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Chapter Text

The sickening smell of exhaust from the old trucks made his nose wrinkle. “Open the door.” Said the boss’s right hand man. The young lion did so and they went into what is known as “The Trade” a recently established indoor marketplace hidden inside a huge warehouse that sells rare and exotic meat. It be was a large building, tucked away because what they had to offer was so exclusive most common animals couldn’t afford it. They made their way through a long stretch of butcheries locked behind glass windows as they butchered and killed animals to order. For Ibuki, 18 year old recent recruit to the Shishigumi organization, this was his third visit to the trade.

Up to this point, the lower ranking members of the shishigumi had to travel outside of the black market to hunt and capture the animals that the boss liked to eat. He was almost exclusively partial to animals with completely white fur. For some, it was a natural attribute, and for others it was a genetic mutation. That made animals with this type of fur not easy at all to find. They reached the back of the warehouse where live meat was stored, they met with one of the staff, a pig named Eugen.

“You’re here early, Mr. Free.” Eugen chuckled nervously. “Anything for us today, pig?” The Indian lion grunted. “No, sorry, no white animals today.” The pig insisted, shifted on his feet. With the way he glanced to the side, avoiding eye contact, Ibuki found it suspicious. “Fine, come on, guys.” “Let us see for ourselves.” Ibuki said. The others turned to look at him. “W-what? No, really. There aren’t any pure white animals, I assure you.” Eugen looked up, mouth gaping as Ibuki walked past him, opening the shutters. Inside were animals ranging in size and species, cows, antelope, goats, chickens, sheep.

In a corner tucked away between a selection of deer was an albino deer white tailed deer. Ibuki reached down, picking him up by the collar around his neck. The deer whimpered as he dragged him to the doors, “Why did you lie?” Free growled, towering over the pig. “I’m sorry! I wanted to save him…he’s beautiful and I dabble in taxidermy. I would have killed him and immortalize him as art.” The pig gestured sadly to the trembling deer, trying to keep some sort of modesty as he was naked and covering himself with his hands. “He’s albino, he’ll be double the price.” Eugen informed. Free laugh. “No, you see, we have an arrangement going on and you just tried to screw us. So, you’re getting regular price and the additional perk of getting to live another day! Sound fair?” Free said as he took the deer from Ibuki.

“Yes, Mr. Free.” The pig shrank down, closing the shutters and taking the money. On the way back to the base, Free pat the young lion on the back. “What is it about you, man? You got a built in lie detector in that head of yours?” He asked. “I have a knack for knowing when someone’s being dishonest. There’re tells they can’t hide, even if they could lie well, and that pig can’t lie for shit.” Ibuki looked down at the deer covered in a gray blanket, his head down, staring at the floor.

-

There was a knock at the door. “Come in.” The chief grunted. “Your meal is ready, boss.” Free said. The older lion was watering the plan that fed on the sun shining through the large window. Their delicate pink and yellow petals swaying under the can. “What is it?” He asked. “A nice, juicy deer. Not a speck of color on him.” Free watched with curiosity as the chief opened a drawer and pulled out a little bottle of pills, popping one into his mouth and quickly tossing it back in. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” The chief told him, Free nodded.

Nearly an hour later, the chief made his way to his “dining room” where he feasted on live animals. Sure, he could have them slaughtered and cooked, but he’d risk severing the connection they had as predator and prey. He opened the door and saw him sitting in the spice bath, rubbing the warm water all over his body. “How did you get in there?” The chief asked. “I was looking for a way out and found this here. It’s been a while since I’ve had a proper bath.” His voice was gentle, almost childlike in comparison to the chief’s. “I’m sorry if I went against protocol.” He washed his face as the chief approached the tub, looking over his shoulder to see that yes, he was completely white.

“Get out.” The chief rasped menacingly. The deer stopped, extending his hand. “Help me out?” He asked. The chief took his hand, helping him up and out of the bathtub. He stood before the chief as the lion sat there, watching him. Long white eyelashes blinking slowly over pale blue irises. “Aren’t you ashamed? Standing naked in front of another male like this? Aren’t you afraid?” The chief asked. He wanted the deer to feel shame and fear, it made the blood course through the veins faster, making for rich, tender meat. “I’m not.” He said. “How old are you, kid?” The chief asked. “19.” The deer exhaled, his flesh tightening over lean muscles.

“I’m going to eat you. If you don’t allow yourself to feel shame…” the chief stood, stepping towards him. “If you don’t allow yourself to be afraid…then I’ll violate you until you do. You don’t want that, do you?” His massive hand reached for the deer’s neck, turning his head to look up at him. It was then that he realized, “You’re blind.” The chief said. “I am, and…I’m sorry. You’ll have to hurt me to get what you want. I can’t fear what I can’t see, and I’m not ashamed because I know I’m going to die.” The deer reached up. His small hand gripping the chief’s wrist. The lion sighed.

Then…so be it.” The chief gripped his by neck tight, picking him up and slamming him to the ground. The deer gasped as he had the air knocked out of him from the impact of his back hitting the floor. The chief undid his belt, the angry red erection throbbing in his hand as he stroked it. It was his gun, he could only arm himself when he took those pills but he wasn’t about to settle for tough meat. The deer reached for his face, cupping his cheek. He felt around the lion’s muzzle, his nose curled up to bare snarling teeth. “What are you doing?” Asked the lion. “Helping…”

He took in every feature of the chief’s face. He thumbed the pad of his nose and reached between his lips, tracing his fingers over his prominent canines. “Yes…I’m afraid of these.” He said. “You’re not going to fight back?” The chief was becoming more angry, the deer reached between his legs, guiding the chief to his hole. “I can’t.” The young deer laughed hopelessly. He gripped his cock, easing him inside. The chief was at war with himself, the temptation of sex overshadowing his hunger. The chief pulled his pants down to his ankles, leaning onto his elbows for support.

-

“I don’t want to interrupt him when he’s eating, but we got a problem. That’s a lot of money lost. A lot. And if we don’t do something, we’re fucked.” Dope panicked. Free thought for a moment then he looked over to the new recruit standing near the door. “Ibuki…you need to tell the chief that we were ripped off.” Free said. “Why now? We’ll be just as ripped off by the time he’s finished eating.” Dope held back a laughed. “That’s not funny.” Free scolded. He looked at Ibuki. “You’ll do it now, because I told you to. Now go.” The Indian lion pointed up the stairs. Ibuki exhaled sharply, doing as he was told and heading to the chief’s dining room.

He got to the door, knocking to get no answer. “Boss?” He called. There were sounds coming from inside. Curiously, Ibuki opened the door. There on the floor in the middle of the room, the chief lay on top the deer who’s arms were wrapped around him in a lurid mating press, moans and sighs of blissfully ecstasy instead of cries for mercy as the lion slammed his cock into the deer, his pure white legs in the air swaying as his body jolted with vicious thrusts. Ibuki stepped back, something was wrong but he had a more pressing matter to address first. Against Free’s wishes, he stood outside the door and waited.

-

The chief stood on his toes, stretching into that final thrust as he came. A deep, satisfied groaned into the deer’s ear. He stilled, catching his breath, the front of his shirt wet with the deer’s release. Slowly he got up, pulling a cigar from his pocket holding it between his lips the lighter in his hand but he was too distraught to light it. The deer reached for his arm, the chief went to pull away and stopped himself. “What’s your name?” He asked as he looked at his prey.

“Lucian.” Said the deer.

The lion nodded to himself.

