Chapter Text
As soon as Bill walked into the room, Legoshi’s nose shot up. The wolf closed his eyes and followed his nose, tracking the scent perfectly to Bill’s breast pocket. Of course he had. Nothing could escape those canine senses.
Bill stumbled backwards, letting out a nervous chuckle as Legoshi buried his nose into his costume, snout twitching. There was no doubt. He knew exactly what he was hiding under there.
“W-woah, hey, you’re acting even weirder than usual today. You, uh… are you ready for the performance?” Bill asked, trying to act as casual as he could, hoping desperately that Legoshi wouldn’t say anything.
Though, he should’ve known better.
“Bill.” Legoshi stopped sniffing to look up at Bill with a subtle glare. “You…”
“uuuUUH I GOTTA HIT THE BATHROOM REAL QUICK!” He turned and dashed away, his cape billowing behind him as he made his way to the bathroom while trying to keep his composure.
He threw open the door and slowed to a stop in the middle of the bathroom. Thank Rex it was empty, he didn’t need anyone else listening to the unavoidable conversation that was about to happen.
Damnit. What am I going to tell him? He cares so much about the herbivores and all that crap, there’s no way he’d let it slide knowing that I’m planning on drinking a rabbit’s blood.
Easy. Don’t drink it. Say you found it and that you were going to get rid of it. Your plan was stupid anyway.
But I can’t just get rid of it, I need at least a couple drops. There’s no way I can perform on that stage without it, I-
Legoshi barged in, practically seething as he stared Bill down.
“Following me to the bathroom, huh? You in love with me or what?” Bill joked in what he hoped was a playful tone.
“Tell me,” Legoshi growled out as he prowled his way towards Bill, “What do you have underneath your costume?”
“Uh- hah, I should’ve known a wolf like you would be able to sniff it out.”
Okay, terrible start. Say something else. Anything.
“Do you want a sip?”
NOT THAT.
Going against his better judgement, Bill reached under his costume and pulled out the vial. It wasn’t that big for a bottle, but it still held a generous amount.
At the sight of it, Legoshi froze, and Bill watched as the look of anger on his face mixed with one of shock.
“That's…”
“Rabbit blood. Hey, don’t worry, it’s not a student's blood. One of the seniors gave it to me. I kept it, just in case. And I would say that this basically qualifies as an emergency, right?”
You fucking idiot.
Legoshi’s face slowly contorted into one of pure rage as Bill continued, “So, I didn’t really have much of a choice—”
He was interrupted as Legoshi dove forward with his claws out and ready. Bill caught his hands, stopping himself from getting mauled, but Legoshi still ended up pushing him back against the wall as a vicious growl escaped his throat. He’d never seen the wolf like this before. It was… terrifying. It was taking all his strength just to keep himself from getting clawed, yet he had a feeling that Legoshi wasn’t really trying to hurt him. At least, not yet.
“Hey, just listen to me. This is really the best thing for me. It’s easy to live like you, to stay in the shadows and act weak, but I—”
Shut up.
What?
Shut the fuck up. I know what you were about to say. That you need to shine in the spotlight. That you need to be strong. That drinking blood is justifiable here. No. I don’t accept that, and you know full well that neither will he.
Damnit.
His hands were really starting to hurt from keeping Legoshi back. He needed to get out of this, but he didn’t really want to hurt the wolf. His feelings about Bill right now were… well, the right ones. He was justified in his anger.
He tried to move to the side to redirect where he was being shoved, but the sudden movement caught Legoshi off guard, and his own strength drove him to slam into the wall, the window clattering. Immediately Bill went over to him with a look of concern etched into his face, checking if he was okay.
“Shit, sorry, I-”
Legoshi shoved him back. “You want to see my strength? Fine. See what I can do without having to dope up on herbivore blood.” He stormed out, leaving Bill alone in the bathroom.
Damnit, what is he gonna do?
Nothing if you were smarter. You did not need to say… literally any of that. You put yourself in this situation. Accept it.
Shit. He actually sounded serious there for once. It felt like he wanted to tear my throat out. But it’s fine. He wouldn’t even hurt a fly if it really came to it… right?
You need to rethink your assumptions. And maybe write a eulogy.
He’d never seen Legoshi so incensed before, so… passionate about anything. The normally docile wolf had been growling with rage, baring his fangs, a look of pure fury painted on his face. For the first time, Legoshi made him nervous. Afraid. But he wouldn’t actually attack him, would he? The wolf was always so polite, waving it off whenever people were rude to him. Els had even told Bill that she screamed at Legoshi not too long ago, and that he took it all with a straight face, dismissing her apologies afterwards. It honestly pissed Bill off.
This isn’t about him though.
What are you talking about?
