As the rain began to fall, Kai stood beneath the open sky watching the clouds. His steel grey eyes flickering from cloud to cloud as the lightening and thunder began to reverberate through the small town valley and roll across the lake. He turned and walked back down the richly polished hallway to the rooms given to him and and his grandfather. As he entered, he noticed the massive tiger laying in front of the fire. At over 8ft at the shoulder and 24 feet in total length, it was not surprising to say he nearly filled his side of the room. His whole body was a brilliant white with sky-grey stripes and an otherworldly glow seemed to suffuse from within, almost like hazy smoke on a clear day.
Kai sat down across from him and said softly, "The heavens are angry. A foul wind disturbs the air." He can't suppress a frown, "Once more you're sight proves true, grandfather. I hope that Tachibana-sama finds our help useful. I fear what that man may soon do. There is a devil in him that is only just awaking."
The tiger growls softly, speaking in the tiger tongue, "He will act as he will act. Our place is not to judge the man but simply to secure the future."
Kai sighs and flops back, grabbing one of the cushion with a slightly sullen expression, momentarily revealing the youth he strives not to show in front of others, "Grandfather... I know that. But I still can't help wanting revenge on that man... Not to mention..." His mind wandered for a moment toward Freida before he firmly pushed the thoughts from his mind. 'No, I can't think about that. It's improper. It's immoral. She doesn't even know me. Just stop it.'
The tiger chuffs in laughter for many minutes after that as Kai covers his head in embarrassment.
~~~~~~~~~~
Akane no Tachibana sat behind her desk with her delicate fingertips pressed against her temples as she read over the reports. The news was to be expected but it did not help to see the reaction on Wall Street to the dissolution of the deals. While it had undoubtedly damaged the Knights more than her own interests, she did not entirely escape unscathed. She sighed very softly, allowing herself a momentary wistful look at the image of her husband in their youth. 'If this keeps up, our reunion may be less delayed than we would wish.'
Putting the picture aside, she picked up the phone and dialed. After a moment she replied, "Yes. It is I. I wish for you to begin investigating Frieda Knight, her interactions with the school personnel, as well as her contact with other Skulk members. Have it sent to my desk. Send a copy to the lawyer. Thank you." She hung up the phone, thinking to herself, 'I want to know more about this Frieda Knight... And why Kai might want her emancipated...It's fairly rare even among weres. And we have no idea if she'd even want it.'
**** Minors are under the control of their parents or legal guardians, until they attain the age of majority, at which point they become legal adults. In most states this is upon turning 18 years of age. However, in special circumstances, minors can be freed from control by their guardian before turning 18. Minors must file a petition with the family court in the applicable jurisdiction, formally requesting emancipation and citing reasons it is in their best interest to be emancipated. This allows them to be recognized as legal adults as well as file for inheritance and/or avoid being subject to child services.