“Aren’t you going to eat me?” Lucian asked.

“I’m not hungry anymore.” The chief muttered as he pulled his pants up, finally lighting the cigar.

Chapter Text

They were walking through the black market after a brief visit to The Trade. This time, they would grab two white mountain goats. They had gotten lucky, and Eugen had gotten a harsh scolding for his attempt at deception. Ibuki and Free walked with the chief as he perused the stalls like he was in search of something. He came across a stall run by a snapping turtle who was selling all sorts of plants. “What are these?” He asked. She looked up from her newspaper, visibly startled. “Um…those are dandelions.” She said. “I’ll take all of them. And these?” He pointed to green flower-like petals with tiny pink flowers sprinkled throughout. “Wood sorrel.” She said, swallowing nervously.

“I’ll take them all. And those…” he pointed to a large bunch of what looked like violets. “And these.” He pointed to a deep green plant that looked like spinach. Carefully and quickly, she packaged everything he picked out and put it on the counter. “How much?” He asked. “$150, will there be anything else?” She wanted them gone but didn’t want to seem apprehensive. “That’s not bad.” He paid. “Take it.” He ordered his two subordinates to carry the large bundles as they made their way back to the mansion. “Put it in my office, then get my meal ready.” He ordered. “Yes, Chief.” They answered diligently. When the chief left, Free handed the young lion the two bundles in his hand. “I’ll go get the meat ready, you take these up.” He told him, Ibuki nodded, heading upstairs and making his way to the Chief’s office.

He had trouble opening the door with the packages he held in his arms plus the two hanging from each hand. He turned to the side trying to maneuver his hand to reach the door knob. When he was finally successful, he went into the office and set everything on the desk. He felt a presence in the room, the subtle scent of mint combined with clove reached his nose. He turned to see the white deer, covered in a silky white robe laying on the couch by the window, bathed in the orange and pink hues of the setting sun. “Is it you?” He asked, his voice sounding as delicate as he looked. Slowly, Ibuki approached him.

“No…” His nose twitched as he took in the new scent. “You’re someone new.” He smiled, sitting up in his seat, his slender legs barely long enough for his feet to reach the floor. “I need to know…how? How did you convince him not to eat you?” Asked the lion. It made no sense, he wanted to know what it was the deer said or did you make their chief, the black market’s most ruthless crime boss, spare him from being devoured. “I just….made peace with the fact that he might. My life up to this point has not been easy, a blind herbivore? I always knew that my life would end tragically. So I lived life as much as I could…It was good.” He said.

“That didn’t explain anything.” The young lion muttered. “I never said it would.” The deer rebutted. Then he perked, his nose twitched. “You’re back!” He said, his ears twitched. Ibuki turned around and grabbed by the shirt and slammed into the desk. “Don’t you ever speak to him! Understand me? Get your ass to the meeting room.” The chief tossed Ibuki toward the door, he left without hesitation, quickly making his way down the hall. The chief took the packages and get them on the table in front of Lucian. “Here…there got to something here that’s edible.” He said, sitting across from him. The deer carefully sniffed each item. “All of it is, actually. Thank you.” He went for the dandelions first, munching away at them hungrily.

There was a silence in the air as the chief watched him eat. What was he keeping him for? Just looking at him filled with a tenderness he couldn’t recall ever having felt in his life. No, herbivores were food and so the old lion simply decided…that he was saving him for a special occasion. That had to be it, a meal this special had to be enjoyed as a celebration. He had the perfect day in mind. “Kazuo, I don’t want to come between you and your work. He only asked a question.” He said, the lion looked up at the sound of his name. Why did he tell him his name? “Don’t worry about him, he has a lot to learn before he could even attempt to climb the ranks in my organization. Right now, he’s just trying to act tough. I was hesitant to let him in at first, but we needed new blood.” Said the chief.

“He’s inquisitive.” Lucian observed. “That’s just another way of saying nosey.” The lion muttered. “The others will get curious as well, you can’t eat me if someone else does.” The deer reminded. “Nevermind, you eat and don’t worry about them.” The chief grunted, as he continued to watch him, he had to pry his eyes away to join the others for their meeting. Ibuki eyed him curiously as he sat at the head of the table rifling through a paper. “Here,” He put the paper down on the table and pointed to an article about a fine arts gallery opening sponsored by the Horns Conglomerate. “We can’t get back what we lost if we don’t do something drastic. Ibuki, you will go to this opening and you will kidnap the heir to the horns conglomerate. His father will work fast to get him back before the media catches on that he’s missing. Appearance is everything to them.” The chief said as he slid a fancy-looking envelope across the table.

“How will I get to him? What about security?” Ibuki asked. The chief banged his cane on the ground. “Ask yourself these questions, not me. You do this and you’ll cement yourself among the elite.” Said the chief. Ibuki’s eyes widened, that was an offer he couldn’t refuse. Going from a low ranking member to one of the elite, he would be getting respect from lions who had been in the organization for years, not to mention he wouldn’t be bossed around anymore. “Yes, chief. I won’t let you down.” The younger lion agreed. He would have to figure out how to turn an impossible task into a golden opportunity.

Free picked up the paper, grinning at the article. “Where’d you come up with that one, chief?” He asked. “I don’t know if Ibuki here will be able to come back from this.”

“It came to me in the middle of the night.” The chief shrugged, getting up to leave, he turned to Ibuki one last time. “I suggest you get some rest.” He said.

-

Kazuo was in his boxers, sitting on the edge of the bed. He shuddered as he felt warm hands rub across his back. “You won’t keep getting away with this.” The lion whispered. He looked over his shoulder to see the deer looking up at him with unseeing eyes. Lucian took off his rope, tossing it to the floor. “I don’t intend to. Come to bed now, from what you’ve told me…you have a long day tomorrow.” He sank into the plush pillows immersed in the scent of lion. Kazuo lay beside the deer, his eyes closed and breathing softly, white eyelashes long down his cheeks. He reached over, tickling Lucian’s ear to make it flicker and did that for a while until the sounds of slumber lulled him to sleep as well.

Chapter Text

It was already obvious how difficult this was going to be when Ibuki arrived at Fauna Fine Arts Gallery. The place was packed with herbivore guests, with security at every entrance. He was given an invitation, it must’ve been real or a very convincing forgery because it was accepted and he was allowed to walk right inside. There was so much food. He didn’t see the deer yet, so he made his way to the table. Years, before he joined the shishigumi, he wandered the streets of the black market living off of what little he could find. But now here he stood, surrounded by excess, he took a plate and filled it. And when he was finished with that one, he ate another. He stood quietly in his little isolated corner enjoying rich food he had never tasted before. He startled, having to restrain himself from jumping back when a dainty hand touched his shoulder.

He looked, down to see an elegantly dressed doe looked up at him. “Haven’t I seen you before? You’re with New Media aren’t you? This must be your first event.” She laughed, it was so subtle that he wondered if there was an etiquette for laughter. “You don’t have to eat it all at once, it’s not going anywhere!” She smiled. He looked around at the many tables filled with food. “What happens to what’s left over?” He wondered. “Well, they usually donate the rest to shelters. It was a recently implemented policy set in place by Oguma himself.” She explained as she took her plate as well. “Oguma?” He asked. “Yes, the heir to Horns Conglomerate.” He watched her take some finger sandwiches and a glass of champagne before disappearing into a group of does.