This isn’t about him. He will take insults to himself. To his nature as a carnivore. But this isn’t about him. This is about herbivores. You know he cares about the weak, particularly them. You have a vial of rabbit’s blood, and said that this is a justifiable case to drink it.
… Oh.
But… he needs this blood, right? So much was riding on the success of this show. He was the lead actor, and on top of all that, he had to follow Louis’ impeccable performance. If he fucked this up, he’d never be able to live it down. He needed to be perfect. He needed to shine.
So he had to turn to his “insurance.” A small vial of rabbit’s blood. He’d been saving it for a while, hoping he’d never have to use it, but if there ever was a time… it would be now, wouldn’t it?
He held the bottle up to the light, swirling around the liquid inside. Everything inside him was screaming that it was wrong. That it would be better to fail on stage rather than to resort to this. Doing this would turn him into just another wild beast. Feral. Worthless.
He closed his eyes and pulled out the cork.
… A couple drops. For the nerves.
A few more. Need to make sure I keep my strength up.
Maybe a tiny sip. Can’t mess up any of the combat scenes.
Just a bit more. I want the audience to feel my energy.
He opened his eyes. The vial was nearly empty.
The last few drops sloshed around at the bottom, glistening in the dim bathroom light. He jammed the cork back onto the bottle, stowing it away under his costume. It felt so much lighter. He felt so much lighter.
The taste of the blood, the texture, it lingered on his tongue. It tasted… good. He felt the rush of energy flow through him, the strength, the unbridled potential that filled him. He felt powerful. Unstoppable.
It made him nauseous. His stomach lurched as the disgust of what he just did hit him. He just drank the blood of another animal. A living breathing person. At least… he thinks so. Did they die to make this? Their blood drained into a hundred vials? Their flesh cut and consumed?
Would it make any difference?
What do you mean? Of course it would!
How? Either way, you’re drinking the blood of another animal, and you probably didn’t know them.
Well, maybe the blood was given willingly. Maybe the… donor is one of the people that sell their blood, and I’m putting their product into use.
That’s a morbid way of putting it.
Shut up. I’m going to choose to believe it was from some little rabbit that just needed some extra cash.
I’m glad you have something to make you feel better about your atrocity.
He knew there was nothing he could use to counter that. No matter where it came from, he still drank blood. Despite all the promises he made to himself, everything he went through because of carnivores turning to blood and meat… he was a failure.
A sudden knock on the door pulled him out of his reverie, Sanu’s voice following.
“Hey, uh, Bill? Is everything alright? The show is about to start,” called Sanu in a concerned tone.
“Y-yeah! Everything is great! Just giving myself a pep talk, you know how it is.”
“Well alright. Just be out here soon. Can’t have a show without its star.”
Steeling himself, he staggered out of the bathroom as he got used to the feeling of having just consumed blood, his tail flicking in nervousness. He was set to go on stage in just a few moments, about to embrace the lead role of the most important play of the year. But only one thing thought was running through his head: Mother would be proud.
—————
It was all for nothing in the end. His acting was atrocious. His nervousness was obvious. He forgot lines, forcing him to improvise. And worst of all, the audience didn’t seem to care about him. He’d hoped that if he put his heart and soul into this, then the crowd could see just how much a carnivore could shine. But no. Of course they all wanted the deer. The perfect, loveable, handsome deer. How could he believe that he even had a chance of measuring up to Louis?
Then came the scene he was waiting for. The battle between the Reaper and the Demon.
Legoshi stalked onto stage, gripping his prop sword so hard that his hand shook. His fur was bristling, and he was staring him down with a glare that said everything. Bill knew what he intended to do. He deserved it. Welcomed it.
The sword clattered to the ground as the wolf charged at him, his cloak flying off. As soon as he closed the distance, his fist connected with Bill’s jaw, a sharp crack resounding through the auditorium. Bill was sent flying across the stage before he landed with a tumble, his own sword sliding from his grip.
The audience let out gasps of shock, all the students whispering to one another. He couldn’t quite catch any of it, but he had a hunch. They were excited that something interesting was finally happening. So this is what it took.
Before he could even consider saying something or getting up, Legoshi was on top of him, pinning him down.
“I won’t ever forgive you,” he growled out as he raised a fist in preparation.
That’s when the real “fight” began. He pummeled the tiger, each punch sending a sharp jolt of pain through his skull. Bill’s Adler mask flew off, the one thing even remotely protecting his face clattering to the floor. He was vaguely aware of the wolf saying something, but… it didn’t matter. Nothing did.
He felt the blood trickling from his nose in a warm, steady stream as the beating went on, splattering into the stage with every impact. His vision started to blur as his left eye began to swell shut. He was fairly certain at least a few of his teeth were being knocked loose judging by how he felt them shifting around. It was fine. He didn’t need them anyway. He just laid there, motionless, and let the rain of blows fall upon him.
