Raised by Lions

Chapter 6: Enter Free

He walked the hallways of the Shishigumi mansion, taking note of everything and mentally mapping out the place. His stuff was already packed out in his new room, now he was curious enough to go explore the place.

Despite only being 18, he'd been deemed worthy to move up in ranks, however, in no way was he new to any of this. He's been carting drugs and weapons and whatever else for the Shishigumi for almost two years now and it had surprised him when he was called in by their leader, Ibuki, who offered him a place in their higher ranks.

Now, Free was wandering the hallways, trying to find the kitchen for something to drink and wondering what the hint of scent was that just smelled off. It was feint but he could still pick it up and it sure as hell wasn't lion in any shape.

Small pattering behind him caused him to stop and turn. In the hallway, just out of his reach, stood a small fawn, probably no older than 6, with a lion plushie clutched in one hand. The fawn stared up at Free, and Free, for all his might, wasn't sure what to do with himself.

He knew about the rumors that the inner Shishigumi had a fawn amongst them, presumably the leader's adopted kid, or maybe a delayed snack, none of the lackeys were really 100% sure of the validity of it. He bit his lip, wondering if how he looked was off setting with his plain white eyes.

Louis watched the new lion, knowing this was no one he was used to, but hadn't Papa said there would be a new member? Louis' hazel eyes scanned the lion, young looking and lacking pupils, with a shorter mane than any of the lions Louis was familiar with.

"Are you the new guy?" Louis asked and Free had to wonder how this kid was so innocent when he stood in the halls of a mafia hideout. "I suppose so, yeah." Free said, scratching his neck. He didn't know why, but he knelt down to be closer to the kid's height. "I'm Free," he said, voice gentle. If this was the Boss' kid, he wasn't about to make said boss mad at him. The fawn stepped closer, to his surprise, and with confidence, stated, "I'm Louis. Are you lost? You seem lost."

Free chuckled, "Actually, little guy, yeah, I'm a little lost. I was looking for the kitchen." Free watched Louis' ears perk up and then his hand was grabbed and he was being dragged behind a fawn, presumably leading him to the kitchen. His back was at an odd angle, but he kept up easily with the little guy. He couldn't help but notice while they walked, that this kid had to be the rumoured son of the boss, seeing as he just grabbed an almost fully grown lion's hand and showed him somewhere without an adult deer in sight. Free's clawed hand rested half open around the small fragile hand of the kid, though that didn't seem to deter him.

They reached the kitchen, where Louis finally let go of him and he straightened out his back. By the counter stood a lion with an x shaped scar on his face. Louis just ran up to him, "Hey Dolph!" Dolph smiled down at the fawn, having been busy with something. "Hey Louis, what are you doing?" Louis pushed a chair over and got up on it before speaking, "I found the new guy." Dolph turned towards where Louis was pointing and his gaze landed on Free.

Free awkwardly waved, before moving from where he stood in the doorway. He felt small under the gaze of the older lion. Dolph didn't seem to notice, since he just nodded at Free and turned back to what he was doing. He handed Louis a stick of celery and the fawn ran off with it in his tiny hand. If it hadn't been confirmed earlier, it was now. That was a mafia child.

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Free grumbled as he woke up to a weight on his lower back. He was laying on his stomach in his bed. Groaning when he heard giggling, he twisted around to lay on his back, effectively throwing the weight off.

Louis giggled as he was slung to the side, bouncing a little as he landed a foot away from Free on the bed. Free grumbled, "It's 6am, kid. What do you want?" Louis moved to stand on the bed and said, "Food!"