“Ladies and gentlemen, The CEO of Horns Conglomerate. A tall, mean looking stag took the microphone from the woman who announced him. “Good evening, everyone. My name is Okuma, I hope you’re all enjoying everything so far. In just a few minutes, there will be an unveiling of a special gallery personally curated by my son himself. We at Horns hope that this gallery will serve as the epicenter for cultural and artistic diversity in the city. Thank you all for coming and I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening!” He gave the microphone back and rushed off the stage to a pop of polite applause. A few minutes, Ibuki had finished nearly an entire section by himself, when the coordinator began moving everyone to another room, he followed closely behind, finally prying himself from the table.

It wasn’t like him to be a glutton, but knowing that he wasn’t supposed to be here made him want to take advantage. When the lights went on, he looked around to see a strange combination of displays. The first section were paintings, one particular set caught the lion’s eye. It was one of a dead lamb with his mother leaning over him, her hands up in defense of her child as crows circled them. Protecting him even in death. Beside it was a similar painting, this time the mother lay dead in the center as the child cried, his hands raised high in surrender as the crows moved in on them. “Do you like them? They were so hard to find. But I couldn’t display one without the other.” A buck approached him, his hand out offering the lion a handkerchief.

“Here…for your eyes.” He said. Ibuki reached up to feel that his cheeks were wet with tears. Slowly, he accepted the handkerchief. “Thank you.” He muttered as he wiped at his face before handing it back. “Hold on to it, there are many similar pieces throughout the gallery.” Said the buck. “Why is it all so morbid?” Ibuki turned back to the paintings. “I’ve always said that the best art is the kind that makes you question things that you can’t understand. We need more of that now than ever before.” He looked at the buck, he had a slender frame, small eyes like his. Handsome. Young. It stirred something inside him. Was this what Chief felt when he looked at the white deer?

“Oguma, come here.” The CEO, the stag from earlier called in their direction. “Excuse me.” Ibuki watched as the buck went over to him. There he was. The lion had his prey in his sights, not he only needed an opportunity to strike. He decided to make note of blocked of area and possible escape routes, there were none. He went past the area with the paintings onto an area with photography. Looking around, he stopped cold when he saw one of the photographs. It was a picture of a wall, not just any wall, the wall that was the boundary between the black market and the rest of the world. The wall that separated cannibalistic beasts from the rest of polite society. He looked at the description on the little plaque beneath. “The thin red line.” Was the name, shot by Oguma himself just a few months ago.

‘If you only knew,” Ibuki thought. Then something else caught his eye. It was the door that catering came in and out of, he looked out the window to see the van just outside, its back doors open, more pans of food being unloaded and carried inside. The problem now was, how would he get him outside? There was a maintenance closet just behind the sculpture displays, hidden between two beautifully restored marble sculptures, one of a wolf and one of a Komodo dragon. He saw a janitor go in and slipped inside right behind him, undetected as the attendees hadn’t gotten this far into the gallery just yet. He emerged dressed as a maintenance worker in a mask and blue overalls as well as a white hat, taking off his glasses as well. He pushed a large rolling trash bin along as he zeroed in on the buck.

It took a while, but there was a window as he followed Oguma out to the reception hall watching him take a plate and some food for himself. He looked like he was sneaking alcohol the way he looked around before picking up a flute, once the coordinator stepped back into the gallery, Ibuki quickly injected him with a low dose of sedative, knocking him out quickly. He picked Oguma up and put him into the trash bin and closed the lid before making his way back to that door, avoiding as many animals as he could. Once outside, he picked him up out of the bin and lay him in the back of the catering truck before closing the doors and running around to jump into the driver’s seat. He was relieved that the keys were still in the ignition.

Of course, things were going just a bit too well. When the panicked workers returned to their van, banging on the doors as Ibuki locked them. He started the van, the headlights from the window shining against Okuma’s face, as the fan reversed out of the driveway and sped off as the workers chased after it in vain.

-

“What do you think he’ll be like?” Lucian asked as the chief kissed and sucked at his neck, tearing off and tossing his shirt behind him. “He’s your age, but he won’t be here long enough to make friends, we only want his money.” His voice rumbled over the deer’s flesh as the chief kissed a trail down to his leaking cock. “We don’t know if he’ll make it here. I took a gamble trusting that kid…” He trailed as he’d come face to face with a glistening pink cock. “I’ve never done this before…what if I eat it?” He grunted. Lucian snorted, “Then I’d be a girl for a while, until you ate the rest.” He mused.

The chief swirled his tongue around the deers balls before licking upwards along the shaft to his sensitive tip where he cause a taste of his precum, leaning back as a trail of it attached to his lips. “Mmm…” he hummed as he took him into his mouth. He sucked as gently as he could, holding the deer up with big hands that groped and kneaded the deer’s ass as he enjoyed his taste. There was a knock on the door, it swung open before he could say otherwise. “Chief, you won’t believe…” Free froze in shock. Lucian’s cock slipped from his lips springing in his face as he snarled at the intruder. “I DID NOT SAY YOU COULD COME IN.” He roared. “I-I’m so sorry! It’s Ibuki. He did it! He just came back with the kid.” The younger lion informed, his cheeks red as he avoided looking at them. “GET OUT.”

“Yes chief.” Free quickly closed the door.

Lucian reached down to caress the chief’s face. “We’ll continue later….I have a guest to greet.” The lion said as he leaned his nose into Lucian’s palm.

Chapter Text

Oguma opened his eyes as he heard voices and the sounds of dress shoes shuffling around on bare concrete, it was bad enough that his vision was blurry, from whatever it was they drugged him with, but there was barely any light in the room as well. The buck tried to move his arms and he couldn’t, he clenched and unclenched his fists, the rope tight against his flesh. The lights turned on and he winced, squinting, at the sudden brightness. He sat up straight as his eyes focused, looking up at the huge lion standing over him, the same lion from the gallery. “You…what is this? Why did you bring me here?” He asked. Ibuki opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Free. “Shut your mouth, the boss will be here soon…looks like you’ll have to get used to slumming it with a few lowlives for a while, rich boy.” The lion mocked, taking the glasses from the deer’s face, loosening his tie and disheveling his fur.

“Lowlives?” Oguma looked up at them. “You’re all in expensive suits, you’re wearing cologne, expensive watches, what exactly makes you lowlives?” He asked. “You’re in the back alley market, kid. We’re about screw your dad out of some money and then have a nice feast.” The lion leaned in, snarling in Oguma’s face. The deer didn’t flinch. “Don’t I get a last request?” He asked. Free laughed, “Haha! Sure, what would you like? A cup of tea and a finger sandwich?” He asked teasingly with a posh accent. “A glass of water.” Oguma said simply, Free shrugged. He went to the bathroom, they could hear the clink of the glass and the sink turning on and off.

He came back and untied the buck, handing him the glass of water. Oguma smashed the glass, stabbing a shard into Free’s leg. He grabbed the gun from his waistband as he fell to the floor and pointed it at him. The other lions drew their weapons. Ibuki was in awe. These herbivores were resourceful, they knew how to turn the tables on carnivores who underestimated them, and he couldn’t help but admire that. Oguma took his glasses from Free’s pocket and put them back on his face. “You little shit! I’ll-“

“What’s going on here?” The chief finally made his way down. He looked around and already there was carnage, his second in command lying in a puddle of his own blood, gripping his leg. He looked back at the others who were pointing their guns toward the buck. “You’re outnumbered, kid. I’d suggest putting the gun down.” He warned. “He said you’d just kill me anyway. If that’s the case, then I refuse to die without a fight. I could get at least one round off before they put me down.” He took the safety off and pointed the gun at Free’s head. The lion’s eyes widened but the chief slowing approached Oguma. “I am the chief of this organization. He listens to me, they all do.” The chief turned to the others.

