1 When The Reporter Travels to Anima City

The water glistened below the white surface of the rushing object. It's sun reflected against it, giving a blinding light into my brown-honey eyes. I blocked my eyes with my left hand from the blazing, hot sun. Trying to revert them to the buildings in the distance, my face neutral as always.

I sighed, "Anima city.."

Stretching my arm out, my free hand reaching, as far as it could, towards the city of beast men. A place of unity.....a joke. My open hand clenched into a fist.

" Ms. Furuya ", a calm yet gentlemen, voice called out.

I pulled my hands back down, letting them rest by my each side of my black slacks. My eyes took one last glance at the city, till turning to see the tall-slicked black haired man. Like my look with a black jacket over my white button up, his tuxedo neatly wore with a little black tie, which gave his look the rather - butler look. The expression, kind, like any other gentlemen, I suppose I've seen.

'What is it?', I said with a neutral tone.

"Pardon for interrupting, but we will be arriving very soon Ma'dam. Should I get your luggage ready?", the genuine man said with a helpful tone.

"You may", I said with a nod and turn my head back to the view.

I could hear his footsteps, walk further and further away from me. As the white yacht got closer and closer to Anima city. Where my new life would begin..I couldn't say I was enthusiastic about it.

When we arrived, the young gentlemen gave me my luggage. Therefore walked away with my back turned. Not making effort to wave the boy off, I just waved for a taxi, to drive me to City Council.

'Where to little lady?', a rough voice spoke once I entered the yellow checkered vehicle.

"City Council", I spoke while my fingers tapped lightly on the luggage of mine.

I couldn't see the taxi driver in the front, a bit unsettling but..hm I needed to get to city council. I looked out the window, passing by buildings, people sitting down, walking, and couples holding hands. Rather odd, I thought Beastmen were more common here..it was rare for a human to be in a city of Beastmen.

"What's a girl like yourself heading to a city like this", the taxi driver broke the silence and my daze.

"I'm a reporter, just got promoted", I said in response.

My fingers kept there light tapping on my luggage, till the taxi driver spoke once again.

"Ah ..congratulations! May I ask which news station..?", the taxi driver tone seeming to be cheerful. Though once asking which station I was from, it's roughness returned.

My eyes looked from the window to the door handle, my hand slowly moving towards it. Till suddenly, the wall that kept me and the driver from seeing each other, rolled down slowly. My elbow rested on the arm-rest of the door, having my chin rest on the top of my hand. Casually looking out the window, with a smile. Acting if I was a stupid girl, who just dozed off. I soon revert my eyes to the driver, acting surprised when the wall rolled down fully.

"Oh sorry, I must have doze off. It is a lovely city to look at, don't you think?", my free hand pulled a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Keeping my fake smile..

The driver was wearing a brown cabby hat, it's hair pulled back to a green rubber band. The mirror gave away, his green eyes. He broke eye contact and adjusted his hat downward. Trying to hide his eyes, but for what reason?

"It's quite a remarkable city....so which station do you have the respect of working for..? I'm sure you have a great view of this city", His tone being cheerful once again.

"Ah..I work for BNA...Beastmen News Anima..I heard they have a great view", I turn my view to the window once again.

The car became silent between us, though the wall remained open. This man seemed too odd .. I had an urge to pull the door handle open and just jump out. Though, I feel I would break my neck when impacting the hard road. I would like to not break my neck . . .

While thinking to myself of how I could escape ..the man said out of no where, "reporter"

I literally jumped out of my seat, "um yes?"

His green eyes pierced into mine, "city council.."

"Oh.. thank you, how much do I owe you?", I said controlling myself from stuttering and hand over the pay he asked for.

I opened the door and closed it behind me.  Pulling the handle behind, the wheels rolled on the concrete smoothly.

'I guess that man wasn't bad after all, but weird', I thought to myself till my eyes took consideration of admiring the tall building. I looked up and down of the tower till making out the words of a sign. In-front of me, it said 'City Council'.

