Song of the Beasts (Beastars)

Black and White

Mari stared at the huge bear in both awe and fear. He had two visible scars on his face and she couldn't see his eyes because of the black patches around them. He also had huge muscles that made him even more intimidating. 

"S-Security?" She managed to squeak out.

"That's right. I patrol the market for carnivores that are a possible threat to others and themselves." He took a drag of his cigarette. "Now, I'm gonna need you to come with me. We need to get that wolf restrained as soon as possible." Mari looked at him in horror.

"R-Restrained?! But why? He hasn't done anything wrong! He's just stressed out!" The panda just shook his head. 

"Look, kid. I've seen plenty of cases like him. That wolf is dangerous right now." Mari glared at him and stood in front of Legoshi. 

"That 'wolf' is my friend, thank you very much. And you're not taking him anywhere." Gouhin was taken back by the girls attitude. She had spunk and was loyal to her friend. The look in her eyes said that she wasn't leaving without the wolf. He sighed, not getting anywhere with her.

"Look, kid," 

"My name is Mari, not kid." This surprised the panda.

"Mari? Wait, you're Reo's kid, right?" Now Mari was surprised. How did this guy know her father? "I thought you looked familiar." He chuckled. "Not long after your old man adopted you, he brought you to me to check you over to find out what you were and if you were healthy." He took another drag of his cigarette. "He used to send me updates and pictures when you were little. You really have grown since then." 

This was all so weird to the human. This terrifying panda, who was threatening her friend, was now talking about how he had watched her grow up. Kinda creepy.

"Look, I don't care how you know me or my dad, you are not taking my friend and putting a muzzle on him. Besides, we need to get back to school before it gets too late." 'And before Louis starts blowing up my phone.'

"School? Wait, you two go to Cherryton, right?" Mari nodded. The panda sighed again. "Look, your friend might be out for a while, and you can't stay here without risking getting seen by other predators. For now, you should come to my clinic until he comes to." The look in the girls eyes said she didn't quite trust him. "I swear I wont put a muzzle on him." Mari was hesitant. She didn't know this panda and didn't really trust him. On the other hand, he was right when he said she wouldn't be able to carry Legoshi back to Cherryton, he was almost twice her size and weight.

"Fine. But just so you know, I keep a taser with me. You try to muzzle or chain him, you get 50,000 volts to the gut. Are we clear?" The panda was both surprised and amused. This girl was just full of surprises.

"Loud and clear, little lady." He said and hoisted Legoshi onto his back, Mari grabbed his backpack to lessen the weight.  "Names Gouhin, by the way." Mari just nodded and followed the panda through the alleyways. 

'I really hope I didn't screw myself by following this guy.' As she followed him through the maze of alleys, she realized that she texted Louis in a while. She also turned off her location on her phone so he wouldn't see where she was. Last thing she needed what to start a panic and get everyone in trouble.

Got lost and missed train.

We are gonna walk back.

Sorry :P

She shoved her phone back in her pocket and kept up with Gouhin. They soon came upon a building with a flag above the door. They walked in and he led her to a small living space, the theme of bamboo filled it. 

"Nice place. But, uh, when you said you were gonna restrain him," She motioned to Legoshi. "I don't exactly see where you would do that." Gouhin chuckled and set the wolf down on the couch.

"Well, I actually run this whole building. I'm kinda a doctor here in the market. I look for carnivores who are on the verge or who have lost control of their desire for meat and help them regain control. The rest of my clinic is upstairs." He explained and went to the kitchen. Mari hummed in response and sat next to Legoshi. She gently stroked behind his ears.

'Poor guy. I can't imagine what he felt being in that place.' She gripped her fist in frustration. 'I swear, next time I see Bill, I'll probably knock his teeth out.'

She felt her phone buzz. It was Louis.

Are you serious? 

Where are you? I can send a car for you.

She couldnt help but be amused. Louis was pretty protective when it came to her, especially with this trip. She simply declined and reassured him as best she could that they would be back soon and she would text him then. He reluctantly agreed and she put her phone away. Gouhin came back and placed some tea cups in front her. She lifted it, a strong and bitter aroma hit her nose. The drink was green in color, but didn't smell like green tea. She took a sip and instantly regretted it. The tea was very bitter.

"Bamboo tea. I live off of this stuff." He laughed at the face she made. His laugh was loud, and it must have brought Legoshi out of his stupor.

"Huh? Wha-What happened?" The wolf stirred. 

"Legoshi!" Mari set her cup down and turned to him. She gently grabbed his hand, careful not to startle him. "Are you alright?" 

The moment he heard her voice, he became more aware. He took in his surroundings before his eyes focused on the girl in front of him. He could feel his head pounding and his heart beating at the idea of being in an unfamiliar place. He calmed down almost instantly when he felt her small hand in his. 

"Wh-Where are we?" He took notice of the panda sitting across from them. "And who is he?" He got defensive and pulled her towards him. Mari giggled and pat his head to calm him.

"Easy there, Lego. He helped us after you passed out." She moved back a bit. "This is Gouhin. He's kinda a doctor and guard at the Black Market. He kinda wanted to chain and muzzle you, but I wouldn't let him." Legoshi was surprised but felt his heart warm when she said that she defended him. "Well, I'm gonna go freshen up before we leave." She looked at Gouhin. "Bathroom?"

"Down the hall, to your left." After she left, Gouhin spoke to Legoshi. "One hell of a friend you got there. She's got gut for someone so small. She even threatened to taser me if I hurt you." He chuckled at the memory. "I'll tell you, humans sure are interesting." Legoshi was curious now.

"Have you met other humans before?" 

Gouhin shook his head. "Not really. Any human that's unlucky to end up here doesn't live very long, and even then it's rare to find one, dead or alive." He glanced at the door Mari went through.  "I met her when she was an infant. Her father didn't trust anyone else to examine her back then." He looked at Legoshi with a serious look. "Now tell me, kid. What's your connection with her? She says that you two are friends." 

Legoshi nodded. "Y-Yeah. We're friends. We're in the same club at school together." He tried to fight the blush on his face that appeared almost anytime the girl was mentioned. 

"But that's not all, is it?" Gouhin pushed further. Legoshi blushed even more. Did this guy read his mind or something? The panda sat back in his chair. "Better talk fast, before she gets back."