“Guns down.” He ordered. Slowly, they all obeyed. He turned back to Oguma. “You’re not here to be eaten. You’re here because we plan to hold you for ransom…and then return you to your father. Nothing more.“ He took Oguma’s hand, turning it toward him signaled them to help Free. “I’ll treat you like a guest in my home, but you’ll have to listen to me and please don’t try to run. You won’t get far.” He said. Oguma swallowed, looking around at the others who glared at him maliciously, he knew that he had no choice. He handed the chief the gun, “Very good. Now, come with me. There’s someone who’d like to meet you.” Oguma followed along beside him as the chief led him upstairs.

“What the hell? His guest? He just fucking stabbed me!” Free grunted as Dope and Miguel helped him to his feet. “I kinda wonder why he’s going out of his way to be nice to the guy? He’s usually the first to mess with ‘em when we do shit like this.” Miguel pointed out. Free snickered, “I think I know why…” He muttered. “Free!” Ibuki grunted. “What?” He looked up at Ibuki as he sat in the now empty chair, rolling up his pants leg. “Oh, I see…” He grinned. “You know about it too, huh?”

Dope’s eyes darted between them. “Know about what?” He asked. “It’s not our place to discuss it-“ “The white deer.” Free began, despite Ibuki’s insistence. “The chief kept him alive.” He revealed. “What for?” Jinma asked as he came in with a roll of gauze. Free hissed as he pulled out the glass shard, a spurt of blood rushing through the gaping wound. He leaned in and whispered, “I knew sometimes he did faggy shit when he devoured. But he’s got this kid tied to his bed up there…and he’s got no intention of eating him.”

“Oh shit…he got himself a little boyfriend. But you know, he might still get the urge when they’re doing the deed. Probably won’t last.” Jinma say. “Probably not, but it’s why he’s being so cordial ‘please and thank you’ with a fuckin’ herbivore.” Free spat. He looked up at the younger lion whose sour expression angered him. “No one likes an ass kisser, Ibuki. We’re allowed to have opinions. You may be elite but don’t think we won’t kick your ass if you fuck with us.” He threatened. Ibuki nodded slowly, his jaw clenching as he backed out of the room and head upstairs. “You should lay off him. After what he did tonight, he’s got the chief’s favor…won’t go over well if he decides to tell him you’ve been talkin’ shit.” Jinma cautioned.

Free wanted to argue but he knew he was right. And his rank wouldn’t protect him from the chief’s wrath if he caught wind of his disparaging remarks. It all depended on if the kid was a snitch or not, but he tried not to worry about it as Jinma finished wrapping up his leg.

-

Upstairs the young heir was led into an office where the strange scent of sex, flora and cigar smoke clashed. On the couch was a young, albino deer whose nose twitched as he sat up. “He’s here.” Kazuo said, “I’m going to call to negotiate the deal.” “What does he look like?” Lucian asked. His eyes wide and blinking. “He’s tall, young. Impressive antlers. Dark red fur.” The lion described. “Interesting.” He mumbled, Oguma sat beside him as the chief went into the office. “Why are you here? What have they been doing to you?” He asked, his voice low. “Nothing too bad. But I think he’ll eat me soon, it’s only that he’s not used to prey that doesn’t run.” Lucian shrugged.

“Why won’t you try? The worst he could do is kill you.” Oguma looked over to the where could see Kazuo standing in front of his desk looking out the window, phone held to his ear. “I’ve spent a few weeks in the livestock shipment crates and then days chained in a cold room waiting to be bought. From what I’ve heard, eating me isn’t the worst thing that could happen. He tried to rape me but I took that away by consenting to his touch. Then he tried to eat me, saying I would only taste good if I was afraid…but I’m not. Now he doesn’t know what to do with me, but…I won’t fight back when he finally decides to try. I’m too weak.” Lucian sighed, leaned back onto the plush cushions.

“I’ll take you with me.” Oguma offered. “No!” Lucian shut him down. “Why not?” Oguma whispered. “I like him. I know I’ll be eaten by someone. I’m blind and small. Ripe for the taking. I want him to be the one to do it. I’m content with being his meal.” The white deer’s ears flicked as he heard Ibuki open and shut the door. The chief came out of the office. “Take him.” He said. “Where?” The younger lion asked. “To your room. He’ll stay with you until our conditions are met.” Chief said as he sat in the chair next to Lucian. “Why my room, though?” Ibuki’s brow furrowed. “‘Cause you will be the one to keep an eye on him. Are you questioning my decision?” The chief asked, brow raised. “No Chief.” Ibuki shook his head. “Good. I trust you, Ibuki. Don’t let the others harm him. We need this exchange to be as smooth as possible. Understand?” The chief reiterated.

“Yes chief.” Ibuki turned to Oguma, gently taking him by the arm and dragging him out the door.

Chapter Text

Ibuki’s room was strange to say the least. It had a tiny tv on a desk in the corner with lamp and on top of that, a pile of books. The rest of the room was relatively spartan except for the trunk in the corner and the unusually lavish bedspread that seemed to be the most expensive thing in the room there was a chair at the desk and that looked like it had seen its worst days. Oguma watched as Ibuki went into the closet pulling out some extra blankets and shoving them into the buck’s arms. “I’ll be back.” He grunted as he left the room. There was some storage downstairs, things he had on him when he first joined, some clothes and shoes that were a bit too small for him now. Oguma didn’t have to change his clothes, but the lion wanted to at least give him the option.

When he returned to the room Oguma was sitting on the opened out blankets on the floor. “Why are you on the floor?” He asked. Oguma looked over at the beautiful bedspread. “I didn’t want to ruin it.” He said. Ibuki tossed the items he had in his hands onto the chair and picked him up, sitting him down on the bed. “It’s meant to be used, so we’re using it. Do you want to change your clothes?” He went to pick up what he brought and showed them to Oguma. “Thank you.” Oguma took them, Ibuki sat in the chair, taking out a cigarette. He watched as the deer pulled off his shoes tossing off his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt. “That was brave of you…the way you stood up to my colleague.” Said the lion. Oguma shrugged, “He pissed me off. I don’t like being talked down to.”

The deer pulled down his pants, his little tail blocking a complete view of his ass. Ibuki averted his eyes. “I’m willing to bet talking down to others is part of being an heir.” He said. Oguma glared at him, “Not to me.” “What? You’re gonna say you don’t see status or species?” Ibuki jeered. The hole of the shirt he gave him was stretched just enough for him to maneuver his antlers through it. He sat with his back against the pillows looking at Ibuki. “You could hate me. Many animals do if only for the fact that I’m Horns’ heir and nothing else. But I won’t feed your narrative. I’ve never looked down on anyone for either of those things. That’s the truth.” Oguma looked at the bed and realized something. “We’re sharing a bed…” he mumbled.

“No, we’re not. I’m taking the floor.” Ibuki grumbled as smoke billowed from his lips. “No, you’re going to put your hostage in the bed and take the floor?” The buck was out he got out of the bed and stood. “Then I refuse to sleep in it!” He insisted. Ibuki snubbed out his cigarette, blowing smoke as he approached the deer. Oguma stood his ground, “You will sleep in this bed until it’s time for you to go home.” The lion growled. “And if I refuse?” Oguma stepped. “Then I’ll tie you to it!” Ibuki grunted, he went reach for Oguma, raising his hand, the deer flinched, turning his head as though in anticipation of a slap. Ibuki stepped stepped forward, lowering his hand, “I saw that…” he said, his voice almost a whisper. “It’s nothing.” Oguma walked away, he stopped him.