And then it stopped. Bill had caught Legoshi fist, squeezing it tight. He didn’t mean to do that. He didn’t want to do that. He needed this retribution, this needed to happen to make things right, so what was he doing?
He silently pleaded to himself, to his body, Let go. Just let this happen. Let him show you just fucking stupid you are.
Then the world faded away into darkness. No wolf. No captivated audience. Just pain. Pain, and… anger?
When he came back to himself, he was stood up in the center of the stage. His back was to the crowd, and his arms were wrapped around Legoshi.
What the hell? What am I doing?
He was pinning Legoshi against him, arms stuck by his sides. If he tried, he could probably get free. But he didn’t.
Not even when Bill’s claws started pressing into his back.
Don’t.
I don’t want to. I can’t stop. Why the fuck can’t I stop?
Legoshi’s anger had faded, replaced with… resignation?
“B-Bill, what are you-“
He was interrupted by Bill pressing his claws harder, making the wild let out a short hiss of pain.
Everything inside him was screaming for him to stop, to pull away, but his body didn’t want to listen. It was overcome with rage, his feline instincts demanding that he take everything out on the wolf.
He felt Legoshi’s body tense as his grip tightened, digging his claws into the wolf. He could feel the blood start to seep from the deep wounds he was leaving.
What are you doing?
I don’t know.
So it was true. He really was just another unstable carnivore that goes insane at the slightest hint of blood or meat. Just a small vial of it and… look what he was doing.
He felt his own body tense, angling his claws. He knew what was about to happen. He didn’t want to let it, but he was helpless.
You need to stop this. Snap out of it.
I’m trying… But I can’t. Fight back, Legoshi. Struggle. Anything, please.
With a low growl, he pulled his claws back, tearing open the wolf’s back. The blood poured out, pooling beneath them as it splattered to the cold wooden floor.
Even then, Legoshi didn’t fight back. He didn’t struggle. Bill turned his head slightly to catch a glimpse of the wolf’s face. He had his mouth open in a silent scream of pain.
No, not pain…
Agony. You’re killing him.
He felt the blood leaking out. Pouring out. The hot liquid covered his hands, leaving them slick and stained.
He reached around again.
Stop it. Stop it. STOP IT.
His claws dug in again. He tore into the wolf again. He was going limp in his arms as his blood started to cascade even more, his strength leaving him. As he finally let go, the wolf collapsed to the ground beneath him into the puddle of his own blood.
Bill raised his claws, glaring down at Legoshi with a hatred he didn’t feel, the scent of blood overwhelming his nose.
Then a sharp voice cut through it all, snapping him back to himself. “You are having way too much fun.”
Bill spun around to see Louis sauntering onto stage, sword in hand, sliding on the bone mask of the reaper. The crowd stood, cheering. This is what they were really waiting for. The deer was as calm as ever despite no doubt having watched what just occurred. He went through improvised lines as if he had practiced them countless times, as if this is what they had rehearsed all along.
“Unfortunately, this is the part where you must play the villain that you are.” He thrust the sword at Bill, forcing him to back away, guiding him towards the side of the stage. “Now let me show you, imposter, who the real grim reaper is!”
The whole time, he kept the sword steadily pointed at Bill, keeping him at a distance. He stopped by Legoshi’s side, glancing down to see how he was.
He muttered something to Legoshi, probably asking if he was alright. The wolf was still laying on the ground, blood soaking into his costume, as Louis stepped carefully around him to advance towards Bill again.
Bill hadn’t actually given a proper look at Legoshi’s condition, but now that he did… It was bad. He was limp, not having the strength or energy to move. The puddle beneath him slowly grew, a testament to the gashes Bill had left in him. He was gasping in pain, the agony he was going through obviously tormenting him. But at least he was alive and conscious.
At least, for now.
“Now, leave us if you are not prepared. I know of the sins you committed. Why don’t you take a drink of my blood too? That’s how you can become a true grim reaper,” declared Louis, advancing towards Bill with the sword still raised. “Now leave! We have nothing more to do with you imposter.”
Bill turned and ran offstage. He couldn’t bear the eyes of the audience watching him for another moment. Couldn’t stand that damn deer staring him down with that look of contempt, of superiority. Once he was out of view in the left wing of the stage, he slowed, turning back to watch what Louis would do next. And to watch the wolf.
The lights cut, leaving just the spotlights highlighting the two animals left on stage. The bloody wolf that burned with conviction, the one who wielded that conviction and used it to enact justice upon the monster of the stage. And the regal deer who saw it all.
Louis continued with his lines, never faltering for a moment. “Go, disappear along with the morning dew, along with my own withering life.” He turned to Legoshi, extending his hand to help up the wolf. “You’re alright now.”
Bill hoped that he would take the hand, get up, and show the audience the strength he wielded. But he didn’t. His head was lolled to the side, away from the audience. His empty eyes staring endlessly into nothing.
