Human (An Oc insert of Beastars!)

Chapter 28 - Training Day

A few days pass, Pina has been successful in his attempt with getting closer to Riz. It was surprising, it seemed Riz was genuine, but perhaps misguided. The plan to lure Riz is still active, nothing has changed yet, but then David was asked to meet with Louis one morning. It was a meeting back in the empty theater, but took place in the seating area. David could see Louis sitting alone, his figure obvious from his antlers, David was able to recognize easily. The human would sit next to Louis and finally break the silence Louis left himself in

"Hey, Louis. Just sitting in your lonesome and deciding you needed some company?"

Louis would scoff in a good natured way, knowing David is just having a bit of fun. He had something on his mind, the deer only hoped his step brother was prepared for how serious this was about to be.

"No, but I'm glad you came as quickly as you did."

Louis would sigh, looking back to the stage as he continued, his gaze was far beyond the curtain

"We have our plan together... but I'll have to go back to Shishigumi right after."

This fact was clear to David, the thought bummed him out, especially since it's the same group that hunted their dad all this time.

"How did you manage to convince them you're only leaving temporarily? They seem like a ride or die kind of group."

Louis would chuckle slightly, looking at David finally as he begins telling the story.

"It wasn't easy. Ibuki, especially, wasn't thrilled about the idea. He sees things... differently than most. To him, my presence wasn't just leadership; it was symbolic. Proof that the Shishigumi could be more than just predators ruling by fear. If I left, he thought it would unravel everything."

It was a surprise to David to learn that the Shishigumi could be so noble, as far as criminals can go to be noble. To think these are the same people who would kidnap Haru, Louis was changing them for the better.

"What did you tell them?"

Louis crosses his arms, his voice dropping slightly.

"I told them the truth, or... at least, a version of it they could accept. I explained that finishing the school year wasn't abandoning them, it was a strategic move. If I graduated, I could return to them with even more legitimacy, more resources, and maybe even the connections to help the Shishigumi integrate better into society. I framed it as me stepping away temporarily to secure our future, not as me running from them."

It made the most sense, if any of those wild members could understand sense, to David's thoughts. David nods as he follows along

"A Beastar mob boss... it does help paint a better picture, but you don't do anything rash with them, do you?"

Louis would look away in shame, he's having some memories reminisce as he speaks with David

"I... had eaten meat to maintain their respect."

This shocks David, they practically forced cannibalism on Louis in order for those lions to have him more like them. It makes David mad, but he doesn't go in an outburst

"The hell?! Man, I should've hit them harder... just what would Haru think?!"

Louis would look annoyed, not with David, but with just how unaware he is, and how annoying it was having to deliver to pieces of bad news

"Nothing good, especially now that we broke up..."

"Oh."

David said, surprised, but not as surprised as learning about the cannibalism. It was more of a deadpan shock than anything. David then coughs in his fist to reset the mood