“Who hurt you?” Ibuki asked. “It doesn’t matter. In no time at all, I’ll be gone once you get your money.” said the buck. The lion sighed. “Look, my boss will have my head if he comes in here and finds you on the floor.” Ibuki persuaded. “I just…feel bad that I’m taking it from you.” Oguma muttered. The lion had no choice but to give in. He got down to his shirt and boxers, finding himself sliding into bed beside Oguma who took off his glasses and put it under the pillow. Ibuki tossed his on the desk lazily.

-

The next morning, Kazuo’s nose twitched. The coppery scent of blood made his fur stand on end as he stirred, he couldn’t find his glasses and nearly fell out of bed trying to look for the source of the smell. In the office, Lucian stood over his desk as though feeling around for something. “What are you doing?” He asked, the deer turned around, his pristine white fur covered in blood. Kazuo covered his nose as he ripped for the drawer looking for some to cover his face, he found paper towels and stuck a couple pieces in his nostrils and then covered his mouth with a cloth napkin he found, it was all he could to try and block out the scent. “What happened? Who did this?” He growled. “No one. Deer’s antlers fall out once a year, every year and grow back.“ Lucian laughed. “Worried you did I?”

“You smell like blood, I…” a low growl rose from the lion’s throat. Saliva escaped from his lips and he had to resist the urge to pounce. “Ah, I see. Your instincts…what a shame. And things were going so well…” The deer approached the lion. Kazuo too a bottle of liquor from the cart and smashed it, the pungent smell of alcohol to distract him from the scent for just a bit. He got a first aid kit from the bathroom and did his best to clean up the deer. Lucian laughed at him as he held back his growls, tapering off into strange sounding whines. His pupils blown wide as he wiped away blood and sterilized wounds. “You poor creature.” He said. “Shut up, I need to concentrate.” Kazuo grunted.

“On not eating me? How long do you intend to keep this up?” The deer asked. “I’m not ready for you, yet. Now be quiet.” Kazuo finished wrapping his head and for the most part the smell had been contained, smothered by alcohol and disinfectant. The old lion chuckled. “What’s so funny?” Lucian grinned. “You look like a little doe.” Said the lion as he bent down to pick up the fallen antlers. “Hmph. I suppose I do. There’s a lot of pride in our antlers, most deer wouldn’t be caught dead without a prosthetic during shedding season.” “Mmph…” the lion grunted in acknowledgment as he chewed on the fallen bone.

“Something tells me you don’t care much about societal hang ups like fallen antlers and deer pride.” Said the lion. “No, not really. So what do you think?” The deer sat in the lion’s lap. Kazuo kissed him, licking at his neck a little too roughly. “It’s a good look for you.” He said.

-

“How much did they ask for?” Yuta asked as he thought Okuma the phone. “300 million yen. It’s barely a dent in what I made yesterday but I hate when animals who aren’t worth shit try to prey on the ones which have because we worked for it. We’re not giving them a red CENT.” He picked up the phone and dialed a number, “I’m having someone take care of this problem quickly and quietly. It’s about time these carnivores learned their place.” He spat as the line picked up.

Chapter Text

Ibuki heard the sound of something shuffling around. It sounded like paper, he opened the door to see the deer sitting in the desk chair reading a book. “What are you reading?” He asked, he could see Oguma’s nose twitch as it picked up the scent of blood on his shirt. “Did something happen?” He asked. Ibuki shook his head, “The chief’s deer…his antlers fell off.” The lion explained. “Oh! Mine have been itching…” Oguma mumbled. “You deer are strange creatures, I had no idea they fell out, I’ve never seen any of you males without them.” Ibuki closed the door, tearing open and pulling off his shirt, tossing it in the basket to be washed later.

Oguma’s eyes lingered on his bare chest. “I’ve never been called strange before, but…usually, if the deer could afford them, we wear prosthetics until the new ones grow back.” The deer said as he tore his eyes away from Ibuki to look back to the book, “You have a lot of murder mystery books. I hope you don’t mind that I helped myself to this one.” He saw the lion shrug in response.

“You don’t need to be so polite. You were drugged and kidnapped. You’re not here to make friends.” He reminded. “Read, use the bed, eat…you’re the hostage here.” He added. Oguma scoffed. “I would never reduce myself to my circumstances alone. These things happen, I’m sure I’m not the only heir or heiress that’s been kidnapped, and I won’t be the last.” He bit back. Ibuki’s brow furrowed. He could see that Oguma would be someone who refused to be honest with himself. That ticked him off. “I have work to do. Do you want anything before I leave?” He asked. Oguma thought for a moment. “I liked the berries I had yesterday, and ice water with cucumbers.” He mumbled.

“Fine.” Ibuki went down to the kitchen where he opened the fridge and took out the remaining berries in their plastic container. He cut up a cucumber longways to and put it into a mug with water and ice. “For your charge?” Free teased. Ibuki said nothing as he walked past him toward the stairs. “Wait!” The younger lion turned around as Free approached. “I’m sorry…about what I said down there. You really stepped up and got the job done. Call me impressed.” He pat Ibuki on the back. Ibuki straightened his glasses and nodded. “I don’t mind having to earn respect if it means I could stay here.” He said before heading up the stairs.

Oguma’s scratching between and around his antlers was becoming tiresome. Sometimes the deer wished he were a goat or a sheep, at least they didn’t have to shed. He sneezed and as he opened his eyes, a drop of blood had fallen on the page. “Oh no!” He gasped wiping it away only to make a dark red streak down the page. More drops fell as his right antler came loose and fell to the floor. He quickly closed the damaged book and looked around for something to clean up the blood. He went for the door and hesitated. If a lion saw him bloodied in the hall, he didn’t know if all of them had enough control not to attack. He looked around, the stream of blood was leaking into his eyes when he noticed the old trunk in the corner of the room.

The buck went over to it, unlatching the lock and opening it. He froze, his breath caught in his throat. inside were two mummified corpses, folded in two, bones broken so they could be stuffed side by side. One of them looked like a male lion. Oguma reeled back, falling to the floor. The impact jolting loose his other antler, both wounds open and bleeding had his face and neck soaked. He looked up as the door opened. Ibuki tilted his head in confusion not only at his appearance but the look of absolute terror he didn’t even have when he had woken up to find himself surrounded by lions. Ibuki looked over that the trunk, its lid wide open and sighed, going over and putting the jug and container on the desk before closing and latching it closed.

“Why did you open it?” He asked. “I-I didn’t-“ Ibuki grabbed him, throwing him up against the wall. “Please! I was trying to look for something…for the bleeding, I didn’t-“ He growled as he tossed the deer onto the bed. His eyes burning with hunger. He pulled off the clothes he had given him, and left him bare. Oguma was getting dizzy. “Don’t kill me, I have to get home! There’s so much I need to do…” His eyes became far too heavy and he passed out beneath the lion. Ibuki snapped out of his fit of anger, now panicking. What had he done? “No, wait…I wasn’t-“ There was a commotion downstairs, yelling and the sound of gunfire. Ibuki drew his gun and went for the door.