Entering the building, there were two sections for specifically humans and beastmen. Apparently, it's to set different rules between species. I heard beastmen run on the motto of ' the strongest prosper'. It seemed the rumor became true, when hearing a set of erupting snarling and hollering, caught my attention in line.

Someone in the beastmen side seemed to be trying to cut in line. Right from afar, who the individuals  seemed human to me. They transformed into these 'animals', the clothes ripping to show there beastly looks. Fangs, tail, stripes, growls, snarls and all, right before my brown eyes.

A sudden thought came into view,

'I'm glad I'm no beastmen..I wouldn't be want to be such a savage.."

'what's so wrong being human anyways..', I thought to myself till turning my head back to the front of someone else's head.

The more I thought about it, the beastmen lines were so long unlike us, ..humans. Even the line I'm in, there was only two or three people ahead of me. Though being in the same room with beastmen can be horrifying.. . You never know when they'll just ..transform into these beasts... well we're not built to survive against them anyways. We have weapons for that..

What was the mayor thinking of bringing humans and beastmen together..a joke.

'Ma'am ..MA'am', the voice of annoyance and bore.

I shook my head from my daze, seeing a woman of short fizzy ginger hair and dark red lipstick. There seemed to be a mole just above her arched left eyebrow, her annoyed eyes dark-circled. The wrinkled t-shirt was unprofessional.. who indeed wore a shirt that said, 'my life is your business?'. Pretty sure this woman custom made it...so original. Wonder if the beastmen front counters were as revolting as this one.

"Ma'am..your next?', the high pitched voice that just gave my own ears a headache.

I rolled my luggage with me to the front counter,

"I would like to register to be a resident for Anima City..?".

"Who doesn't...this is what I'll nee-", The voice somewhat drifted off once she began to continuously talk about paperwork.

It felt like hours trying to fill out paperwork..though I became a resident of Anima City and hopefully to never meet the woman, Karen ever again. Who names themselves ..? you know what ..never mind. I'm just glad to be out of that building.

Walking outside, the sky seemed to be reaching sunset.. by its warm orange color..

"Best to get to my apartment", I muttered and walked with the sound of rolling behind me.

Walking past others gave a..weird feeling. There eyes seemed to just pierce into my soul... did they know I was human..? Do beastmen just know..? Even though we somewhat look alike?

Too many questions to be answered..I'm just glad to have an apartment close to City Council. So walking wasn't a problem for me, stepping up to the door with the keys from my pocket. I unlocked it ..entering with my rolling luggage and to be sure to  lock the door behind me. Okay..maybe I have trust issues, but I'm this way with humans as well...but they don't just look at you..not all of them.

I sighed, "maybe I'm just paranoid ..come on Rui".

The apartment was at a medium, a two story place. Rooms upstairs included a bathroom, bedroom with a breathtaking balcony. Downstairs was just the living room and kitchen. My belongings from my old apartment went well here..I guess. It matched the images from a certain website when looking for apartments.

Small..but home.

Having to unpacked wasn't a problem..just hanging clothes, setting my toothbrush, hair essentials and pictures.. of just family. Last, but not least, my laptop.. and just notepads with pens...who knows how much the power will go out around here in the daily. I placed my laptop on my dresser, with my notepad and a cup full of pencils. Lastly, my luggage just in my closet ..not planning on using for a while.

I gave a long and loud yawn before laying face first into my bed, turning over to lay on my back. Looking up at the ceiling, while stretching my arms. The mattress felt so comfortable, it helped my aching back from the travel. Long day...I muttered. I could feel the bump of my phone in my back pocket, I made no effort to remove it.

My eyes felt pressured to close, I drifted off to sleep. Not even bothering to change out of my work clothes or take off my shoes.

...

..

.

I heard rustling.. forcefully opening eyes to see darkness. Hardly seeing anything in my room, only the moonlight was of much help. By how much my body wanted to just fall back onto the bed, it must have been too early in the morning. Thinking 2 am? I pulled my phone from my back pocket, ..yeah 2am.

A loud clash of two trash bins startled me, well that's what I thought the noise was. I was familiar of the sound, anyways. Slowly stepping towards the balcony doors, opening them with cautious to see what the ruckus was. The moonlight gave the black streets a mysterious look, I wanted to catch it.

