The Curse of Beasts (BEASTARS)

Ticking Clock

    Holidays tend to have a certain effect on people, especially when they're around others. It gives them a chance to escape the bad and smile, even if briefly. With New Years, this is nigh-inescapable, as it signifies a new dawn and the changes that come with it. Resolutions, goals, and the ever-encroaching future become pinpointed around this time. Such is the case with Cherryton, at least with most of the student body.

"Are you sure you want to go there tonight?", Alan asked. "It is New Year's, so maybe Panda-Man will allow it."

"I...I can't.", Legosi said quietly. "I still need to get stronger if I want to beat the killer."

The human sighed, "At least try not to break your body doing it. If that happens, you won't stand a chance when you find out who it is."

"...Yeah."

Alan thought for a moment, "We should eat yakisoba again."

"Huh?"

"We should get yakisoba in the new year. It'll be better than last time— and less awkward."

The wolf gave a small smile, "Yeah. I'd like that."

    Alan didn't know, and he hopefully wouldn't know before the fight started. Legosi had seen the effects of the animal world on the human, and it was only chance that he happened to find him after confronting Louis. Although begrudging, he let himself open up to Gouhin about his past and how everything changed for him when he came to Cherryton. It'd be one thing if Alan were only friends with Legosi, but he was also friends with Riz as well. The guilt he'd feel if he found out about Tem's murder— much less the fight, would be catastrophic.

    As he walked through town, Legosi could see the holiday spirit in those he passed. Some were in groups, smiling together while wearing coats because of the cold. He couldn't remember when he last went out on New Year's. Before now, he'd stay in the dorm with Jack since the dog didn't want to leave him alone. If he died tonight, he'd be sad and might even cry.

I don't even want to think about Haru-chan being sad., he thought. If I died shortly after proposing, she'd be so traumatized she would never love again.

The guys at Room 701, the Drama Club members, Louis-senpai...

    A lot of things changed for him over the course of a year, and he met people who he'd grown to like. More than that, he found himself changing in ways he didn't think possible. Falling in love with a rabbit, befriending a human, confronting a dark secret of the outside world and fighting against it. Now the wolf has reached the point of no return: about to fight someone out to kill him in order to protect himself. Before that, though, he had a stop to make on the way.

"Well, it's finally happening...", Gouhin said. "Take the bandage off your head. It'll leave you at a disadvantage."

"My wound's finally healed, thanks to your treatment.", Legosi said before looking at his reflection and blinking.

    The panda did say the wound would scar, but seeing it now uncovered was a shock. The fur on his head was broken by three noticeable streaks going down towards his right eye. He didn't look all that different, though others wouldn't see it the same way. Part of him wondered how Alan or Louis would react, but that could come later.

"I can still feel it. Is it permanent?"

"It's said that a change in your face's appearance shows that you're going through a great change in your life. Whether you win or lose, your fight with Riz will surely bring a great change to your life; And whether you live or die, it's going to be messy."

"That being said, though, don't die. You're a carnivore of distinguished strength, mental and physical.", he finished with a firm handshake.

    Now he was in the city, making his march to Riz. He was in no rush, though, so he could consider things. How should he approach it— be prepared to die? Or should he fight to live? What about after the fight ends? What comes next? Should he tell anyone, and how would they react? At that, his thoughts lingered on a certain rabbit.

I'd like to hear her voice, but..., he thought while pulling out his phone before perking up. Oh?!

Haru-chan called me?! I had no idea! Did something bad happen to her?!, he had it to his ear before he could think twice about it.

It rang three times before a familiar voice came over the line, "Hello, Legosi-kun! Happy New Year!"

"It's not the new year yet...", he quietly replied.

"Yeah.", Haru said with a small laugh. "I have to spend New Year's with my family, so I wanted to talk to you while I still had the chance. Small animals are really family-oriented, you see..."

He could hear a few voices in the background, but he mostly tuned them out.

"It's a full moon tonight, Legosi-kun. I'm sure next year will be a wonderful year for you."

    He looked up, seeing the orb's glow behind a few clouds. The wolf didn't notice it as he was so caught up in his thoughts. A full moon by itself isn't much, but it's New Year's. Some say a New Year's moon is a sign, meant to make people more social and resourceful in the new year. In any other circumstance, it would feel strange to the wolf given his personality. Now, though...

"Happy New Year...Haru-chan."

He'd live.

He'd survive for her and everyone he'd met this year. Not to mention...

"We should get yakisoba in the new year. It'll be better than last time..."

I'll hold you to that, Alan-san., he thought. If I make it, I'm going to pay a visit to Grandpa. I want to tell him I'm in love with a rabbit and basically following his footsteps in screwing up our family tree...

The wolf felt a spark of anticipation before brushing it aside.

Don't get excited, me. Just act as you usually do: Live your life to the fullest, as you have this year.

    It wasn't long until he finally made it. The bridge was dark, only illuminated a bit by the moonlight. Fences were on either side, tall columns of stone descending in between. There was a small rumble from above, the tracks shaking idly as they awaited the train. There stood Riz, just across from the wolf.

"I came here running, you know. I'm drenched in sweat.", he said. "Sorry, did I keep you waiting..?"

"Don't worry...", Riz replied. "You came just in time. You're diligent even now, huh?"

"Well, I was the one who suggested this duel in the first place."

He looked around for a second, I guess Louis-senpai didn't show up.

Riz's voice broke his thoughts, "So, when are we starting?"

"Huh?"

"I've brought the starting gong with me. You just need to notice it."

"A gong..? You mean the thing that makes a bsshhh sound?"

"I'm afraid he won't be making any more sounds.", the bear said with a calm smile. "You're normally calm and collected, so I thought...I should do something that would make you angry, so you won't hold back in our fight."

Legosi's nose twitched, The smell...of blood.

Riz opened his jacket, revealing a red stain on his shirt.

"But for now, I'll declare this as a victory for justice.", a familiar voice echoed in his mind.

"A dall sheep's body is a lot to take in.", the bear said while holding out his hands, also stained.

"Pina-kun..."

Riz's grin shifted maliciously, "Now, let's get started."

~~*~~

A.N: So...we're finally here: The Fight Arc. This took a while for me to write mainly because of how much is going on in this— seriously, we got two or three different PoVs going on here! I'm surprised I managed to make it half as decent as I did.

Buckle up, kids. You're in for a ride here.