Two gunshots came through it, one hitting him and the other hitting the bedpost. He fell to the floor as door was kicked open and a wolf stepped through, followed by two others. “I knew I smelled it in here. Look at the bed.” A gray wolf nodded to where Oguma lay. “Oh…he’s not gonna like that.” Said the white wolf. The gun was kicked under the bed as the gray wolf stepped over Ibuki’s body. He dug out his phone from his pocket. Outside, inside a black car parked across the street, Okuma’s phone rang. “Did you find him?” The stag asked as he picked up. “Yeah…I’m sorry. He’s gone.” Said the wolf. The deer’s eyes widened. “I’m coming in.” “Sir!” His assistant, a young sheep cried as he tried to pull him back in. He stepped over a lion’s corpse on the way up the stairs, several of the pride still putting up a fight against the onslaught of a pack of wolves.

When he got to the bedroom, he saw Ibuki laying on the floor and the gray wolf standing next to Oguma. Okuma saw the way the deer was naked and splayed over a bed, his jaw clenched as he looked down at Ibuki.“It wasn’t enough just to kill him?” He growled through gritted teeth. He dropped to the floor punching and wailing on Ibuki, getting to his feet and stomping at the lion’s head until his face was a mess of blood in the same fashion as his son’s. He was panting when he finally had enough and fell seated at the foot of the bed. “Give me my child.” He ordered. The wolf picked up Oguma gently and went over to Okuma, laying the buck into his father’s arms.

“What do you want us to do?” The white wolf asked. The stag looked down at his son’s bloodied face. His heart twisted and the pain was indescribable. Just a few short hours ago, his boy was in good spirits having organized his first gala by himself. Okuma hated charity, he hated museums, the inner city…he hated carnivores. But despite trying to beat it out of him, his son saw everyone as equal, he wanted to use their wealth to help as many animals as he could. Now looking at what he held…his son’s antlers had been torn off, he was beaten, and raped. He didn’t know the truth of what he saw, only that someone that was his, was no more….and it was because of them. He spat in Ibuki’s face. “Kill every single lion you see…All of them.” He ordered as he stood, carrying Oguma out the door.

Chapter Text

“We have to go…” Kazuo whispered, half dragging, half carrying Lucian on his hip down the back stairs that lead into the garage. “What about your men?” The deer asked. “They’ll be fine, this sort of thing happens all the time.” Kazuo opened the door to the blue van and put Lucian in the back seat closing the door as silently as he could and jumping into the drivers seat. “Hold on.” He said, Lucian felt around for a seatbelt and clipped it on as they sped out of the garage and out towards the street. The lion kept looking back to make sure no one was following them. They went on to the highway, there were safe houses all over the city in case any of the boys needed a place to hide from the cops.

“Who were they? Why were they attacking you?” The deer asked. “I think…I miscalculated how twisted rich herbivores are. He was never going to give us any money when he could send someone to get his son for the fraction of the price. Not to mention the added bonus of making me regret crossing their path.” He grunting. They arrived at tiny building somewhere tucked in an unassuming corner of the uptown ghetto. Attached to it was a tiny sushi shop with an apartment above it that he rented. They got to the door and he took his key to let them inside as a young fox boy looked on curious. However, in this part of town, everyone knew to mind their own business.

He lead Lucian to an old couch to sit. What was he to do? Who could he call to go help them? Because of him, they were essentially alienated from every other gang in the market. “Kazuo…sit with me.” The deer beckoned. His heart felt heavy, for years he sat at the top of an unstoppable organization that was feared by all. Now, after one fatal error, he wondered if there would be anything to go back to at all. He slowly made his way to the couch, having not brought his cane. He sat beside Lucian and held the deer, kissing his head still wrapped. “I don’t know who or what I am anymore.” He said. “I’m a coward…I ran when I should’ve died with them. If it came to that…” He lamented. “But if I did, they would’ve killed you too.”

“Why do you keep me? I must know.” Lucian felt the lion’s lips on his, and heard the shuddering sigh as their kiss broke and Kazuo looked down at him. “I’m so glad that you can’t see me. I’m a monster and you can’t see it. I would be a fool to eat you I want to be able to be a monster, so long you can’t see it.” He swallowed back a sob. Lucian reached for him and pulled him into another kiss. They were in their own world apart from the destruction surrounding them.

-

Okuma’s eyes were blank as he stared forward. His assistant unable to stop silently crying since he came into the car with Oguma. Suddenly, the sheep felt those dark eyes…that cold stare looking over at him. “I’m sorry, I’ll compose myself. Sorry, sir.” He quickly rubbed at his eyes and straightened. “You may cry for him. If I had…half your decency. I would too. All the good I had left in me went into him. That’s why there’s none left. But don’t worry, Yuta…his murderers are being put to the sword as we speak. And I personally stomped the rapist to death.” He rubbed at the buck’s ear as he stared into his face.

“Sir…you are crying…” the sheep whispered. “My Oguma…” He sobbed quietly. He adjusted his grip on the buck, shaking him, he grunted in surprise. “Oguma?” He shook him again. “Oguma, wake up, boy.” “Father?” Oguma opened his eyes, looking around to see his father was holding him. “Driver! Take is to the nearest hospital. Now!” The stag commanded. “No, my blood runs through those veins. You’re not weak.” He shook him again. “Wake up, look at me!” Oguma gripped his shirt as he looked into his eyes. “I admire you…you survived the clutches of those savages. We’re going to have a doctor look at you, just hold on.” Okuma felt pride swell in his chest.

“The lions…Ibuki…” Oguma looked around, trying to make sense of everything. “Hush now, I’ve already taken care of those lions, you won’t need to worry about them anymore. They’re dead, a fitting punishment for those meat eating beasts!” He spat. “But father-“ “Driver! How far out?” The stag grunted. “Five minutes, sir.” The driver replied. “You’ll be alright.” He said as he gently rocked Oguma in his arms.

-

Ibuki coughed, his head felt like lead as he tried to look around. He could feel that his face was wet with blood, and when he tried to get up a sharp pain in his side made him wince. He looked around for his gun, having to reach under the bed to get it before struggling to get to his feet. He went out and the hall was littered with shishigumi bodies. Jinma, Miguel, Sabu. He went downstairs and the foyer looked like a mass grave, among them he saw Hino, Dope, and Dolph. Part of him was glad to see wolf bodies, to know that not all had escaped. In the kitchen, Sony, Victor, and Hugo lay executed. This couldn’t be happening. Was he the only one left?

“Guh…hey kid, help me up…” Free groaned from where he was trapped under the table. Ibuki bent down and pulled him out from under it before lifting him into a chair. “We better get whoever’s left together and…” “There isn’t anybody left.” Ibuki cut him off. “Nah…no. No!” Free scrambled to his feet, stumbling before making his way out he saw all the bodies, he dragged himself upstairs finding no survivors. He went to the chief’s room and there on the bed amidst two shed antlers was his cane. He fell to his knees, bellowing. Out of 35 lions that made up the shishigumi, only the two of them remained.

He looked up as he saw Ibuki standing at the door. “I can’t fucking believe this! Why did this happen? Why!” The older lion cried. “I think…they were here for the deer. The one we took. One of the last thing i remember hearing was someone asking for his child. I think…he fainted. His face was covered in blood from the antlers…I yelled at him. Next thing i knew, they shot me…” “Oh man. Free pushed himself up to sit on the bed. “The fuck do we do now? I’m wanted outside the market. I’m nothing without this place!” He sobbed into his hands. “We need to…get patched up and then figure out our next move.” Ibuki suggested. “Don’t you see, man? It’s over! There’s nothing left! Everybody’s gone, even chief…” he whimpered.