Again, the rustling happened again with a shadow running across into close alley in-front of me. A burglar..? Criminal? Or the godlike and powerful silver wolf ?I'm not missing this chance..indeed my curiosity was a cause of danger but it was the cause for my promotion.. my research wasn't just news about food anyways.

I instantly looked how far I was to the ground. It was an okay height.. so I just started sliding over the fence of the balcony and jumped down. Flexing my knees for the impact, till hitting the ground. I'm not the athletic type, but who ..cares?

'Rui, the criminal ', I mistakenly forgot about and in a rush ran over to the alley way.

The deeper I entered to the alleyway, the more guilt built up. My running went into a slow pace, my body stayed close to the right wall. Who knew spying was too intense..for my taste. Though news was the real thing ..and intensity was part of it.

Whispers.

My legs stopped instantly, before my back leaned against the wall with a haste.

"Got my-"

"Yes ..I "

I needed to get closer..shuffling my feet till the wall ended. Peeking to see two individuals with lighting under them from a lamp post. They kept chattering with no end.

"Pal I need this vaccine..you need to understand that I need it more than you need it...", the man with a brown spiky hair said with a cheerful smile? Who would smile about this? His attire was the real deal, a black drench coat with rather dark shaded glasses in the dark?

"Cut the shit, I know what your planning ..don't think I'm fucking dumb!", the other individual shouted loudly. I couldn't see much of his figure really, he had half his face in the darkness.

The spiky haired man grabbed the individual's front shirt and they were both engulfed by the darkness, "look here fucking shit face! Do you want to get caught! Quiet the fuck down .."

He forcefully let go of the individuals shirt, the light showing the 'Spiky's face again. The smile still remained, it was odd and creepy.. like psychotic shit. Excuse my language..

Spiky brushes his hand against his hair back, soon  adjusting his black tie. Breaking the silence, "now listen.. I'm gonna give you this much.. for now ..if ya keep your mouth shut about our business there be loads of where that came from..even vaccines..pal"

They nodded into agreement.

It seemed they both handed each other something. I pulled my phone out, clicking it. A sudden flash, had my blood run cold. I had left the flash on..to capture a photo. Shit. A rookie move .

"What was that", Spiky turned around. His face...his eyes looked towards me.

"Shit run run ..run", I said to myself and my legs took off forward.

I darted pass them, shouting and the sound of heavy footsteps followed behind me.

"Get her! You fucking slow ass!", I heard the cheerful man's voice boom.

'Why did I run forward.. I could have went home..my stupid reflexes ..', I said angrily.

My arms swaying fast beside me, with my phone grasped strongly with my left hand. You know how I said I wasn't the athletic type? Well I'm not!

The alley had ended to an closed area, rather large. Having me stop cold, I looked up hastily, seeming that the only opening was up from the closed area. Till noticing doors ahead of me.

"Where is she.." the voices followed.

I looked back to see if they were coming, not yet. Taking my chance, I turned my face and ran up to the door. Knocking hard, "hello ..is anyone there!". Turning the knobs, hoping for one to be unlocked. I knocked once again, "hello! Hello!"

My breath became heavy, I'm cornered. I turned around, looking up at the beaming light. The moonlight filled the area with a blue light. No matter how hard I tried, the light would capture my figure. Not having the ability to hide in the shadows.

'I won't die like this', I muttered and looked down on the ground. Inspecting around for a weapon of some kind.

" I heard your new to Anima City ..maybe it's just you reek of human smell"

Beastmen. How he rolled human off his tongue gave a sour taste in my mouth.

Noticing glass shards on the ground, I picked one up with my free hand and hid it behind me.

Silence filled the air, the spiky haired man soon appeared into the light. Joining the individual right beside him.

"Hm I inspected Reinii Furuya to be ..well mannered", my name slipped from his tongue strangely.

I could have asked why he knew me, but most did..

Considering achieving rewards for my research and reports in the human world. Especially, the promotion was announced publicly at a party with co-workers. Though that didn't mean I was super popular, just a few asked for photos with me.