Louis' eyes widened almost imperceptibly, clearly having underestimated the damage. But of course, even then he didn’t break the act. He didn’t call for the show to end. He just took a deep breath and went on with the performance.
“You’re alright now, for you have passed into the infinite beyond,” he said as he closed the extended hand into a fist and brought it to his chest, closing his eyes with a look of mourning. “Be at peace knowing your spirit is no longer alone.”
Louis droned on, keeping the audience captivated and oblivious to how bad the scene in front of them really was. They were enraptured by his dramatic flourishes and the confidence he exuded, but Bill could see the truth. He could see the subtle cracks in Louis’ perfect façade. The way he hesitated before each sentence as he had to come up with what to say. The way his voice was missing just a bit of the usual energy and passion. The way he kept glancing to the side wings, glaring at the reason there was blood staining the stage.
Bill was vaguely aware of the other drama club members around him. They had all rushed to see what was happening. He could hear the worried whispers and gasps of horrors from the people behind him. He could see the bewilderment and fear of the ones standing in the opposite wing across the stage. Els had a look of horror. Sanu was frozen in shock and panic. Sheila had run off to get the curtains shut.
As all this went on, his gaze was fixated on the wolf that lay prone in his own blood. Unmoving. He couldn’t even tell whether he was breathing or not. Bill was desperately hoping, praying.
Get up. Please Legoshi, get up.
He’s not going to.
No. Don’t say that. He has to.
The audience burst out into boisterous applause as the curtains finally lowered, hiding the horrifying scene from the audience. Immediately the other members of the drama club rushed out onto stage, all crowding around the limp wolf. All except for two.
Louis was stood off to the side, glaring at Bill before he turned and left. The tiger was frozen. He watched as the club members rolled him over, revealing the extent of the wounds that he had left. He heard the hushed gasps of horror. Someone had run off to get someone. Someone else started covering Legoshi in bandages, but the blood was already soaking through those.
Bill couldn’t watch anymore. He turned and ran, not even stopping to remove his costume.
As he barged through the back exit, Louis was stood outside, waiting for him. Of course he was.
“I assume I don’t need to say that I am appalled at your behavior, although it’s apparent that I should’ve seen this coming. Ordinarily, I’d be infuriated with Legoshi as well, however, due to someone’s actions,” he jabbed a finger at Bill’s chest, “I believe he’s already received enough punishment, wouldn’t you say?”
Bill kept his eyes trained on the floor as he responded, “I… I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
Louis pulled from his pocket the vial of blood, shoving it into Bill’s hands. It must’ve fallen out of his costume when Legoshi first sent him flying across the stage. So Louis knew. He should’ve assumed so, judging by what he’d said on stage.
“Honestly, I couldn’t care less that you drank another animal's blood to give yourself a little boost. I never expected better from you. The problem is that you took it too far. I saw the look you had on your face. You would’ve killed him if I hadn’t stopped you, isn’t that right?” he asked, his voice raising as he spoke until he was shouting.
“No, that isn’t-”
Don’t give us that bullshit.
What? I wasn’t going to kill him, I didn’t want to, I-
Oh, so you wanted to tear him open? Don’t lie to yourself. You were going to kill him whether you wanted to or not.
Bill just stopped, staying silent. He didn’t have anything more to say. He didn’t deserve to object. That only seemed to piss Louis off even more.
“Nothing to say then? The savage beast has no objections?” Louis scoffed, then forced himself to take a deep breath, composing himself before continuing, “Assuming you aren’t expelled for your little stunt, you are hereby kicked from the drama club. Don’t bother coming back tomorrow. We have no room for wild animals. And Legoshi is suspended until further notice. If he lives, that is.”
Bill was about to object to Legoshi’s suspension when the two of them heard the snapping of cameras, accompanied by excited whispering. A small group of fans as well as someone from the newspaper club had gathered.
As he plastered a smile on his face and Louis responded to their questions, he thought to himself, He’s not concerned about Legoshi, is he?
No. He’s just pissed that you lost control and that you two messed up the show. He feels no actual concern, you can tell.
But what if this is just his way of showing concern? Taking it out on me? Surely he cares about every member of the drama club, regardless of what they've done.
That’s not it. He just… doesn’t care about the wolf very much. To him, Legoshi is of little importance. Not normally an actor. He handles the lighting, which Kai seems to be able to do now. Plus he ruined the show over something Louis finds trivial. To him, Legoshi has very little value now.
Besides, you know he barely cares about the people themselves in the drama club. Just how they can serve him.
Bill stopped paying attention. He just turned and walked away, forcing Louis to deal with all the PR alone. That’s what he was good at after all. Being the pretty face and directing what people believed.
It’s not like anything Bill could say mattered anyway.