“There’s no body here. That means he’s still alive.” He sat beside Free, “Don’t give up easily. As long as he’s still alive, so is the shishigumi.” He said. Free’s glare softened, slowly, he nodded. “Then we need to find him.” He muttered.

Chapter Text

Oguma held his knees to his chest as he sat in the hospital bed. His head was cleaned and wrapped finally. After his advisors insisted to his father that the doctor do a rape kit, Okuma refused. Instead, having caretakers help him wash thoroughly. He didn’t want even the slightest chance of what happened to reach anyone outside of the four animals who sat in that room. “Father…I’ve never lied to you. Why would I start now?” He asked. “To spare me. Somehow, I made you without a selfish bone in your body. I thought…’He’ll get eaten alive if he didn’t learn to care about himself alone.’ How right I was.” Okuma stood over the buck and in a strangely foreign gesture he reached out and pat him on the back.

“I’m not going to try and coddle you, not anymore. Not after what you’ve been through…you’re a man now. I helped you get here, now it’s time for you to stand on your own two feet.” He nodded curtly. “What does that mean?” Oguma asked. “It means that I don’t need to discipline you like a little boy anymore. Tomorrow, you’ll take my place at the Consortium of Species meeting. Your vote will be the deciding factor, allowing law enforcement to finally put an end to this horrible black market cesspool.” Okuma said with a malicious smile. “For the last time…those lions did not rape me. My antlers shed, I don’t know what happened after I passed out but I know he wouldn’t have done that. The carnivores need the black market, father.” Oguma reasoned, but his father wouldn’t hear it.

“Why did he strip you? Why was he covered in your blood? Drooling? As for the carnivores, they say they need meat and that’s fine, I won’t pretend to try and understand a cannibal. But do they need crime? Do they need extortion, hyper drugs, trafficking and selling children to be eaten? Or worse…” Okuma leaned in, speaking with finality. “They have the reputation that they have for a reason. They’ll be friendly with you, go to work or school with you and coexist with you in public, but the need for meat is always there…and it eats away at them until they satisfy it. But they won’t be doing so with our bodies for long.” The stag went over to his assistant Yuta, taking a briefcase from him. He put it on the bed and opened it, he sat on the edge of the bed and put a pistol in his son’s hand.

“I want you to always carry this with you. I’ve never given you a birthday gift, but this one will surely be useful in the future.” He said. Oguma tested the weight of it in his hand. It was heavy, not just in the physical sense. He never held a gun before but after yesterday, he could appreciate the significance. “Father…I don’t-“ “Sir.” An advisor, a young stag poked his head into the room. “Press is here, they received word of his injuries, do you want me to-“ “I’ll handle it.” Okuma stood up, turning to Oguma. “Soon, the whole world will see the strength and character you possess. It was the most valuable gift I could give.” He walked with a prideful stride as he followed his advisor out the door. Oguma sighed, putting the gun back in the case.

“Yuta?” The sheep got up from where he sat by the door and went over to him. “Yes Oguma?” He noticed the buck’s expression, one of sadness and confusion. “Did he really have them all killed?” He asked, his voice low. Yuta’s eyes glanced at the door as he shuffled nervously. “He did…it was like seeing a war unfold. Gunfire as soon as they got in there, the screaming and shouting, I don’t care to recall the details.” The sheep shivered at the thought.

Oguma's expression shifted to a pained one. The weight of those words hung in the air for a moment, and a heavy silence settled between them, interrupted only by the faint sound of people bustling in the corridor. The weight of Oguma's question and the horror that befell those animals, cast a shadow on the room. Yuta's eyes flitted to the door, a flicker of unease running through him as if expecting a violent replay. "This is all my fault," Oguma sobbed, “They never hurt me, I swear…” He insisted. “I’ve been working for your father for years now. Never once saw him so much as crack a smile. No emotion. Only ever saw him angry….when he beat you or yelled at his subordinates…but when he thought you were dead, he cried. He wept openly, in front of all of us. I don’t agree with how he’s treated you or how he went about saving you, but for the first time since I’ve been with Horns, he looked like a father who loved his son.”

Yuta sat on the bed, his back to Oguma, eyes to the floor. “You were naked and bleeding in the clutches of the lions who kidnapped you and demanded ransom…he wasn’t going to stick around to ask questions.” Yuta said. It offered little comfort to the buck. “I’m sorry, Ibuki…”

-

Free’s eyes flicked to the trunk and the bags in the back seat as Ibuki drove them through the city. There were four safe houses nearby and they were checking every single one under the assumption that the chief stayed close. “You took them with you…” he said. Ibuki’s eyes glanced into the rearview mirror. “Of course I did, they’re my parents.” He grunted. Free nodded, deciding not to press further. “What do we do if he’s not here?” He asked instead. “Just means he went further out. We keep looking.” Ibuki said simply. They got to the safe house and Free immediately perked at the sight of the blue van parked hidden in the alley towards the back of the restaurant. He jumped out before Ibuki had even made a full stop and ran to knock at the door. “Chief! Open up, it’s Free!” He sort of whisper shouted as he knocked again.

The door swung open. “Quiet! Come in…” The chief grunted, clad in a bathrobe as he made his way back up the stairs “Oh! Here.” Free handed him his cane. “What’s the damage?” The chief asked as they made it to the living room of the apartment. On the floor in a hastily makeshift bed was the deer, naked and freshly ravished. The chief sat in the chair, tossing a blanket over him. “Well?” He pressed. “They’re gone. We’re the last.” Ibuki said outright. The chief’s eyes widened. “Dolph? Dope, Miguel…” “I’m sorry, chief.” Free said, his voice shaking. “What are your orders, Chief?” Ibuki asked. “Kazuo…I’m not chief anymore. As of now, the shishigumi is disbanded.” The older lion swallowed harshly, a tear escaping. “But sir…” Free sat beside him.

“You two take the safe houses near the old warehouses. The apartment and the house, and we’ll divide what’s left in my account.” Kazuo looked down at the deer whose eyes betrayed his sorrow. “I’m too old to start over…too old to go on a revenge campaign against a rich herbivore. Take this chance, both of you. Especially you, Ibuki. I took you off the streets, but I won’t let you go back. It’s the least I could do to make up for my failure.” Kazuo muttered.

Ibuki and Free looked at each other in disbelief, taking in the gravity of the Chief's words. Free, filled with loyalty and determination, struggled to accept the thought of walking away, of turning his back on the family that had raised him. Ibuki, however, was filled with anger. “I won’t let them get away with this.” He said. They looked at him. “I won’t let the shishigumi die.”

Chapter Text

“Ibuki…there is no way to avenge them. Not on our own. You need to pick up the pieces now.” Kazuo leaned his head against his hand that held the cane. “With what we have left, you could at the very least start over.” He exhaled deeply. “Even my elite didn’t survive…what kind of chief am I to abandon you all?” Lucian sat his back up against the couch resting his chin over Kazuo’s knee. The lion pet him. “You were protecting someone you loved.” Ibuki walked toward the stairs. “I can’t let this stand…and if I die, I want it to be for animals I loved.” He said. “Do you mean the shishigumi or the young heir?” Lucian asked. Ibuki froze. Kazuo’s eyes widened. “Ibuki, did you…” “No…it crossed my mind for a moment,only briefly, but I never touched him. When I thought I was dead…he was all I could think about in my final moments.” The long lion took a shaky breath as he turned back to Kazuo.