" I heard your speech the other day...Nice promotion you got..let's indeed begin of how she said it..I just love the speech..". This man was no fan.

The individual next to him began, "i would like to begin to thank everyone for this promotion ..I am sad to say I will be leaving the human world and enter a beastly one. Where stories will be running wild..too wild if you catch my drift."

I remember laughing at that last part of my speech.

The spiky haired man spoke once again, "Ms. Furuya ..the researcher who how do I say it...who has taken down..beastmen like us..? 21 cases of reporting stories of beastmen being caught in the human world..such a number..poor souls"

"They didn't belong there..all of them attacked a human being ..don't make me the villain", I said angrily.

"That's what I like about you Ms. Furuya ..you consider your work..sources of how beastmen truly act..monsters correct?", he knew me too well.

"I'll consider a deal with you...I have a ship coming in with vaccines of some kind to ..let just say a less beastly world..", The spiky haired man continued.

"I'm not naive ...your clearly a criminal and I don't work with them..even if your human or not", My expression could be told that I was annoyed.

"Yes...hm consider my offer little lady..might change your life from us ..humans..choose", He chuckled.

"I just don't like beastmen...but I'm not friendly with humans either...like yourself..once this photo gets uploaded..I'm sure your vaccines will be in custody", I threatened.

"That's when your wrong...", The spiky haired man looked down at his individual and spoke once again.

"Take care of her and the phone..I want nothing left", he dropped the whatever he called it vaccine on the ground till walking away.

My dark eyes saw in shock of the individual, transforming into its beastly features. Similar and unlike from the City Council incident, it's clothes did not rip, but bared its features of a dog breed. Short black and brown coated, with dark eyes. Paws, tail and long sharp ears, ready for blood. A Doberman to be specific.

"Leave nothing" he repeated from the echo alley. The last words I heard before the Doberman began to take the needle off the ground. .no..a shot of some kind. The beastman began to chuckle before stabbing himself with it. I saw the ooze quickly being injected into his forearm.

In just seconds, the Doberman started growling and snarling with no end. It looked as if he were part of a freak show for his inhuman movements. It's arms began to stretch and severely 'buff'. His eyes turning a light red, but the redness kept spreading along his face. I couldn't wait, I needed to get out of here. Before I could move, it's freakishly large fist came darting at me. I yelled 'wait' till jumping away from the impact. Falling onto my knees, my heart throbbed from almost being killed. I quickly looked back at the rumble till noticing the door that was once locked, had opened.

'Go go go!', my mind said loudly in my mind.

With no hesitation, I stood and ran inside the massive, rumble down, hole in the building with the growls and snares starting to follow. Hearing the building getting more crushed than it already was, it followed.

Rushing out to the other side, opening the door and running out to the streets. Right after I had ran out, the building was rammed, as if a wrecking ball had been instructed to do so. The debris nearly almost crushing me instantly. The ungodful figure walked over the debris, it's figure towered over mine.

No way running from this..thing was impossible..

I opened my phone and took my last picture of this horrible monster. Even though, it would be crushed by it. The monstrous fist hovered under my head,

"Us humans weren't meant to survive from these beastmen", I thought.

My rage that came out of my mouth said otherwise,

"You beastmen ...are just a Bunch OF GODDaMN MONSTERS!"

I was going to die, ..and nothing in this god forsaken world could save me. My first day is my last day. Fun. I will not cry..

..

.

Bracing for impact, a sudden flash happened. A large burst of moonlight rain upon the monster. It's force, pushed me back with a blow. My body rolled against the street like a doll. To finish me off, the back of my head hit against the debris. . My eyes felt hazy.. going dark and back to focus. To what my eyes could see, a wolf...silver and white came into focus. I lifted my hand, scrapped with blood and notice my cracked phone. My finger reaching to just capture ..this photo last photo... The throbbing of my head, it pained me. Maybe it was just a hallucination..a silver wolf...a beastman..the monster turned to a smaller form and so did the wolf, the color eyes of blue till darkness took me.