aug 2025 07:27AM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 9 Wed 20 Aug 2025 07:48AM UTC
Comment Actions
Therapybear on Chapter 10 Tue 26 Aug 2025 05:32PM UTC
Comment Actions
97fg on Chapter 10 Tue 09 Sep 2025 07:49AM UTC
Comment Actions
Therapybear on Chapter 11 Fri 05 Sep 2025 11:59PM UTC
Comment Actions
Pages Navigation