“Ibuki, I’m not…I don’t want to tell you that it’s a mistake because I know how you feel about hypocrites. But you’re young and what you’re fixing to do is…-“ “If I can’t have the shishigumi and I can’t have him, then I don’t want to be here. All my life I’ve been forced to deprive myself. Every last morsel of food on my plate went to mom and dad, telling me that I should be grateful that they gave me life at all only for them to turn around and sell me and just when I was ready to give up, I was finally able to prove myself to you. You took me in, you made me. You’re the one I’m grateful for. There’s nothing left for me here. I need to go.” The lion ran down the stairs. “Ibuki!” Kazuo called after him, getting up and rushing to the stairs in time to see the door close.

Free’s phone started ringing. He picked it up, “Hello?” He answered tentatively. “Free, what is going on? The last thing I remember is being shot and I wake up and everyone is fucking dead!” It was Dope, the second youngest of the group. “Just hang on buddy, I’m coming!” Free jumped to his feet. “Dope’s alive!” He cried. “Here, take the van.” Kazuo handed him the keys. Free stopped just shy of the door. “What about Ibuki?” He asked. “He made his decision. Get Dope to the clinic, if Ibuki survives, he’ll come back.” Kazuo said. Free nodded and left. “What do you think he’s going to do?” The deer asked. Kazuo got down on his knees with his cane, wrapping his arms around Lucian tightly as he sobbed. “I killed my family!” He croaked as the deer soothed him.

“It’s alright to mourn…” He whispered. “But don’t forget the ones who remain. We should hope for Ibuki’s return.” The lion nodded, holding him in for a deep kiss. “I can rebuild…” he whispered as he broke the kiss. “You can.” Lucian agreed.

-

The sat outside the Species Harmony Legislative Building, having searched on his phone for news regarding the family since the attack. Apparently, Oguma would be here to discuss among his peers the future of the black market and its distribution of meat to carnivores. Several different political parties would be deciding the fate and lives of carnivores in this city and once they made their ruling, the lives of these carnivores would be forever changed. Ibuki turned on the radio and searched the station for any news broadcast reporting the meeting.

-

“Ladies and gentlemen, party representatives please stand and state your names and parties.” The chair person, a bull elk instructed. A tiger stood. “Gon, Unity Coalition Party.” A hyena stood. “Tai, Carnivore Rights Party.” An alpaca stood. “Tomas, Herbivore Protection Party.” Lastly a young red deer stood, looking over nervously as the large crowd of animals, he took a deep breath to calm his mind. “Oguma, Species Autonomy Party.” He said. “Good, now…we’re cutting to the chase. All items have been formally pushed back to the next meeting in order for us to discuss the issue of the black market.” The elk pulled out several sheets of paper and laid them out in front of him. “The floor is open.”

The alpaca stood first, “It’s barbaric is what it is. We can’t even die in peace! Funeral homes and hospitals handing over our bodies for animals to consume should be a punishable offense!” He spat. “Carnivores need meat,” the hyena jumped to his feet. “We go years fundamentally starving ourselves on protein supplements. I know you would rather live in your own little world where we don’t exist but that is not reality!” He said. The tiger stood, “I agree. I care about herbivores, and the last thing I want is for them to think we only want to eat them. But we have to keep our needs in mind as well.” He said. “What about the crime? Organized crime. Do you need drugs and prostitution too?” Another member of the Herbivore Protection Party chimed in. Gon and the young hyena looked at each other there was no way to justify the gumis.

“You can’t condemn the entire population for the sins of the few.” The hyena said instead, Gon was impressed. “What an elegant cop out.” The alpaca scoffed. “Enough!” The chair person called for order. “As predicted, the vote is divided between parties.” He turned to Oguma who had been quiet up to that point. “Oguma, you and your party will have the deciding vote in proceeding with the dismantling of the black market. Your members make up the majority. You may have the floor.”

Oguma could feel his father’s eyes from somewhere in the audience. His hands were sweating and he hated that he was standing here. His mind went back to that bedroom. When they slept together in that bed and Ibuki wrapped his arms him, whimpering from a nightmare. He so hard to be strong but in that moment Oguma cooed gently in his ear, running his fingers through his mane as Ibuki snuggled his face into his chest. They were just kids holding each other. No status, money or political divide and he would be taking a home away from young carnivores like Ibuki. He made his decision. “I vote to keep the black market. There was an audible gasp across the stage. “What?” The moderator was in shock.

“Taking it away from them won’t make crime and meat eating go away. It would only bring suffering to carnivores. That’s my vote and I won’t change it.” The buck began to shake as he saw his father stand. It was dark but he should see the outline of his antlers and his eyes reflecting off his eyes, making him look like a demon. “Then it is decided.” The chair person slammed the gavel. There was immediately an uproar of animals arguing and yelling at each other. Oguma had to get away. He slipped past the herbivores trying grab him to question him and ran his way down the hall, looking for the stairs. When he found them, he ran down trying to make his way to the exit but just as he got to the door leading out to the lobby Okuma opened it.

“You…” The deer laughed. “You little bastard. To think I made the mistake of trusting you to do the right thing. For us. For all herbivores.” He said as he menaced toward the deer. “You don’t care about herbivores, father. You only care about punishing carnivores. I won’t do it!” Okuma slapped Oguma hard. The buck fell to the staircase, his back hitting the rail. “Why? Why do you make me do this? I mourned for you and you made me look like a fool!” He raised his hand to hit him again and it was caught. “You!” He turned to see the battered face of the lion he thought he killed. “Don’t you fucking touch him.” He growled, punching the stag in the face, drops of blood falling to the floor where he lay. He tried to get up and Ibuki shot him.

“Stay down or I’ll hurt more than your dignity.” The lion warned. “We have to get out of here!” “What do you see?” Ibuki asked. “What?” Oguma puzzled. “What do you see when you look at me?” The buck looked up at Ibuki, pulling off his prosthetic antlers and tossing the phone from his pocket. “I see…a good person in spite of the monster underneath. And I want to know him, I want him to know me!” He said, Ibuki pulled him into a kiss, “It came from down here!” He heard a voice say. He took Oguma’s hand and ran out the door out the exit and to the car left running and waiting outside.

-

The Shishigumi base was cleaned out, their dead buried in marked graves lined up in rows like flowerbeds throughout the front and back yards of the new base. The chief along with Lucian returned with Free and Dope. Newest members Agata, Raul, Airdo, and Mika the first female Shishigumi, were hard at work rebuilding the organization even though the outside world thought it long dead.

Ibuki was now second in command, he chose to live with Oguma in their own home near the black market where law enforcement wouldn’t dare to touch after Oguma’s testimony just weeks prior but his father still searched. The okamigumi, an organization consisting entirely of wolves received well earned street justice courtesy of the gumi gangs for attacking the shishigumi on their turf without provocation. The buck looked at the trunk in the living room the fancy bed spread folded neat on top of it. “Why do you love these so much?” He asked. “My mother used to beat me whenever she thought I was on their bed. They always took the comforter off before they got into bed not wanting to get it dirty apparently it was a wedding gift.” Ibuki explained as he put his guns in their holsters.

Oguma reached up, wrapping his arms around Ibuki’s neck in a tender kiss before letting him go. “Come back to me.” He whispered. “I will.” Ibuki replied as he left the apartment. The buck looked back to the trunk. “Even with the scars of your mistakes…he turned out better than you.” He took the comforter to put on the bed for when the lion came home.